Easy tips to reduce fuel consumption

If you’re worried about fuel costs, want to minimise the environmental impact of driving or both, you’re probably wondering what are the easiest things you can do that will reduce fuel consumption.

Did you know? Fuel consumption rates and carbon emissions are growing at alarming rates. Since 1970, the world’s fuel consumption has more than doubled.

Small changes to the way you drive, as well as a bit more care for your car and how you use it are the main things that will visibly reduce fuel consumption and maximise how much Uber drivers earn. Especially as an Uber driver on the busy streets Australian cities, it will save you money and time otherwise spent taking more rides. The safest bet is to drive an electric car. But if fuel is your current choice, here are a few easy tips to help you improve your car’s efficiency and help save some money along the way.

1. Regular car maintenance

Change the engine oil

A healthy engine is also the most cost-effective engine. Check and change your engine oil regularly, to increase fuel economy.

Check tyre pressure

If your tyres are not properly inflated, it will lead to more rolling resistance, therefore more fuel burn. Check the pressure in your tyres at least once a month.

Change the engine air filters

Remember to keep your air filters clean and change them at least as often as mentioned in your car manual. This will prevent your engine from choking and it will reduce fuel consumption.

2. Driving style and behaviour

Accelerate progressively, not aggressively

When you accelerate very quickly, it makes your engine not only work overtime, but burn a lot more. Your engine uses less fuel when it’s revolving slower, so what will reduce fuel consumption is using the acceleration pedal gently at all times.

Brake gently

When you slam your brakes, you also prepare to accelerate again, which increases fuel consumption. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and push that brake slowly.

Drive in the correct gear

This is one of the biggest reasons for high fuel consumption, especially in crowded urban areas. Driving in the highest possible gear when appropriate, while keeping the speed limit will massively reduce how much fuel your car burns, because your engine will go through less revolutions per minute (RPM) each time.

Drive at a slower speed

Driving slow could save between 12-14% on fuel. It’s a lot safer, too, because you have time to anticipate and better observe the environment around you. As an Uber driver in cities across Australia, this should be easy to do.

TIP: Smooth and predictive driving is one of the best ways to massively reduce fuel consumption and save money.

Turn off your engine when idle

Turn off your engine while you’re waiting for your passengers for more than a minute or two, or while you’re stuck at stops in traffic congestion. This could help save up to 19% on fuel.

Reduce the weight

One of the easiest things to do to reduce fuel consumption is to make your car as light as possible by getting rid of any unnecessary items. To give you an idea, every extra 50kg your car puts on increases fuel consumption by 2%.

Do one round trip rather than several short trips

This is a great tip especially if you’re an Uber driver. Once the engine is warm, it will run most efficiently, instead of repeatedly going through cold starts. Consider combining journeys and save both fuel and money.

Take the most fuel-efficient route

Especially during rush hour, stop-start traffic puts a lot of strain on your engine and, as a result, increases fuel consumption. Use driver apps to choose the best route for your pick-ups and destinations, depending on the current traffic conditions.

3. Using your AC wisely

The air conditioning system uses fuel and because it’s your car’s biggest auxiliary feature, it definitely impacts fuel consumption. But if you use it wisely, following a few tips, you can actually help reduce the amount of fuel needed. Here are some ideas:

Keep your windows down when driving at low speeds

When you’re driving at 50mph or less, turn off the AC and open the windows to cool down. However, when you’re on the highway and driving at high speeds, use the AC. In this case, it’s more economical, because open windows create more drag and thus increase the load on your engine.

Park in the shade

Try to find a parking spot outside of direct sunlight, whether it’s covered parking or just the shade of a tree or a building.

Ventilate your car before turning on the AC

Drive with the windows open for a short time before using the AC. Letting hot air out of the car first will help your vehicle cool faster, put less demand on your AC system, and that means less fuel consumption.

Start it in low and use the recirculation mode

Most automatic AC systems start low and increase the fan speed gradually until the car reaches the set temperature. You should try to mimic that if you have a manual system, as it’s better for both your passengers and your car. Get in the habit of checking the air recirculation button every time you start the AC. It shuts out the hot air and eases the load on your AC, meaning a more pleasant ride, less fuel consumption, and longer compressor life.

Turn on your AC occasionally, even during the cold season

Using your air conditioning regularly may add a bit to your fuel cost, but it will save you a ton on maintenance. If you let it sit for too long it may start leaking coolant and lose efficiency, or in the worst case, stop working completely. Start your AC even in the cold season, at least for ten minutes every other week or so. By doing so, you mix the coolant and move it around the system, helping keep the compressor, the heat exchanger and the gaskets in good condition.

About Splend

Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and stress less into one affordable weekly payment. It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be.

For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.