Tips to Save Fuel While Driving

The way we drive can have a significant impact on the amount of fuel our cars consume. While using a fuel efficient engine like the EcoBoost engine from Ford serves as a great start, the driving style also makes a huge difference.

The way we drive can cost us thousands of dirhams in the long run if we are not careful. Buying fuel efficient vehicles alone does not suffice. The best way to save smartly on fuel is to drive smart.
Ford conducted studies that examined the effect of driving style on fuel consumption and CO2 per kilometre driven. The study found that using an eco-driving style can help drivers to cut both their fuel bills and their emissions by as much as 25 per cent when compared with ‘normal-average’ driving behaviour. Small changes to the way you drive can have a big impact on fuel economy and improve road safety at the same time.

Andy Taylor, director, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Middle East and Africa said that people try a number of ways to save money, but few think of saving money while driving. According to Taylor, eco-driving not only helps to save fuel and money, but also has a positive impact on the environment, reduces driving stress and make the roads safer for everyone.
Here are some simple tips that can help you be a greener, more fuel efficient and relaxed driver.

1) Drive smoothly
Smooth driving pays off in the long run when it comes to your fuel bills as compared to rash and aggressive driving. Make smooth adjustments to your speed by accelerating and braking in view of the road ahead. Accelerating rapidly, speeding and hard braking can significantly affect your fuel mileage. Hence, it makes sense to switch lanes only when needed, to keep the speed constant, brake in time and to accelerate smoothly. In addition to helping you save fuel, such anticipatory techniques allow you to enjoy smoother and more relaxed driving while extending the life of your tyres and brakes.

2) Use cruise control
While using cruise control in chaotic traffic conditions is not recommended, using cruise control on long and relatively empty stretches of highway will help to maintain a constant speed and conserve fuel. It will also keep motorists from driving faster without really meaning to and help maintain a constant speed so that additional fuel is not used up while accelerating. It is advisable to set the cruise control at a speed that is considered to be most fuel-efficient for your vehicle.

3) Lighten the load
Some people drive around with a lot of stuff in their vehicles. Reducing the load in the boot or in the back seat can go a long way towards reducing the amount of fuel needed as less energy is needed for acceleration. Only keep items you really need like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small jack and a small toolkit in your vehicle.

4) Slow down
Speeding not only causes accidents but also uses up a lot of fuel. Fuel efficiency can increase by up to 10-15 per cent if you drive at 90km/h instead of 100km/h. When you floor the accelerator, it sends more fuel to the engine and the fuel is used up faster. Hence, maintaining a constant speed can help you save fuel.

5) Reduce aerodynamic drag
When a vehicle comes off the production line, it has been probably designed for good aerodynamics, but adding accessories like a carrier or bike to the roof can increase wind resistance. If are planning to do a lot of highway driving or are planning a long trip, it would be better to transport extra items either inside the vehicle or attached to the rear. Another way to lower wind resistance is to keep your windows and sunroof closed. You will have less drag, and better fuel economy.