These days, the most watched part of cars in Ghana is the fuel gauge. The reason is not farfetched. The recent 27 per cent increase in petroleum prices has compelled every car owner to try and save money on fuel.
But did you know that your driving behaviour can actually influence your fuel use by as much as 25 per cent? Here are some tips to help you out.
Don’t be a lead foot. Putting the “pedal to the metal” wastes fuel because the harder you accelerate the more fuel you waste. Press the accelerator pedal gently. A good rule of thumb for optimal fuel efficient driving is to take about five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 24 kilometres per hour from a stop. For a manual transmission, use a moderate throttle position and shift between 2,000 and 2,500 revolutions per minute (RPM).
Keep it steady. Dips in speed combined with spurts of acceleration can increase your fuel use by up to 20 per cent. One easy fuel efficient driving technique is using cruise control on the highway.
Stay alert. Keep your vehicle's momentum by planning your manoeuvres ahead of time. Pay attention to the road ahead, anticipate the movements of pedestrians and other drivers, and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. This will save you fuel and keep you safer on the road.
Don’t slam on the brakes. Sometimes, to avoid an accident, you have no choice. But in regular driving situations, coasting toward a stop sign or red light helps you conserve fuel and save money. It’s not only a fuel efficient driving habit, it’s also easier on your tyres and the brake, which helps you save on maintenance and repair costs.
Slow down. While every model is different, the fuel mileage of most vehicles starts to tank at speeds above 50 mph. Look at it this way: every eight kilometre per hour (KPH) you drive over 50 MPH is like paying an extra quarter for a gallon of gas.
Aside from exercising these fuel efficient driving techniques, keeping your tyres properly inflated and following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule will also help you save money on fuel.
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