Fuel in Nigeria has become a scarce commodity. Many filling stations charge outrageous fees and have enormous lines of car owners and other users.
With petrol and diesel costs constantly rising, it’s critical that you get the most out of every drop of fuel in order to save money.
See below some smart ways reduce your car’s fuel consumption.
1. Service and maintain your car
Ensuring that your vehicle is in tip-top mechanical shape is vital to ensuring that its fuel economy is as good as it can be.
Ensure your vehicle engine is serviced regularly and in line with manufacturer schedules. Using the correct parts, fluids and lubricants will make your vehicle work better and be more efficient than one that doesn’t. It’ll be more reliable too.
2. Maintain a smooth speed
When the lights turn green, don’t stamp on the accelerator and get up to speed as fast as physically possible.
One of the mistakes drivers make is they accelerate quickly and slam on the brake to go over the bump.
Do not speed fast and then slam on the brakes to go over the bump. Ensure you maintain a constant speed of 15 to 20 mph unless your car is particularly low or the bumps are exceptionally high.
3. Use of air conditioning
As a general rule, anything that drains the car’s battery in any significant way is also a drain on your car’s fuel tank. This is because it uses the alternator to keep the battery charged, which is powered by the engine, which needs fuel to work.
Air conditioning is one of the things that increase your fuel consumption by up to seven per cent in town driving. At higher speeds, the effect is less noticeable, and using the air conditioning at highway speeds is more efficient than having the windows down because of the drag that’s created.
4. Do without additional weight
How heavy your car is also determines how much fuel it will consume.
An unnecessary muddle is a major culprit, but simply clearing out what’s in the backseat and the boot can have a positive impact as well.
5. Monitor your speed
Always ensure you monitor and keep in mind your level of speed. It is a safe practice and it can also benefit you in reducing your fuel consumption.
Motorists should adhere to speed limits at all times so they aren’t breaking the law, but saving money is another solid reason to do so.