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Originally Posted by GTO DRIVING STYLE Choosing the right gear: Being in a higher gear at too low a speed, or in a lower gear at a very high speed increase your fuel consumption. It is important to shift up as early as possible without straining the engine. For most cars, the ideal shift point would be anywhere between 1500 2000 rpm. Maintain a constant speed: Varying speeds do not make the car as efficient as a constant speed will. Especially when out on the open road, try to maintain a consistent rate of travel. The Optimum speed: Aerodynamic resistance increases exponentially with speed. For e.g. at speeds over a 100 km/h, your car will consume a lot more fuel than at 80 90 km/h. Keep within this limit to maximize the FE of your car. |
I would like to add a couple of points to this well-thought-out list. All the three points quoted above are on target. Related to these points, I would like to add:
-- For maximum fuel economy, the optimal speed should be slightly above the minimum at which you can shift to highest possible gear. For example, in city driving on level terrain, I would say that you should try to maintain something like 45-60 kmph in a Santro, since you can shift to fifth at 45. If you drive around in fourth gear at 40 kmph, it would be less economical than driving at 45-60 in fifth. The idea is to stay at these speeds steadily for as long as possible in fifth gear. So if you don't like to overtake slow-moving vehicles like lorries or autos, then you may be driving around in third gear a lot of the time and your FE will suffer. But on the other hand, too much acceleration and braking is also bad, as pointed out.
-- Turn off AC if you don't need it; keep windows rolled up with only the fan on if the weather is cool enough.