Claims are never reality when it comes to fuel efficiency when buying used cars. Manufacturers boast fuel efficiency numbers that users rarely achieve.
Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is the Indian government’s automotive testing body, which tests and credits a car with its claimed fuel efficiency. But these tests are carried out in ideal conditions. So, can we never achieve these numbers? Here are five easy used cars tips to increase the fuel efficiency. Bonus – you do not need to spend extra to achieve better mileage.
Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the right pressure in your good condition used cars tyre can help increase fuel efficiency. Driving your car with tyres under inflated by 10% decreases fuel efficiency by 2%. If you drive with tyres inflated 50% less than the recommended value, your car’s fuel efficiency decreases to almost 10%. A gauge will help you check the tyre pressure, accurately. If you do not have a gauge, you can feel the tyre with your hands and give it a gentle push to check the pressure. If the tyre feels soft, it is under inflated. If it feels rock hard, it is over inflated.
Stop Idling Your Car
When your car is not in motion, do not leave the engine on. This happens often while one waits in a traffic signal. Fuel consumption of an engine switched on when the car is not in motion is about 0.6 litres per hour. If you travel more than 20 kms a day through a route filled with signals or with traffic, idling will help save a lot of fuel. We suggest you develop a habit of counting from 1 while waiting in a signal or at traffic. The instant you count 60, turn off your car. You can save more fuel by turning off the Air Conditioner as well when the car is at halt.
Shift Gears At the Right Time
Smooth gear changes can do wonders to your fuel efficiency as well. The higher the gear you drive in, the better the fuel efficiency. Balance the gear shift and the RPM for best results to improved fuel efficiency. Ensure you don’t accelerate in an abrupt manner but press the pedal down steadily, but gently, while maintain RPM at around 1800. Press the clutch down completely before you change the gear. Once you change the gear, release the clutch smoothly. You’ll know you are doing this right when the entire process goes without any grinding noises or jerks from the car. Practice gear shifting in an empty ground to make the gear transitions feel smooth.
Turn Off Your AC – When Not Required
Your car’s air conditioner uses up fuel. On a hot summer day, your car’s AC can reduce its fuel efficiency about 25% or even more. Turn off the AC when you are driving at low speed. Turn it on only when you are at high speed in a highway. Try as much to park your car in the shade, to not overwork the AC. If you cannot find a parking spot in the shade, drive with the windows down for a short time. This will let out the hot air. Then switch on the AC to reduce the burden on your AC.
Drive with Windows Shut
Ever wondered why all cars have a pointed nose? Manufacturers put much thought and time to design a car, incorporating the aerodynamic aspect to reduce drag and wind noises. Aerodynamic design provides stability to the car by reducing lift. Opening windows while driving cuts down aerodynamics and slows down your car, increasing fuel consumption. This reduction in mileage is felt especially at higher speeds. Stats suggest that opening windows at higher speeds can increase fuel consumption by 20%.