Improving your car's fuel efficiency not only saves money but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle. With the right driving habits, regular maintenance, and a few insider tips, you can get the most out of every litre of petrol.

1. Smart Driving Habits

Drive at the Right Speed

  • Fuel consumption rises sharply at higher speeds. On expressways, driving at around 90 km/h is safer, more fuel-efficient, and reduces wear on your engine.
  • For example, traveling at 100 km/h burns ~15% more fuel, and 110 km/h burns ~25% more than 90 km/h.

Smooth Acceleration and Braking

  • Avoid abrupt acceleration and unnecessary braking.
  • Anticipate traffic flow to prevent stopping and starting repeatedly.
  • Following another vehicle at a safe distance minimizes sudden braking, saving up to 10% in fuel.

Watch Engine RPM

  • Engines operate most efficiently between 1,500–2,500 rpm.
  • Shift gears early in manual cars or use "economy" mode in automatic vehicles for gradual acceleration.

Unload Unnecessary Weight

  • Every additional 50 kg in your car increases fuel consumption by ~2%.
  • Remove unnecessary items from the car to lighten the load.

Switch Off the Engine When Idle

  • Idling consumes more fuel than restarting the engine. Turn off the car if you expect to wait for more than a minute.

2. Tire Care

  • Maintain correct tire pressure to reduce rolling resistance. Check every 1–2 weeks.
  • Improper tire inflation reduces fuel efficiency and accelerates tire wear.
  • Ensure wheels are properly aligned; misalignment can increase fuel consumption.

3. Maintain Engine Health

Engine Oil

  • Use the correct type and quality of engine oil. Thick or degraded oil increases engine drag and fuel use.
  • Replace or top up as recommended in your owner's manual.

Air Filters

  • A clogged air filter reduces airflow and engine efficiency, increasing fuel consumption by up to 10%.
  • Clean or replace filters regularly to maintain optimal combustion.

Spark Plugs

  • Dirty or worn spark plugs lead to incomplete combustion, reducing power and fuel efficiency.
  • Replace at recommended intervals for smooth engine performance.

Oxygen Sensors

  • Malfunctioning oxygen sensors disrupt the air-fuel ratio, causing inefficient combustion.
  • Regularly check or replace sensors to ensure optimal fuel usage.

Fuel Injectors

  • Worn, clogged, or leaking injectors decrease efficiency. Clean or replace them as needed.

Catalytic Converters, Timing Belts, and Thermostats

  • A clogged catalytic converter can reduce mileage.
  • Worn timing belts affect ignition timing, lowering efficiency.
  • A faulty thermostat can prevent the engine from reaching optimal operating temperature, increasing fuel use.

4. Petrol Station Practices

  • Choose stations you trust for filtered petrol. Sediment can clog fuel filters and injectors, reducing performance.
  • Avoid filling up when underground tanks are being replenished to prevent sediment contamination.
  • Note your odometer reading after refueling to track which petrol brands give the best mileage.

5. Regular Monitoring

  • Keep track of your fuel consumption and mileage.
  • Schedule routine maintenance to ensure your engine, tires, and fuel system are performing efficiently.
  • Early detection of issues like under-inflated tires, worn spark plugs, or engine oil problems prevents unnecessary fuel wastage.

Conclusion

By combining careful driving habits, proper maintenance, and smart fuel station choices, you can significantly maximize your car's fuel efficiency while saving money and prolonging your vehicle's life. Small changes in how you drive and maintain your vehicle can lead to substantial savings over time.