Drive Smart: Tips for Fuel Efficiency and Time Savings on the Highway
Posted on April 24, 2024
Planning to take your loved ones on a leisurely long drive? One of the best things to do with loved ones is take a road trip. But with oil prices shooting up these days, you surely want your car to get the most out of every drop of fuel it consumes.
Research suggests that reducing your speed by 8 to 15 km may increase fuel efficiency by 7%-14%. Fuel efficient driving can save you money, enhance road safety and prevent wear on your vehicle. If you’re looking for some tips to save money on gas during long highway drives, read on.
How to Save Gas While Driving on the Highway
To lower your expenses and be fuel efficient, here are some more practical tips to do the trick:
1. Maintain a Consistent Speed
One pro tip you might hear from any experienced driver is to maintain a consistent speed when driving. In doing so, you are also:
- Lowering your fuel use
- Improving traffic flow
- Lessening pollution
- Creating safer driving conditions
When driving on a highway, use traction control to keep a steady speed and save as much gasoline as possible if the weather and roads are clear.
2. Steer Clear of Abrupt Acceleration and Braking
Hard braking and fast acceleration use more fuel and are dangerous. Drive carefully and be alert for changes in traffic flow. If possible, provide plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
3. Don't Slam on the Brakes
If stop-and-go traffic in cities reduces mileage, unexpected pauses may also do so. In normal driving situations, it is preferable to slowly approach a stop sign or red light rather than slamming on the brakes. This helps to save fuel and money.
4. Regularly Check Tire Pressure
If you're not sure how much air your tires need, look inside the driver's side door. Many modern cars feature a sticker that displays the appropriate PSI for your vehicle. Be careful not to go above that limit to prolong your car’s tire life and avoid sudden tire issues along the road.
5. Lighten Your Vehicle's Load
Have you ever driven your car overloaded? You might notice that your car seems sluggish and slower because of the additional weight. And when your car needs more acceleration over time to speed up, it burns more fuel.
Fact: overloading reduces fuel efficiency. That’s why it is preferable to leave the additional weight out of the car unless you really need it.
6. Use Manual Transmission Correctly
Check the tachometer, which displays the engine speed. Use it to determine when to shift a manual gearbox for optimal fuel economy. The greater the rpm, the more gasoline the engine burns. So, change through the lower gear smoothly and swiftly, then build speed as you accelerate.
7. Eliminate Roof or Bike Racks
Remove the racks from your car when they are not in use. Aerodynamic drag may increase fuel consumption by up to 20% on the highway.
8. Optimize Fuel Consumption Display Usage
A fuel consumption display, which is now standard on many cars, allows you to see the effect of the five most fuel-efficient driving styles for yourself. Some modern cars include even more advanced displays that monitor:
- Speed variances
- Manual gearbox shift positions
- Driving habits like acceleration and braking timings
9. Employ Coasting to Decelerate
Anticipating slowdowns and taking your foot from the pedal as soon as possible allows you to reduce your speed and fuel consumption. Many modern cars feature fuel-injection systems that automatically turn off the flow of fuel to the engine when the accelerator is withdrawn, so take advantage by coasting.
10. Minimize Unnecessary Idling
Turn off the engine if you are going to be parked for more than sixty seconds and will be unable to move for that amount of time.
11. Use Air Conditioning Conservatively
Because air conditioning strains the engine, it may increase fuel consumption by 20%. Drive through a city with your windows down or utilize the flow-through ventilation on a highway.
12. Consolidate Trips to Make Fewer Short Journeys
Combine short trips to places like the mall, car wash, or grocery store into one outing. Doing so helps save:
- Time
- Fuel
- Money
It's a simple strategy: the more you do it, the less fuel you'll use, making your trips more efficient overall.
Maintenance Guidelines for Better Fuel Efficiency
Here are steps to make your car function more smoothly, save money and help the environment:
1. Follow the Suggested Maintenance Schedule for Your Car
A badly maintained car may consume more fuel. It reduces performance, increases emissions, and may result in costly maintenance and poor resale value.
2. Check Fluid Levels as Advised
Follow the manufacturer's instructions in your owner's manual for checking and changing the following:
- Engine coolant
- Oil
- Automatic transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
3. Regularly Check Your Tires
You should look for any damage or problems with your tires that might need replacement. Check for any cuts, scratches, punctures, bulges, lumps, or cracks on the tread and sidewalls.
Myths About Gas Mileage
You might have heard of the following gas mileage myths before, but we are here to debunk them as they are ineffective and can only cost you time and money.
Myth #1: Maintaining a full tank to avoid evaporation
It is never a good idea to let your gas gauge get low. But the idea that filling up your tank stops fuel from evaporating is not true.
Myth #2: Purchasing gas first thing in the morning
The idea is it will get you more for your money because liquids get thicker when they're cooler. But gas is kept in deep tanks that keep the right temperature.
Myth #3: Changing your air filters often
Today's engines use fuel injectors and other technologies to precisely adjust the air-to-fuel ratio.
Myth #4: Increasing the tire pressure
If your friend insists on overinflating your tires to reduce resistance and save you gas, tell them to press the brakes! Increasing tire pressure only results in longer braking distance and increased tire wear.
Myth #5: Regularly changing your oil
It's a frequent misconception that getting an oil change can reduce your car's gas economy. It's best to stay up with maintenance.
Myth #6: Bringing down the tailgate
Pickup truck owners like to believe that dropping the tailgate increases aerodynamics and, hence, gas efficiency.
Myth #7: Investing in "fuel economizers" or fuel additives
FTC warns customers that statements by manufacturers of devices and additives promising to boost the gas economy are either false or grossly exaggerated.
Ready To Hit the Road Smarter? Use These Fuel-Saving Tips!
Driving smart is good for your wallet, the environment, and the safety of the roads. At CarHub Caledon Chrysler we want to make sure you always drive happily and efficiently. Looking for fuel-efficient cars at quality prices? We have a wide range of options to suit your needs. Drive smart, drive efficiently – choose CarHub Caledon Chrysler.