With the significantly high petroleum prices in Singapore, maximizing your car’s fuel economy is probably one of the most direct methods to save cost. In the previous article, we covered the 6 myths on reducing fuel consumption. However, what are some cost-effective ways to improve your car’s fuel economy and hence saving you from the high fuel expenses?
1. Lighten the weight of your car
The heavier your car is, the more fuel it needs to consume to get it moving. Weight is one of the most common contributors that use up your car petroleum, which makes it worse especially when your car is filled up with unnecessary junk. Apart from maintaining hygiene, a simple cleaning up of your car to remove these unnecessary junk helps to lighten the weight and hence lesser fuel to be consumed as you drive.
2. Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure
Tyres that are inflated to its recommended pressure possess sufficient rolling resistance without compromising on its stability and grip. As mentioned in one of the 6 myths on reducing fuel consumption, most people believe that over-inflating your tyres help to reduce fuel consumption. However, it is not the case. Not only do over-inflated tyres have no effect in improving fuel economy, but it also damages your car by causing uneven wear and tear and an uncomfortable ride ahead. It is also vital to check your tyre pressure bi-weekly to ensure that it is within the recommended range.
3. Utilize the recommended grade of engine oil
Car engines are designed differently and hence it functions most effectively with different engine oil grades. By using the recommended grade of engine oil, your engine functions optimally by performing the way it was designed to be and not over-working it. As such, you will save on your fuel consumption too. To find out the recommended grade for your car’s engine oil, you can look into the manual of your car.
4. Ensure to use the right tyres
Similarly, different car designs have different demands for their tyres. Normally, tyres that are narrow have lesser rolling resistance and hence lesser fuel to be consumed as it travels. However, optimization is the key when it comes to improving fuel economy. Hence, it is important to ensure that tyres are of the same size as the original equipment tyre size.
