Tips For Better Mileage

Watch Your Miles
Most cars come with a gauge for determining mileage. However,we tend to look only at the fuel and speed dials. A constant watch on the mileage gauge or the rpm meter can make the driver aware of his/her driving habits. One can see how different driving styles change the mileage figures. In this manner,it becomes easy to become a more careful driver taking care of the car’s mileage,by using the correct engine speed.

When Revs are Low,Shift your gears accordingly
If your car has a manual gearbox,it is advisable to reconsider your upshift and downshift points. For a better gas mileage,always remember,the engine speed needs to be kept as low as you can and without labouring the engine. Not that anyone loves controlling the engine speed,but because one could save on fuel while controlling the engine with a manual transmission,thus always think peak mileage.

Keep Your Engine Busy
You may park your vehicle for just 30 seconds and someone may have told you to switch off the vehicle when idle,kindly don’t do that,it has been proven that a vehicle consumes more fuel at start-up than fuel used to keep the engine working without acceleration for 30 seconds. Also,an engine that’s already in the running mode is more efficient and helps save more fuel.

Coast into Stops
A forceful takeoff can consume more fuel. Likewise,if you know you have to apply brakes in a few seconds but still continue to move at a high speed,your engine will consume more fuel. Sudden braking is not good for your vehicle and it will ignite more fuel. The red traffic light is anyway going to stop you in a while,do you really want to get there first,only to be at a standstill for a longer period and burning unnecessary fuel.

Keep Your Car Aerodynamic
Bug shields,rooftop carriers,and bike,luggage and ski racks will surely not be used on a daily basis. While these add the societal statement that you’re always on the go for a camping trip with just a moment’s notice,it is certainly not going to increase your car’s mileage. Though it is not possible to completely eliminate drag,we can reduce it. Do away with the not-so-important occasional-use items and see your mileage grow better. Keep your car aerodynamic,drive smarter and cheaper.

Drive at Constant Speed
Constant-speed drives can improve your car’s mileage by up to 18 per cent. A variable speed,on the other hand,can strain your engine and drain your fuel tank. Whenever traffic permits and the road is quite smooth,drive smooth and save on fuel,without constantly accelerating or braking.

Figure Out Flat and Short Routes
Avoiding high-traffic areas that can alter your car’s speed thus can save fuel too. Not only that, map out the shortest route that’s flat. Instead of following a route just because you’ve been using it always,try a few alternatives and learn firsthand. Also,while driving,look further on than the next vehicle’s bumper. Foresee traffic-light timing and other factors that can upset steady progress.

Fill the Tyres Just Right
Check your car-owner manual for the recommended tyre-inflation. You may even find it on the driver’s doorjamb or the fuel filler cap. Some car owners inflate their tyres to the maximum allowable pressure or even beyond. This can be very unsafe and risky. Fill you tyres with just the right amount of air and have your car returning the best fuel economy,handling and safety. While you stay safe,your tyres too will last longer.

Lighten Your Load
Not giving importance to your car’s maintenance can hurt the mileage. What about the unnecessary cargo in your trunk? Can you not get rid of it? Have just the bare necessities in your car and the mileage is surely going to shoot up. Free your car of the golf bags and all other uncritical mass that’s rolling around in your trunk.

Car Windows
Driving with your windows open drastically reduces your fuel efficiency,far more so than putting the air conditioning on when motorway driving. So in those hot summers preferably keep the windows shut,and the air conditioning on if you want to keep cool.