29 November 2017 · Motoring Tips & Advice
Fuel Economy Tips | Phil Gilbert Hyundai
1. Slow Down, You Move Too Fast
Aerodynamic drag cause fuel consumption to increase significantly over 90 km/h. At 110 km/h your car uses up to 25 per cent more fuel than it would traveling at 90 km/h. If your car is fitted with cruise control using it during motorway driving to help to maintain a target speed that will save fuel.
2. (Don’t) Carry That Weight
Weight has a major effect on fuel economy. Reducing weight is one of the most important challenges currently being addressed by automakers. And it’s easily reversed by a driver who is carrying around extra weight inside the boot like golf clubs, sporting goods, or other heavy items.
3. Rack City
Roof racks are great for carrying bikes, canoes, or other items that you don’t want inside your vehicle. However, anything that disrupts the smooth flow of air over, under and around your car will have a negative effect on fuel consumption. Remember to remove the roof rack on your car or SUV if you’re not using it.
4. Breathe Me
Regularly inspecting and, if required, changing the engine air filter will have a positive effect on fuel economy. A filter that's partly blocked with dust or debris will reduce your engine's ability to breathe efficiently, and as a result will have to work harder and use more fuel.
5. Smooth Operator
One of the biggest factors in achieving efficient fuel economy results is in our own hands, or perhaps better stated, in your right foot. If you can resist the urge accelerator quickly, and be more gradual in your driving, you’ll save petrol and of course money.
6. Under Pressure
Always keep your tyres inflated per the manufactures recommendations. Tyres loose pressures through temperature changes and with normal driving – up to two psi per month. Driving on pressures below those recommended will overheat the tires causing premature wear. Should the pressure drop enough you greatly increase the risk of a tyre failure while driving.
7. Hot, Hot, Hot
Vehicles are least fuel efficient and most polluting on short trips. The vehicle’s catalytic converter, a key emissions device, does not function properly until it has reached about 300 degrees C, which requires about five kilometres of driving. If you combine your errands into one trip rather than several you will save both time and petrol.
8. Midnight Oil
Oil has become extremely complicated in the past few years. Not only are there different brands and formulations, but the range of oil weights has increased as well as carmakers’ standards. Carmakers are now using very lightweight oil to reduce friction and improve efficiency. While it seems like you’ll get more protection from heavier weight oil, resist the temptation. A heavier weight oil than recommended by the carmaker will actually reduce engine efficiency.
9. Cool Change
Air conditioners can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent when operating. However, at speeds of over 80 km/h, the use of air conditioning is better a better choice for optimising fuel consumption than an open window. The open window creates aerodynamic drag that increases petrol consumption more than air conditioning.
10. Idle Moments
Switch off the engine when you’re in a queue or waiting on someone until you need to drive. Many newer cars have a fuel-saving automatic stop-start functionality incorporated into the vehicle.
To make sure your Hyundai is in peak operating condition Phil Gilbert Hyundai has complete Service Departments at both its Croydon and Lidcombe locations staffed by factory trained technicians. To learn more about maintaining your Hyundai, all Phil Gilbert Hyundai customers are invited to attend a free Car Care Clinic conducted periodically at both locations.
