How much fuel a car uses is based primarily on the vehicle you use. Fortunately, Toyotas have a great history of low gas mileage. Things can always be improved, though, and there are several ways in which you can reduce your consumption.
By reducing the fuel quantity you use, you save a lot of money in the long run and you also contribute to a cleaner, less polluted atmosphere around you. Here are some ways you can significantly reduce your gas consumption.
Not rushing when trying to drive somewhere is a good idea for a number of reasons. Not only will you have fewer chances of getting into an accident and be more relaxed at the end of your trip, but also you will have used a lot less fuel.
Driving fast, aggressively putting your foot on the gas pedal, and braking at the last moment will significantly increase your fuel usage. On the other hand, being a calm driver, not going over the speed limit, and keeping sudden moves to a minimum will lower your fuel consumption by as much as 40 percent. Also, as any experienced driver will tell you, rushing through city traffic won’t get you there much faster.
Watch the Car’s Weight and Aerodynamics
Another factor that has a significant impact on your mpg is getting rid of unnecessary items that increase the car’s weight. It’s very convenient to leave things like the wrench set or the golf clubs in the trunk, but over a long period of time, they will all make an impact on how much fuel you use.
The car’s aerodynamics also plays a major role. A cargo rack on your roof greatly increases wind resistance, making it harder for the engine to push the car forward. Open car windows or an open sunroof has the same effect. While having less impact when driving bumper to bumper, it’s still a major fuel thief on long drives.
Plan Your Drives and Avoid Rush Hour
It may sound obvious, but it is surprising how often you take more trips than you should and drive at totally inconvenient hours. There are some things that you cannot avoid, but if you plan ahead of time, you will realize that you can be more efficient with your drives. So, look ahead at the trips you have to take and group them geographically so you have as little distance as possible between them.
Whenever possible, avoid the peak hours of mornings and afternoons, those few hours when everybody’s either going to work or going home from work. Idling in a traffic jam is not good for your fuel efficiency.
Today’s cars are getting more and more fuel efficient. Technology has brought us hybrid and electric cars. These vehicles are created with efficiency in mind and do a great job of consuming as little gas as possible. However, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do our part in burning less fuel and making the world a cleaner place.
Image via pixabay by Skitterphoto. Used with permission via CC0 1.0 / cropped from original
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