13/04/2026
Improving your fuel economy isn't just about what you drive, but how you drive it. Minor adjustments to your habits can lead to significant savings over time.
1. Master the Art of Momentum
The most efficient way to drive is to maintain a steady speed.
Smooth Acceleration: Imagine an egg under your gas pedal. Accelerate gently and avoid "flooring it" from a stop.
Coast to Decelerate: When you see a red light or a stop sign ahead, take your foot off the accelerator early. Letting the car's momentum carry you saves fuel that would otherwise be wasted by braking.
Maintain Distance: Keeping a safe gap between you and the car in front reduces the need for frequent, jerky braking and accelerating.
2. Optimize Vehicle Aerodynamics
Your car is designed to cut through the air efficiently, but external factors can change that.
Close the Windows at High Speeds: At speeds over 80 km/h, open windows create significant drag. It’s actually more efficient to use the air conditioning at highway speeds than to leave windows down.
Remove Unnecessary Racks: If you aren't using your roof rack or bike carrier, take it off. These add wind resistance that forces the engine to work harder.
3. Keep Up with Maintenance
A healthy engine is a frugal engine.
Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires have higher rolling resistance. Keeping them at the manufacturer's recommended PSI can improve mileage by up to 3%.
Use the Right Oil: Using the engine oil grade recommended in your owner's manual ensures the engine parts move with the least amount of friction.
4. Smart Engine Management
Modern engines are highly efficient, but they still have limits.
Avoid Excessive Idling: If you’re going to be stationary for more than a minute (and you aren't in traffic), it’s usually more efficient to turn the engine off and restart it when you're ready to move.
Use Cruise Control: On flat highways, cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, preventing the subtle "surging" that happens when driving manually.
