These top and simple tips can help to make your car go further between refills.
Economical driving
Use less fuel around town:
- Maintain a steady speed and drive smoothly.
- Ease back on the accelerator once the car has gained speed when you drive an automatic.
- Change car gears and use the gearbox rationally.
- Avoid engine idling for too long.
- Avoid heavy traffic and peak hour.
Use less fuel on the freeway:
- Take 20 km/h off your speed to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 25%.
- Use cruise control.
- Lessen the use of your car’s AC. If you don’t have AC and travelling over about 50 km/h, keep the windows up and use the practical ventilation.
- Use the economy mode to ensure the transmission up-shifts earlier if your car’s transmission has power and economy modes.
Note: All of the above is also for reducing wear and tear on your car’s tyres, brakes, and other mechanical parts — you’ll save on running costs too.
Use your car less
Using your car less is one of the best ways to cut fuel costs. You have other options, such as car pooling, public transport, riding a bike, or walking.
Combine smaller trips into one when you use your car. Several shorter trips will use more fuel than one longer trip.
Note: A cold engine is less fuel-efficient and emits more pollutants than a warm engine.
Car care
Regular car service keeps running costs down and helps save on fuel. Car care best practices include:
- Correctly tuned engine
- Keeping the fuel and ignition systems in good working order
- Keeping filters in good condition
- Regular engine oil change using the correct grade as recommended by the manufacturer.
Correct tyres inflation
When your tyres are still cold, check the tyre pressure once a week.
Keep your tyres inflated to a pressure slightly higher than that stated in the vehicle handbook.
Setting the tyre pressure slightly higher will aid in fuel economy and safer handling.
Note: Suggested tyre pressure can be found on the tyre placard, inside the glove box, on the fuel filler flap, or on the driver’s door.
Wheel alignment
Make sure the wheel alignment is correctly set and the brakes aren’t dragging. Both of these can increase rolling resistance and use up more fuel.
Reduce weight
Hold on! We’re not body shaming you. This means reduce the amount of unnecessary weight in your car. Toolboxes, golf clubs, etc. add weight that increase fuel consumption.
External attachments (e.g. roof racks) will increase wind resistance and fuel use so, if possible, remove them when not in use. If used, load them carefully to minimise wind resistance.
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