how to save fuel, driving techniques: Fuel-efficient driving is not just about saving money—it’s about creating a positive impact on your life and the environment. Imagine the satisfaction of saving hundreds of dollars in fuel each year, all while contributing to road safety and extending the life of your vehicle. By adopting these five fuel-efficient driving techniques, you can reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 25%. That’s a win for your wallet, your car, and the planet!
Ways to save fuel
- Accelerate gently
Imagine a world where your every move is smooth and deliberate, and your fuel consumption is minimized. The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use, so in the city, ease onto the accelerator pedal gently. Take five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 20 kilometers per hour from a stop, and picture that open cup of coffee on your dashboard staying perfectly still. You’ll not only save fuel but also enjoy a calmer, more controlled drive. - Maintain a steady speed
Consistency is key! By keeping a steady speed, you’re not only saving fuel but also enjoying a more relaxed and efficient drive. Tests have shown that varying your speed up and down between 75 and 85 km per hour every 18 seconds can increase your fuel use by 20%. So why not consider using cruise control on the highway where conditions permit? Let gravity assist you on those gentle hills, and feel good knowing you’re driving smartly and saving fuel. - Anticipate traffic
Being in tune with the road ahead allows you to drive more efficiently and safely. By keeping a comfortable distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and anticipating the actions of pedestrians and other cars, you can maintain a steady speed and use less fuel. It’s a simple way to make your drive smoother and more enjoyable, all while contributing to a safer driving environment. - Avoid high speeds
Sticking to the speed limit is not just about following the rules—it’s about optimizing your fuel efficiency! Most vehicles are most fuel-efficient between 50 and 80 km per hour. Going faster than this burns more fuel without significantly saving you time. For instance, driving at 120 km per hour instead of 100 km per hour may only save you two minutes on a 25-km trip but will use about 20% more fuel. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on your fuel savings. - Coast to decelerate
Every time you coast to slow down, you’re taking a step towards smarter driving. By looking ahead and anticipating when it’s time to slow down, you can often avoid using your brakes and instead, gently ease off the accelerator. This simple technique helps conserve fuel, saves money, and makes your drive more fluid and enjoyable.
Ready to learn more? Take the free online ecoDriving course and discover how fuel-efficient driving can further save you money and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.
fuel saving
More Ways to Save on Fuel
You have even more power to reduce your fuel consumption with these easy tips:
- Avoid idling: Turn off your engine when stopped for more than 60 seconds (except in traffic) to save on fuel. Every 10 minutes of idling wastes over a cup of fuel.
- Check tire pressure monthly: Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by up to 4% and extend tire life by over 10,000 kilometers.
- Use manual transmission wisely: Shift gears smoothly and quickly to keep your engine running efficiently.
- Lighten your load: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Every 25 kilograms of extra weight increases fuel consumption by about 1%.
- Streamline your vehicle: Remove roof or bicycle racks when not in use. Aerodynamic drag can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20% on the highway.
- Use air conditioning sparingly: It can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%. Use windows in the city and flow-through ventilation on the highway.
- Utilize a fuel consumption display: See firsthand how your driving habits impact fuel use. Many drivers reduce fuel consumption by 15% with this feature.
- Track your fuel consumption: Challenge yourself to go longer between fill-ups. Watching those savings add up will make each tank of fuel feel even more valuable.
Drive Less
Planning your routes and combining trips not only saves fuel but also makes your driving experience more efficient and enjoyable. Avoiding traffic, using highways, and running errands in a sequence can all contribute to a smoother, more efficient journey.
Want to take it a step further? Walking, biking, or using public transit not only saves fuel but also promotes a healthier lifestyle. You’ll be contributing to a cleaner environment and a happier, healthier you.
Challenge Yourself
If you’re committed to saving money and reducing your environmental footprint, create a personal action plan to reach your goals. Whether it’s driving for maximum fuel efficiency or finding ways to drive less, every step you take brings you closer to a more sustainable future.