Most times, we overlook little details that could possibly help us save some cost on a couple of things and eventually feel the weight of irretrievable spending bearing down on us after a while. In line with this, I am moved to discuss how you can save cost on fuel - using less(er) volume of fuel to cover more mileage. Tips such as putting off the air conditioner while on the move and turning off the engine whenever your car is stuck in traffic are about the most common measures people resort to when it comes to preventing the fuel from burning out fast. Spare me some seconds before I delve into the article proper: it pays - more economical - to wind up the windows and allow the a/c breathe while at high speed than shutting it off and leaving the windows open. The reason is that leaving the windows at a high speed increases the probability of drag - I will shed more light on this as the article progresses - occurring and this, in turn, causes the fuel to get used up quickly.

Now, I shall be sharing the other tips that should help you help optimize the fuel in your car’s tank and save you some cash.

  • Unclutter the boot: A lot of persons are fond of packing extra luggage in their cars thus turning it into some form of mobile wardrobe or store. But here is what you should know: the more weight you have in your car’s boot, the lower the fuel economy. As such, it would be wise to take whatever (items) that significantly add(s) to the carriage and save some penny on fuel.
    Well, just to let you know; the physics behind this is that weight increases aerodynamic drag - which is the force exerted on an object moving against the wind - and this consequently increases fuel consumption. The need to limit the effect of aerodynamic drag is one of the major reasons pick-up truck owners usually install tonneau cover over the (truck’s) bed.

  • Invest in the right engine lubricant: The hard truth here is that ‘quality‘ might not be enough to give you optimal performance when one considers the impact of engine lubricant on fuel economy - and by extension, the overall functioning of the car’s engine. The perfect word here is ‘right‘; you have to use the engine lubricant that has been recommended for your automobile’s model/type. Hence, in case you do not have the car’s instruction manual with you, there may be an urgent need to do research to know the right engine oil for your car.

  • Ensure proper inflation of tyres: Tyres that are not well inflated will ultimately lack enough pressure to roll smoothly on the road - even though the car may be moving somewhat unhindered - and this tells (negatively) on fuel economy. Therefore, you should make sure that your car’s tyres are properly gauged before setting out. Do your checks [with the aid of a pressure gauge] and make necessary fix when need be.

  • Back to cruise control: Without an iota of doubt, there are many speedy temptations on our roads, and the truth is that we, more often than not, fall for them. But before you get tempted to hit the pedal (accelerator) and ‘make your car fly‘ just like the other road user(s) right ahead of you, you should consider utilizing the cruise control feature to stay at a steady speed range and burn less fuel.

  • Monitor the air filter and fuel injectors: Accessories such as air filters and fuel injectors also play some important roles in improving fuel economy. So, make it a point of duty to check them and do proper cleaning regularly; more so, replacement should be done as soon as it may be required - when these accessories are worn out.

  • Let the brake be: An incident during your learning (how to drive) years or some other unfortunate occurrence might have made you form the habit of having your foot on the brake pedal; that may be fine by you - moreover, who wouldn’t go for safety first? That aside, some persons have unrepentantly resorted to driving this way since they got their first automobile. It is, however, important to state here that such an act normally causes fuel to be used up fast(er) - and even cause you to seek a replacement (brake) more often. In essence, you should not be so ‘brake-fastidious‘ that you keep placing your foot on the pedal when you do not need to.

  • Ensure proper alignment: Uneven/imbalanced alignment makes the work of an automobile daunting and also results in increased fuel consumption. Hence, any time you observe that your vehicle is jerking towards one side [than the other], your car’s tyres are making squeaking noise or wears out rather too easily, it might be high you took it to an expert to correct the alignment before you spend more (money) on fuel.