Given that fuel prices are getting increasingly unpredictable—with sustainability growing in importance—instituting habits of fuel-saving driving can make all the difference, not only in your wallet but also to the environment. Here are seven tips, including recent technologies and industry trends, on how to save fuel while driving safely:
1. Speed Optimisation
Maintaining a speed between 45-75 km/h is generally the most fuel-efficient for most vehicles. In 2024, new technology featuring adaptive cruise control will help manage your speed based on traffic conditions. These active systems can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% by minimising unnecessary acceleration and braking, while also decreasing the likelihood of accidents..
2. Efficient Routing through Smart Navigation
Modern GPS systems and mobile apps provide real-time data related to traffic flow and road conditions by suggesting the shortest or most optimised route. This helps in choosing the most efficient path in order to avoid congestion on roads, thus minimising stops and starts that waste fuel. Some systems even suggest eco-friendly routes that maximize fuel savings (Webfleet) (Safety Shield).
3. Switch to an Electric Vehicle or Hybrid, If Possible
With the development of the charging infrastructure and the rise in models made available by manufacturers, both electric and hybrid vehicles are slowly becoming more accessible. These vehicles can achieve significant reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. While fully electric vehicles are indeed the future, hybrids are an excellent transitional option that can save 20-50% on fuel costs (Webfleet) (RSM Global).
4. Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Regular maintenance is a vital necessity to make the car work well: checking tire pressure, replacing air filters, and tuning the engine as needed. Keeping your vehicle in good care can increase fuel efficiency as much as 10-15%, while new smart diagnostics alert you to problems before they get beyond conventional means of detection
5. Shut Your Engine When at Idle
Modern vehicles have an eco-driving mode where, by managing the setting of the engine and transmission, it ensures better fuel consumption. Additionally, the simplest way to conserve fuel—if you are stranded for over 30 seconds, you should switch your engine off. In fact, the newest car models are made for such occasions where their engines can already automatically stop and restart using an auto start-stop system that saves fuel and reduces hazardous emissions (Safety Shield) (Transpoco Telematics).
6. Lighten Your Load
Extra weight in a car simply decreases fuel economy. Take all those materials that are not in use from your trunk or roof racks in the car. For every 100 pounds of extra weight, there is roughly a 1% decrease in fuel efficiency, so keeping your car light is an easy way to increase fuel
7. Tracking Driving Behaviour
Already installed in many vehicles, driver feedback systems use real-time tips on driving behaviour to save fuel. These can help you avoid aggressive driving—such as rapid acceleration and braking—to improve fuel efficiency by as much as 20%. Some of these systems also provide data on your fuel economy so that you can make adjustments that may help improve efficiency
With these modern approaches, not only will one save on fuel but he will also join the contribution towards safer and more sustainable driving.
