MAINTENANCE > ECONOMY > FUEL

Fuel

Check out the tips below on how to save on fuel expenses.

• ⮟ Driving Style

• ⮟ Drag

• ⮟ Tires

• ⮟ Trip

• ⮟ Fuel

🛈 Info:

• ⮟ Optimal driving speed to save fuel

? Question:

• ⮟ What is octane?

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Driving Style

• Your driving style will have a major impact on your fuel consumption. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking.

• Travel at lower speeds. See MUO for more info.

• Don't let engine idle unnecessarily.

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Drag

• Remove anything that can add to drag of the vehicle, such as a bicycle or roof rack.

• Keep vehicle clean which will also reduce drag.

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Tires

• Check regularly that tire pressures are not underinflated.

• Buy fuel economical tires. EU Fuel Efficiency Rating A - G with 'A' rating the most economical.

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Trip

• Remove unnecessary weight.

• Travel out of peak periods. You can check an electronic map that shows real-time congestion for the route you want to travel. Stop/start driving is very fuel inefficient.

• If you have a number of errands to run or items to buy, plan a route and do everything in one trip if possible.

• Car pool where it is practical.

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Fuel

• Install a fuel log app on your mobile device.

• Fill up with fuel when colder as fuel will be denser.

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🛈 Optimal driving speed to save fuel

The optimal driving speed to save fuel can vary based on several factors, including the vehicle's make and model, engine efficiency, aerodynamics, and road conditions. However, there are some general tips to help maximize fuel efficiency:

• Maintain a Steady Speed: Avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Use cruise control on highways when possible to maintain a consistent speed.

• Drive at Moderate Speeds: Fuel efficiency is often optimized at moderate speeds. Most vehicles achieve their best fuel economy between 45 mph (72 km/h) and 65 mph (105 km/h). Driving at excessively high speeds can decrease fuel efficiency due to increased air resistance.

• Avoid Excessive Idling: Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. If you're parked for an extended period, it's more fuel-efficient to turn off the engine and restart when needed.

• Properly Inflate Tires: Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance and decrease fuel efficiency.

• Regular Maintenance: Ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other maintenance tasks contribute to optimal engine performance.

• Remove Excess Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. Carrying excess weight can reduce fuel efficiency.

• Use the Right Fuel: Use the recommended fuel for your vehicle. Using higher-octane fuel than necessary typically does not provide additional benefits and may not be cost-effective.

• Plan Your Trips: Combine errands to reduce the number of short trips. A warmed-up engine is more fuel-efficient than a cold one.

• Avoid Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as rapid acceleration and hard braking, can significantly reduce fuel efficiency.

• Consider Aerodynamics: Keep windows closed at higher speeds to reduce air resistance. If driving at lower speeds, consider opening windows instead of using air conditioning to save fuel.

It's important to note that specific fuel efficiency varies by vehicle, and the tips mentioned are general guidelines. The most effective way to determine the optimal driving speed for fuel efficiency is to consult your vehicle's owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Additionally, adopting good driving habits and regular vehicle maintenance practices contribute to overall fuel savings.

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? What is octane?

Octane refers to a measure of a fuel's ability to resist "knocking" or "pinging" during combustion in an internal combustion engine. It is a standard unit used to rate the performance of gasoline or petrol. The octane rating of a fuel indicates its resistance to detonation caused by the air-fuel mixture in the engine igniting prematurely.

In simple terms, knocking or pinging occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites before it's supposed to, resulting in an uncontrolled explosion in the engine cylinders. This can lead to engine damage and reduced performance.

The octane rating is displayed as a number typically seen at gas stations, such as 87, 89, or 93. The higher the octane number, the more resistant the fuel is to knocking. Higher-octane fuels are commonly used in high-performance or high-compression engines that require better resistance to detonation.

It's important to note that using a higher octane fuel than required by the engine does not provide any additional benefits and is not necessary. In vehicles designed to run on regular (87 octane) fuel, using a higher-octane fuel will not improve performance or fuel efficiency. However, in engines specifically designed for higher-octane fuels, using a lower-octane fuel than recommended can result in knocking and reduced performance.

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