Poor driving habits are just like pouring money down the drain. As consumers buy fuel efficient vehicles in record numbers to save money and benefit the environment, few know that good driving habits are really the best way to economise.<\/p>\n
Ford studies have investigated the influence of driving style on fuel consumption and CO2 per kilometre driven and found that by adopting an eco-driving style, drivers can slash both their fuel bill and their emissions by as much as 25% compared with \u2018normal-average\u2019 driving behaviour.<\/p>\n
Small changes to the way you drive can have a big impact on fuel economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cPracticing eco-driving is a great way of reducing fuel consumption, saving money in the process,\u201d said Ziad Dallalah, chief resident engineer, Ford Middle East and Africa. \u201cAnd while preserving fuel is of great benefit to the pocket, the bigger picture is its impact on the environment. Less fuel burned equals less CO2 produced, and that\u2019s something we all profit from.\u201d<\/p>\n
Here are some simple tips that can help you be a greener, more fuel efficient driver:<\/p>\n
Drive smoothly<\/strong><\/p>\n Aggressive driving such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking can lower your fuel mileage significantly. So accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in one lane while it\u2019s safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, they can prolong the life of your brakes and tires.<\/p>\n Slow down<\/strong><\/p>\n Speeding wastes lots of fuel. By driving 90 km\/h instead of 100 km\/h you can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 10-15 per cent. Also, aim for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends more fuel into the engine, emptying the tank faster. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and conserve fuel.<\/p>\n No idling<\/strong><\/p>\n Today’s engines don’t need a warm up. Start the car immediately and gently drive away. Don\u2019t leave your car idling. Prolonged idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off whenever it is safe to do so, such as when stationary for more than 30 seconds. This avoids unnecessary energy consumption of an idle running engine.<\/p>\n Remove unnecessary cargo<\/strong><\/p>\n Reducing the amount of cargo you keep in your trunk or back seat can improve your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as light as possible, keep only the most important items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the vehicle.<\/p>\n Reduce aerodynamic drag<\/strong> Your vehicle is designed for good aerodynamics \u2013 but attaching a huge carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. If you spend lots of time on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to transport extra items inside the vehicle or attached to the rear. Keeping your windows and sunroof closed can lower wind resistance too. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.<\/p>\n Your fuel economy drops by up to 15 per cent when you use the air conditioner at low speeds. So if it isn\u2019t too hot, turn off the air conditioner when driving around town, and roll down your windows instead.<\/p>\n However, at 90 km\/h or higher, using the air conditioner is preferable to open windows for two reasons: Your vehicle has much lower wind resistance with the windows closed. And because the engine produces more power at higher revs, it\u2019s able to run accessories like the A\/C compressor more efficiently.<\/p>\n Use cruise control<\/strong><\/p>\n Activating your cruise control keeps you from mindlessly driving faster and with lower fuel efficiency, maintains a constant speed, and won\u2019t use additional fuel while accelerating. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle\u2019s most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it\u2019s at or below the legal limit. Combine trips<\/strong><\/p>\n Many short trips will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many accomplished as you can in one trip to maximise your fuel economy.<\/p>\n
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\nOnly use A\/C on the highway<\/strong>
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