5 ways to save fuel on World Environment Day

1.)    Switch the engine off:

The most obvious thing to do is to switch off the car when it’s not needed. Sadly, it's not as simple as it sounds. As the days get hotter and we like to keep things calm with the air-con on full blast, even while waiting at a red light. But this consumes, wastes rather, a lot of fuel unnecessarily. Switching off the car at a one-minute signal isn’t quite going to turn your car into an oven, but it sure can save a lot of fuel and reduce CO2 emission. Some also have like to keep the car running when waiting for a friend. It is best to find a parking spot in shade or under a tree to ensure that the car remains cool, you save some fuel and money, and reduce harmful CO2 emission.   

2.)    Use the air-con at high speeds:

 Driving without the air-con and with the windows rolled down saves fuel is a common misconception. When cruising on the highway at close to three digit speeds, driving with the windows open may result in a lot of drag due to which the engine has to work that much harder to keep that speed.  It is always advisable to keep the windows up and the air-con on a comfortable 23-24 degree Celsius when driving at high speeds.

3.)    Plan your approach to signals:

One often encounter situations when the light is about to go green as you are approaching a traffic signal. Often people accelerate all the way to the light; then halt and wait for it to go green, and then accelerate again. Things could be a lot simpler, only if one could plan your approach in advance. In a situation like this its best to decelerate by getting off the throttle at a distance and coast to the signal... and by the time you reach the lights turn green and you can gently get back on the gas. Hence, saving the precious fuel.  

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4.)    Be gentle on the accelerator:

This is the easiest and most effective way to ensure that your car returns great efficiency. While going all out on the accelerator to pass a car or two and then going hard on the brakes to stop at the traffic signal can give you a sense of superficial joy, it isn’t the most efficient way to drive. By doing that one not only wear out the car's brakes faster, one also wastes plenty of fuel. Go easy on the accelerator and ease your way out of traffic for improved efficiency.

5.)     Use engine braking:

Going hard on the brakes is best left for race tracks and special stages of a rally. On normal roads it's best to easy on the accelerator pedal, keeping usage of brakes to the minimum. More often than not, when the car is in motion, one can simply slow down by going off the gas and using the engine braking, than staying on the gas till the last minute and then having to brake hard. Take it easy, and enjoy your drive.