With rising oil prices, car owners have become increasingly
concerned about saving fuel. In the same car driven by drivers of
different skills, the fuel consumption differs greatly.
Motor-vehicle maintenance and management services remind car owners
that fuel consumption depends largely on the driver’s use of the
car, circumstances under which it is
used, and maintenance quality. Automotive experts released these
“fuel saving prescriptions” to help drivers:
Keep a rational driving speed
Each type of motor vehicle has its own economical driving speed
and fuel consumption is lowest at such speed. Cars usually have an
economical driving speed of about 80-90 km/h. When driving within
such a speed limit on good highways, one can realize the fuel
saving effect.
Control the startup of the car
When starting a cold car, avoid prolonging the warming up the
engine. The car begins running one minute after it starts, and it
is best to keep the car running for 3-5 km in second and third
gears to warm it up. Prolonged warming up will undoubtedly waste
more fuel and to keep a cold car running not only wastes fuel but
also increases maintenance expenses.
Avoid unnecessary idling
A small car idling for 1 minute consumes more fuel than
restarting the car. So if the car has to stop for a long while,
turn off the engine. 3 minutes idling the engine uses enough fuel
to power the car for 1 kilometer.
Avoid sudden shifts of speed
Sudden changes in speed, both accelerating and decelerating,
consume more fuel than moderate shifts. It would be better to drive
steadily to avoid wasting fuel.?
Use the air conditioning properly
The air conditioning system consumes part of the engine’s power
when working. In order to save fuel, some drivers drive at a high
speed with the windows open and the air conditioning shut off.
Actually when driving at a speed higher than 85km/h with the
windows open, you consume more fuel than you would with the air
conditioning turned on, due to the increased aerodynamic drag.
Change your oil regularly
The simplest and most effective way to maintain your car is to
change the engine oil regularly. The smaller the engine, the
smaller the volume of engine oil, which means the oil will need
changing more frequently. When changing oil, take care to use the
type of the engine oil designed for the vehicle itself.
Maintain recommended air pressure in tires
If air pressure is too high or too low in tires, it will
increase the fuel consumption. The steering system should also be
checked regularly in order to make certain it is balanced with the
tires.
(China.org.cn September 12, 2007)
