Ameer Randolph
Driving an automatic car is easy, but it can be heavier on fuel than a manual. There are, however, several tricks and techniques to help you save fuel and money. Firstly, it is important to maintain your car and keep it in good condition. This includes regular servicing, checking tyre pressure, and changing the air filter when it gets dirty. When driving, it is best to avoid slamming on the brakes and accelerating suddenly. Instead, drive slowly and consistently, and use cruise control when appropriate.
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What You'll Learn
Reduce air-con usage, especially at lower speeds
One of the simplest ways to reduce fuel consumption in an automatic car is to reduce air-con usage, especially at lower speeds. Air conditioning increases fuel consumption, so it is recommended to use it sparingly. At lower speeds, it is more economical to roll down the windows instead of using the air conditioning. This is because running the air conditioning at low engine speeds creates an extra demand on the engine, making it work harder.
Research suggests that when driving at speeds of 50 mph or less, it is more fuel-efficient to open the windows. The drag caused by open windows at these lower speeds has a lesser impact on fuel consumption than the use of air conditioning. On the other hand, when driving at higher speeds, it is recommended to use the air conditioning system as the drag from open windows increases resistance, causing a greater impact on fuel efficiency.
In addition to reducing air-con usage, there are other techniques to improve fuel efficiency in automatic cars. These include maintaining proper tyre pressure, removing unnecessary weight or cargo, and driving smoothly by avoiding sudden accelerations or decelerations. By combining these practices with reduced air-con usage, drivers can further optimise their fuel efficiency.
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Maintain correct tyre pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is essential for improving fuel efficiency and saving money. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your car has to use more energy when you are moving. This is because underinflated tyres generate more friction and rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption. If your tyres are underinflated by 10 psi, your fuel efficiency could be reduced by up to 10%. Therefore, it is important to check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure that your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure for your car. You can use a tyre pressure tool to find the recommended pressure.
Tyre pressure monitoring systems can help you with this by letting you know if and which tyre needs topping up on air. This will help improve overall fuel efficiency. It is also important to be aware of any potential safety issues when inflating your tyres. For example, using a pressure gauge or pressure control device can help you inflate the tyre properly, but you should stand outside of the tyre's potential explosion trajectory.
In addition to maintaining correct tyre pressure, it is also important to remove unnecessary weight from your car. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel is needed to keep it moving. Every extra 50kg of weight in the car will increase fuel consumption by 1-2%. Therefore, only carry the essential items you need and avoid using your car as a storage space.
By following these tips and maintaining correct tyre pressure, you can improve your fuel efficiency and reduce fuel consumption in your automatic car.
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Avoid sudden braking and acceleration
Sudden braking and acceleration can increase fuel consumption and compromise vehicle safety. Here are some tips to avoid doing so:
Anticipate Traffic Flow and Plan Ahead
By looking ahead and anticipating the flow of traffic, you can avoid situations that require sudden braking or acceleration. For example, if you see a red light ahead, instead of keeping your foot on the accelerator until you are close to the light and then braking suddenly, take your foot off the accelerator earlier and gradually slow down. This way, you may not even need to come to a complete stop, as the light may change while you're still coasting. Similarly, when approaching a hill, start accelerating before you get to it, rather than waiting until you are climbing it. This will help you maintain a constant speed and avoid hard accelerations.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Tailgating, or following too closely behind the vehicle in front of you, often leads to sudden braking and acceleration. By maintaining a safe distance, you can avoid the need to constantly brake and accelerate, allowing you to cruise and save fuel. It is recommended to use the two-second rule to ensure a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving involves anticipating potential hazards and adjusting your driving accordingly. This may include slowing down when approaching intersections or potential obstacles, rather than relying solely on your brakes to avoid them. Driving defensively can help you avoid sudden braking and improve your overall fuel efficiency.
Use Cruise Control
Utilize the cruise control feature in your automatic car to maintain a constant speed, particularly on flat, straight roads. This will help you avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, improving your fuel economy.
Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, causing your car to use more energy and fuel. By ensuring your tyres are properly inflated, you can reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency. Regular tyre pressure checks and wheel alignments are important to maintain optimal fuel efficiency and vehicle safety.
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Drive at a constant speed
Driving at a constant speed is one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption in an automatic car. This is because your car requires more energy to increase speed than to maintain it. The faster your vehicle goes, the more wind resistance it experiences, and the more fuel it requires to sustain its speed.
Aggressive driving behaviours, such as speeding, rapid acceleration, and braking, can lower fuel economy by up to 33% on highways and 5% in urban areas, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Therefore, it is advisable to accelerate gently and pull away slowly. Additionally, avoid braking unless necessary, as even resting your foot lightly on the brake pedal can cause drag and negatively impact fuel economy.
Maintaining a steady speed is particularly beneficial on highways and freeways, where driving at a constant speed cancels out unnecessary acceleration. While cruise control can be useful in these scenarios, it is essential to note that using it on steep hills can increase fuel consumption. This is because the system attempts to keep your vehicle at a constant speed, which requires more fuel.
To achieve optimal fuel economy, it is recommended to drive between 50 and 90 km/h on highways. At speeds above 50 mph (approximately 80 km/h), gas mileage typically decreases significantly. Additionally, driving at a constant speed is easier when you plan your route to minimise the number of slowdowns and accelerations caused by congestion, junctions, interchanges, or traffic lights.
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Keep your car in good condition
Keeping your car in good condition is essential for reducing fuel consumption in an automatic car. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Regular servicing and maintenance are crucial for maintaining fuel efficiency. Schedule maintenance checks to ensure that all parts are in good working order and to prevent sludge and corrosion buildup, which can hinder the engine's performance. Regular servicing can improve fuel economy by up to 10%. During servicing, ensure that you use a good high-performance engine oil, as recommended by the manufacturer, to reduce friction in the engine and improve fuel economy.
Maintain proper tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure they are inflated to the recommended level. This can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tyres. Additionally, consider regular wheel alignments to ensure safer and more efficient driving.
Keep your air filter clean. A dirty air filter can impact fuel efficiency. Check your air filter regularly and replace it when necessary. A clean air filter ensures optimal airflow to the engine, contributing to better fuel combustion and, consequently, improved fuel efficiency.
Reduce air resistance. Minimise air resistance in and out of the engine by upgrading the engine and battery grounds. This can lead to increased spark strength and a more complete fuel mixture burn, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. Also, ensure that all body panels are in place, as they are designed for air control around the car.
Finally, some modern automatic cars have different drive programs or modes that can help improve fuel efficiency. Familiarise yourself with your car's settings and select the most efficient mode or program when possible.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to reduce fuel consumption in an automatic car. Firstly, avoid slamming on the brakes and try to maintain a constant speed by using cruise control. Secondly, reduce your air conditioning usage, especially at lower speeds. Thirdly, keep your tyres inflated to the correct pressure and remove any unnecessary weight from the car.
When driving an automatic car, even out your acceleration by gradually pressing down on the gas pedal instead of making sudden, jerky movements. Avoid braking suddenly by anticipating stops and easing off the accelerator to slow down. On the motorway, maintain a steady speed and avoid changing lanes, speeding up, and slowing down frequently.
Cruise control helps to reduce fuel consumption by maintaining a constant speed, which cancels out unnecessary acceleration. However, using cruise control on steep hills or slippery roads could increase fuel consumption as it will attempt to keep the vehicle at a constant speed, which may require more fuel.
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