With fuel prices reaching never before seen highs, knowing how to maximize the fuel efficiency of your vehicle has never been more important. Here are five simple ways in which you can get the most out of every fuel tank.

1. Never be weighed down:

Remove any excess weight. As little as 45 kg can reduce the fuel efficiency of your car. Take out any unnecessary bulky items and remove external accessories such as roof racks, cargo boxes, and car racks. The reduced wind resistance will have your car having to push through less wind resistance and therefore use less fuel. At highway speeds, roof-mounted cargo boxes can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 17%.

 

2. Limit idling:

Idling uses more fuel than starting up your vehicle and gives off 80% more pollution than when your car is in motion. The next time you stop and you’re waiting for someone, consider turning your engine off.

 

3. Keep cruising:

After reaching about 45mph your car loses fuel efficiency. The faster you go the worse it gets. Keeping to the speed limit and using cruise control will keep your tank fuller for longer.

 

 

                                                           

 4. Check your tire pressure:

Your vehicle’s fuel consumption increases by 3% when your tires are underinflated.

 

 

 

5. Perform regular maintenance:

Filthy air filters, faulty spark plugs, worn-out brake pads; every undermaintained car part negatively affects your car’s fuel consumption. Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by your car dealership, and your car will be running as efficiently as it can.