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Tips for Improving Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency has become the catchword for Indian cars with the skyrocketing fuel price. Indian car companies are dabbling with various hybrid cars and fuel economic vehicles in order to save petrol/diesel and combat the rising prices.

Petrol and diesel are the most common fuels used in cars. These fuels are produced from oil imported from foreign countries, contribute maximum to environmental problems. Making cars fuel efficient is one way of saving natural resources, reducing emissions and strengthening the national economy.

There are some factors that play an integral role in improving fuel efficiency. These factors include:

Engine efficiency:

Engine efficiency can be improved by injecting the fuel in the right method. The best way to do so is to inject the fuel directly in to the cylinder, rather than mixing it with air or any other component. This reduces the amount of petrol/diesel wasted and allows efficient operation.

Inflation:

Inflation also plays a vital role in saving petrol/diesel. Tyres built with high air pressure have lower rolling resistance or friction which in turn reduces the pressure on the engine, eventually, saving petrol/diesel. Radial tyre is one of the good alternatives for saving petrol. They are built with high air pressure that enables it to roll more efficiently and with less friction. Tread design and snow tyres also have higher air pressure and are good alternatives for saving fuel.

Weight of the car:

Weight of the car is directly linked with the fuel efficiency or mileage. Reducing the weight of a car is helpful in minimising the frictional force between the car and the axles, which in turn lower down the fuel consumption. The weight can be reduced by replacing heavy metal parts with lightweight materials like plastic.

Streamlining & Wheel alignment:

Wheel alignment and streamlining also helps in improving fuel efficiency. Wheel alignment helps in reducing rolling resistance whereas streamlining helps in reducing air friction. In both the cases, the pressure on car fuel is reduced to a great extent. Streamlined mirrors, windshield wipers and lights help air to move more smoothly, potentially, reducing the amount of fuel used.

Smart Driving techniques:

Smart driving techniques make a maximum contribution in improving fuel efficiency. Driving within the speed limit helps in saving fuel. Slow and steady speed is important during congestion as repeated braking and acceleration consumes more fuel. For longer trips, cruise control can also be used to maintain a constant speed. It is mainly used for driving on highways and hill ways. Using overdrive gear especially on highway driving also helps in reducing the pressure exerted on the fuel and improves fuel economy. It is the highest gear in a car that is mainly used to reduce wear and fuel consumption.

Proper servicing and maintenance:

Proper servicing and maintenance is also a good measure to ensure highest fuel efficiency. This measure includes proper use of the engines – switching it off while the car is standstill, ensure to keep it clean as dirt hinders with the combustion, maintaining smooth operation of ignition system, conditioning the filters and changing engine oil at recommended intervals of time.

Improved fuel efficiency will eventually increase longevity and reliability of cars running on Indian roads.

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