10 steps to improving your car's mileage

Simple ways to get better fuel efficiency without you having to be adept at the mechanics that power your car, so that you can drive past the fuel pump more often than you stop there.

Simple ways to get better fuel efficiency without you having to be adept at the mechanics that power your car, so that you can drive past the fuel pump more often than you stop there.

Car milage 

1. KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

Driving with optimal tyre pressure makes a huge difference to your car's fuel efficiency. Reduced tyre pressure means increased contact area between the tyre and the road.

Make sure the tyres are inflated at the manufacturer recommended levels and you'll be fine. And don't forget to check them once a week, always in the morning.

2. SMOOTH OPERATOR

Be as smooth as possible with the car's controls. Treat the accelerator and the brake pedals with respect.CONSOLIDATE TRIPS

Two short trips will inevitably consume more fuel than one that is slightly longer. This is because your car consumes extra fuel each time you crank the engine.

Combine as many trips as possible to keep fuel efficiency high. As a bonus, you'll also be saving on travelling time.

KEEP IT SHUT

A car's fuel efficiency has a lot to do with how it parts air on the move. In other words, aerodynamics.

Open windows, even partly, at high speeds can impact fuel efficiency and result in the tank draining out quicker due to increased drag.

Contrary to popular notion, you'll save more fuel with the windows up and the air conditioner turned on.

Shift to the highest possible gear without the engine knocking.

A car consumes more fuel in lower gears when accelerating. If the engine's not pulling, shift down instead of pressing the throttle.

Shifting up at 2,000 rpm (1,500 rpm for diesel) gives the best mix of speed and economy. On an automatic with manual shift, short shift to save fuel.

LOSE SOME WEIGHT

The heavier the car, the greater will be its thirst.

You don't have to be a quantum physicist to know this.

So ditch that child safety seat you don't use anymore, the spare tyre that's not fit for use or even the tonnes of garbage that you lug around.

IDLING IS THE DEVIL'S WORKSHOP

An idling car burns fuel without really going anywhere.

So if you have your engine running while you're waiting for someone, you're effectively getting 0 kmpl at that time.

Some cars even give a litre per hour consumption on their trip computers to help you keep track. Simple solution. Switch the engine off. Or, if you have the budget, buy a car with auto start-stop technology.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Don't drive your car with dirty or clogged filters, such as the air filter or the oil filter if you don't want to shell out at the pump. Get them cleaned or replace them.

It will be money well spent since you won't be bleeding slowly. A serviced engine will also consume less fuel, so don't ignore the schedule.

 USE A ROUTE PLANNER

This might seem like pushing it, but before you go somewhere, choose your route carefully. Delays due to traffic lights, congestion can be minimised. Also, start 10 minutes before rush hour starts, especially if you're a daily commuter.

TAKE A WALK

A no-brainer this one really. If you don't need to drive somewhere, don't. Also, if you have to visit a crowded area, such as a market or a fair, park your car some distance away where you don't have to drive around to find a parking spot.