10 ways to reduce fuel consumption (2024)

FAQs

What to do to reduce fuel consumption? ›

The popular U.S. television show MythBusters investigated several fuel-saving devices using gasoline- and diesel-powered fuel-injected cars under controlled circ*mstances. Fuel line magnets, which supposedly align the fuel molecules so they burn better, were tested and found to make no difference in fuel consumption.

A car uses less fuel when travelling at a constant low speed in an appropriate high gear. You need to look well ahead so you're able to anticipate hazards early. Easing off the accelerator and timing your approach at junctions, for example, can reduce the fuel consumption of your vehicle.

One of the keys to saving fuel is driving at a constant speed, cruise control can do this effectively on flat surfaces, making your driving as fuel efficient as possible by negating unnecessary acceleration.

The formula for fuel consumption is Distance Driven ÷ Fuel Used. A car's fuel consumption is a measure of the miles or kilometers driven per gallon or liter of fuel.

So not only does fuel saving help save you money and benefit the environment, but it can also reduce the costs related to vehicle repair and lessen the number of times you need to replace existing vehicles.

Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Anticipate traffic situations and maintain adequate spacing between vehicles to avoid unneces- sary braking and acceleration.

► Avoid prolonged idling in general. If your car will be stopped for more than 60 seconds, shut off the engine to save fuel. Many newer cars have automatic engine stop-start systems that do this. ► When driving in town, adjust your speed to “time” the traffic lights.

The cost of gas is always on the minds of drivers, so we decided to weigh in on products that promise better fuel economy. We have tested three: Fuel Genie, Platinum Gas Saver, and Tornado. Our advice: Don't waste your money. They don't work.

Do magnets on fuel lines work? ›

Do fuel treatment magnets really work? While we make no scientific claims about their use, several of us have tried this on various vehicles with varying degrees of success. On 4 of the 6 vehicles tested, the regular driver noted improved fuel mileage by 1/2 to 2 miles per gallon.

Good driving habits can help improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Avoid slamming on the accelerator pedal or braking late. Keeping a steady speed is way more efficient than keeping your foot on the accelerator. Acceleration takes more fuel because your engine has to put in more work.

Slow down! Driving at high speeds is going to empty your fuel tank in no time - if you're regularly driving over 65mph you'll be burning excess fuel as the car works harder to fight drag. The harder you press the pedals, the more fuel you're using. Try to accelerate and brake smoothly where you can to get better MPG.

The most common of these is to use gentle acceleration and the highest gear possible. The harder you accelerate, the more fuel your car has to burn. That means pulling away quickly will cost you. Rather than putting your foot hard down each time, you need to go faster, try a more gentle approach.

Avoid Unnecessary Idling

To ensure it doesn't translate to a hefty fuel cost, turn off your engine while you're waiting in traffic or are stationary at a red light to save fuel. Pro tip: Avoid turning off your engine at every red light; do it only when the wait time is more than 10 seconds.