The price of fuel has been forever fluctuating. No matter how much fuel is, practicing fuel-efficient driving is always wise to get the most out of every drop, especially when you have a used car. Due to modern fuel-saving systems and designs, used cars may not be as fuel efficient as their newer counterparts. However, practicing fuel-efficient driving techniques can save you hundreds of dollars in fuel each year and significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Below are some tips and techniques to drive more efficiently.
Remove Unnecessary Weight
The more weight your vehicle carries, the more energy it takes to move it. Be sure to remove any heavy items, such as groceries, sports equipment, furniture, or any other item you are hauling when not needed.
Drive with Consistency
When driving, you should always accelerate gently and coast to a stop. The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use. Take at least five seconds to accelerate your vehicle up to 20 km/h for the most fuel efficiency. Similarly, you should come to stops smoothly, paying attention to the traffic in front of you and removing your foot off the accelerator to coast to a stop when possible.
Stay Within the Speed Limit
Most vehicles get the best fuel efficiency when driving between 50 and 80 km/h. Sticking to posted speed limits not only avoids speeding tickets but also cuts down on your fuel consumption. When on the highway, try to use your vehicle's cruise control to maintain speed and consistency.
Avoid Idling
Idling for long periods can significantly affect your fuel economy, especially if your air conditioning is running all the while. Be sure to turn off the engine when idling for over a minute, except in traffic. Traffic can cause a lot of idling, so it's best to avoid travelling during rush hour or in heavy traffic areas, such as construction zones or popular events.
Check Your Tires
Your tires can make a big difference in your fuel economy. Driving with winter tires in warm weather or having low tire pressure can significantly increase fuel consumption. Be sure to equip your car with the proper tires based on the season and check your tire pressure, referring to your owner's manual for the recommended PSI
If you're in the market for a quality used vehicle with modern features and excellent fuel economy, visit us today! We carry a quality selection of vehicles in our used inventory, ready to be purchased from one of our various dealerships across Eastern Ontario. We invite customers from all walks of life, including those in Kingston, Cornwall, Napanee, Orléans, Carleton Place, and Ottawa or the surrounding areas of Renfrew, Perth, Pembroke, Kemptville, and Brooke in Ontario. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a test drive. We can't wait to hear from you!
