09/03/2022
Fuel-saving tips for motorists amid rising pump prices.
Fuel prices these days are at an all-time high. As motorists, all we can do is to try our best to weather the storm until the prices at the pump finally start to go down.
Of course, the best way to cut expenses these days is to just ditch our cars altogether, though we understand that it’s not that easy, especially during a pandemic. So if it can’t be helped and we really need to drive out, the least we can do is to follow some fuel-saving tips.
To help everyone out, we’ve compiled some of the easiest ways we can minimize fuel consumption whenever we hit the road. Read on below for more info.
1. Be gentle with the throttle- The harder you step on the accelerator, the less fuel-efficient your car will be. If you’re driving from a standstill, learn to step on the gas pedal lightly and bear with the slow, gradual acceleration. It might take a while, but you’ll eventually get to highway speeds. Just keep in mind that your patience will go a long way in saving fuel.
2. Always try to keep a steady pace - When you’re able to maintain a constant speed, then you’re effectively avoiding hard-braking or sudden accelerations, meaning your car is using up fuel efficiently. You’re also more likely to be driving in the right gear as well, which does wonders for fuel economy.
This point also stresses the importance of learning to look ahead when you’re behind the wheel, especially when you’re on the expressway where you’ll be driving at higher speeds. The earlier you see hazards that could potentially force slowdowns or even stops, the better chance you’ll have at avoiding them. This will then make it easier for you to keep a steady pace on the road.
3. Plan your trips accordingly- If you can, schedule your trips so that you can avoid driving out at peak hours. You can also map out routes for your trips if you’re so inclined.
As for the day-to-day stuff, when you have several errands to take care of, you can also try and accomplish them all in one outing to be more efficient not just with fuel but also with time.
4. Make sure your car’s tire pressures are correct - This is arguably one of the most commonly overlooked pre-drive procedures. Unfortunately, many motorists may not know that incorrect tire pressure can also lead to less fuel-efficient drives. Ensuring your tires are slightly higher than or at the exact manufacturer-suggested PSI reading will lead to less rolling resistance and better fuel economy.
