Save On Fuel
At Titan we believe in keeping your fuel system as clean as possible by removing dirt which has built up over a period of time. This allows your engine to burn fuel more efficiently and this helps reduce your fuel usage. It is especially helpful if your vehicle is over 3 years old, but we recommended to do it yearly.
When you bring your vehicle in for a service with us this is part of the checks we do, but there are some things you can do as well to make the most of your fuel.
Tyre Pressure
Ensuring your tyre pressure is optimal for your vehicle can make a world of difference to your fuel economy. For the manufacturer of your car, get the owners manual and look up tyre pressure values and take it to either a fuel station tyre pressure pump, or if you have your own use that.
Be careful though as there are usually two optimal tyre pressures; Half Load or Full Load. Ensuring you select the correct pressure for the load you will find that your fuel efficiency is at its best.
Reduce Weight
If you have more weight in your car, the more work the engine has to do, thus increasing how much fuel you use. Remove anything from the vehicle which is not absolutely necessary.
Reduce Drag
Cars are designed to be aerodynamic and reduce drag and increase performance. In today’s lifestyles we tend to add items to the car when we go somewhere or on holiday. Don’t leave your roof-box or racks on the vehicle, these increase drag a great deal.
Journey Planning
If your planning on a long journey which allows for flexibility, plan it as best possible. Travelling at times when there is less traffic improves your fuel efficiency by reducing how much you start and stop. Not all cases can be planned for, but it will make a difference.
Turn Off Your Air Conditioning
Your air conditioning can end up costing you more, turn it off and you will find you get more miles to the gallon. This also includes any other electronics in the car. If they are not necessary for safety, turn them off and see the difference.
Change Gear Early
When changing gear you tend to use your ears for the sound of the engine to change gear. Try to change gear earlier rather than over revving the engine to change. Those extra revs use extra fuel which is not necessary.
Engine Start Stop
If you have a more up to date car, you may have some engine efficiency tools at your disposal. Switch it on, as it is designed to save fuel when stopping at lights or very busy junctions. It essentially puts the engine in to a sleep mode which can be started easily by dropping the clutch and putting it in to gear.
Speed Limits
Believe it or not speed limits just don’t help with safety, they help with fuel usage also. If you are fortunate enough to have cruise control in your vehicle, switch it on and use it as you drive. The engine management system will take control of keeping it at that maximum speed and uses fuel extremely efficiently.
Read The Road
Constantly look ahead on the road to see what is happening. Keeping your car moving rather stopping and starting can save 0.1 mpg at a time. The stopping and starting massively effects fuel use. When approaching an incline fuel usage is better before approaching the incline, so get your vehicle up to speed before hitting the hill.
Use Gravity
When driving along, instead of keeping your foot pressed on the accelerator, it is better to top up your speed. Gravity assists you slightly here by pushing you along even though you tend to slow down. The top ups help preserve fuel usage unless tackling a hill.