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10 Tips for a Better Mileage

The prices of fuel are increasing by the day and the need for saving the perishable fuels is also increasing. Car makers are coming up with fuel alternatives. What can the average Indian do to save fuel while getting a better mileage at the same time? It's easy and it's possible. Take care of these ten simple fuel-saving tips and they will take care of your car's mileage and save some cash too.

Acceleration Needs to be Gentle

Go easy and do not accelerate unnecessarily. Research shows that hard acceleration tests eat mileage by over 35 per cent. Going easy, on the other hand, can increase fuel efficiency. Even when your car gets stuck in a pothole or pit, hard acceleration will be useless. It can also damage your automatic transmission. Instead, accelerate slowly and gently and get yourself out of trouble.

Watch Your Miles

Most cars come with a gauge for determining mileage. However, we tend to look only at the fuel and speed dials. A constant watch on the mileage gauge can make the driver aware of his/her driving habits. One can see how different driving styles change the mileage figures. In this manner, it becomes easy to become more careful drivers taking care of the car's mileage.

When Revs are Low, Shift to Manual Transmission

If your car has a manual gearbox, it is advisable to reconsider your upshift points. For a better gas mileage, always remember, the RPMs need to be kept as low as you can without dragging the engine. Not that anyone loves controlling the revs, but because one could save on gas while controlling the engine with a manual transmission. Always think peak mileage.

Keep Your Engine Busy

You may park your vehicle for just 30 seconds and someone may have told you to switch off the vehicle when idle. No, do not do that. It has been proven that a vehicle consumes more fuel to start than fuel used to keep the engine working without acceleration for 30 seconds. Also, an engine that's already in the running mode is more efficient and helps save more fuel.

Drive at Constant Speed

Make use of the cruise control feature in your car. Constant-speed drives can improve your car's mileage by up to 14 per cent. A variable speed, on the other hand, can strain your engine and drain your fuel tank. Whenever traffic permits and the road is quite smooth, drive smooth and save on fuel.

Coast into Stops

A forceful takeoff can consume more fuel. Likewise, if you know you have to apply brakes in a few seconds but still continue to move at a high speed, your engine can use more fuel. Sudden braking is not good for your vehicle and it may drink more fuel. The red traffic light is anyway going to stop you in a while. Do you really want to get there first, only to be at a standstill for a longer period?

Keep Your Car Aerodynamic

Bug shields, rooftop carriers, and bike, luggage and ski racks will surely not be used on a daily basis. While these add the societal statement that you're always on the go for a camp with just a moment's notice, it is certainly not going to increase your car's mileage. Though it is not possible to completely eliminate drag, we can reduce it. Do away with the not-so-important occasional-use items and see your mileage grow better. Keep your car aerodynamic, drive smarter and cheaper.

Figure Out Flat and Short Routes

Avoiding high-traffic areas that can alter your car's speed can save fuel too. Not just that. Map out the shortest route that's flat. Instead of following a route just because you've been using it always, try a few alternatives and learn firsthand. Also, while driving, look further on than the next vehicle's bumper. Foresee traffic-light timing and other factors that can upset steady progress.

Fill the Tyres Just Right

Check your car-owner manual for the recommended tyre-inflation settings. You may even find it on the driver's doorjamb. Some car owners inflate their tyres to the maximum allowable pressure or even beyond. This can be very unsafe and risky. Fill you tyres with just the right amount of air and have your car returning the best fuel economy, handling and safety. While you stay safe, your tyres too will last longer.

Lighten Your Load

Not giving importance to your car's maintenance can hurt the mileage. What about the unnecessary cargo in your trunk? Can you not get rid of it? Have just the bare necessities in your car and the mileage is surely going to shoot up. Free your car of the golf bags and all other uncritical mass that's rolling around in your trunk.