So… Trump won, the stock markets are volatile, oil prices may go up. Perfect timing you might say for Ford Australia to help Australians learn how to save money by implementing some simple changes to the way they drive and service their car. Making these small changes can save people up to 25% on their fuel bill! Here at Dads Stuff have 10 simple efficiency “hacks” that will help people save money.
Planning makes perfect
It may sound obvious, but simply cutting down on the time spent in your car is the easiest way to conserve fuel. To reduce driving time, try to combine all your short trips and errands into a single journey.
Keep your cool
When you’re not calm, you’re more likely to make errors in judgment. Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to achieving good fuel economy, so maintain your focus and cool attitude.
Put a cap on it
Fuel evaporates every time you open your vehicle’s fuel cap. To limit the losses from this, fill your car up completely instead of repeatedly topping up your tank with smaller amounts of fuel.
Rack off!
If you’re not using your roof rack, then remove it. Having roof racks attached reduces aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles and creates drag, which hurts fuel economy.
Gradually does it
Maintain consistent speeds whenever possible. Accelerate gradually when moving off from rest, as fast starts burn a lot more fuel. Driving at a moderate steady speed requires relative little energy. Tune in and tune up A well-tuned engine can help improve fuel economy, so always follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing intervals.
Under pressure
Correctly inflated tyres are safer and also last longer. A tyre that is under inflated by just 1psi (6.89kPa) can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as three percent. Multiply that by four… Tyres should be checked and pressure corrected when they are cold, ahead of a journey – not after the vehicle has been driven for a length of time.
Get into gear
The higher gear you drive in, the lower the engine speed is, which can improve fuel economy. Using a manual gearbox, change up a gear whenever you can, without labouring the engine. In an automatic vehicle, accelerate gently and your transmission will get into the highest gear sooner, keeping your engine speed – and fuel consumption – lower.
A load of hot air
Air-conditioning places added strain on the engine and needs fuel to operate. Limit use to particularly hot days and when possible, use the fan instead or simply set the temperature to a comfortable, not cold setting (e.g. 22C).
Keep your weight down
You may be surprised, but every extra kilogram matters and affects your fuel efficiency. So keep your boot and back seat clear of unnecessary items that you use merely once in a while which are otherwise merely dead-weight in your vehicle (e.g. golf clubs).
The kids are alright
When driving with children and babies, it is important to have them settled before you begin your journey. Ensure they are content and you will have no unnecessary distractions (easier said than done sometimes!). If you can do this, the result will be a smoother and safer journey!
Switch it up
If you’re looking to change vehicles, why not choose one with a more fuel efficient engine. Ford EcoBoost-equipped models are designed to be as efficient as possible but not at the cost of drivability and performance.
So here’s to some extra money in your sky rocket this summer, perhaps an extra ice cream for the kids? Or maybe you can treat yourself to a nice cold beer… not sure which one to try? Check out the STUFF TO DRINK section of our website for some ideas. Finally, if you noticed there were 11 hacks and not 10, well done! You deserve a beer.