Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Ford Survey Reveals How Eco-Driving Can Cut Up To 25 Percent Of Your Fuel Bill
In a recent survey by Ford Motor Company, Indian drivers were asked about their driving habits and fuel efficiency knowledge.
Poor driving habits can reduce fuel efficiency of your vehicle. As buyers purchase fuel efficient vehicles in large numbers to save cost and benefit the environment; however, few know that good driving habits are the best way to economise.
In a recent survey by Ford Motor Company, Indian drivers were asked about their driving habits and fuel efficiency knowledge.
Here is what Ford's survey revealed about the driving habits and how it hampers fuel efficiency of your car:
When Indian drivers were asked their driving habits, 95 percent stated that they knew how to drive their car for maximum fuel efficiency, and 96 percent said they make a concerted effort to drive efficiently on a daily basis. The survey covered 9,500 drivers across 11 markets in Asia Pacific, including 1,023 Indian respondents.
The survey has investigated the impact of driving style on fuel consumption and CO2 per kilometre driven and found that by choosing an eco-driving style, drivers can cut both their fuel bill and their emissions by as much as 25 percent as opposed to 'normal-average' driving behaviour. Small changes to the way you drive can have a significant influence on fuel economy.
"People go to extraordinary lengths to save money, but then they jump in their cars and waste fuel," said Adam Smith, Vehicle Energy Management Engineering Manager and one of Ford's top fuel efficiency experts in Asia Pacific. "Eco-driving not only saves you fuel and money, but it also benefits the environment and can make our roads safer for everyone."
Here are some simple tips offered by Ford Motor Co. that can help you be a greener, more fuel efficient driver:
Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving such as fast acceleration, speeding and braking can decrease your fuel mileage significantly. Therefore accelerate smoothly, brake softer and earlier, and stay in a single lane while it's safe to do so. Not only do these driving techniques save fuel, but they can also extend the life of your brakes and tires.
Slow Down
Speeding consumes lots of fuel. By driving 90km/h instead of 100km/h, you can increase your fuel efficiency by up to 10-15 percent. Also, try for a constant speed. Pumping the accelerator sends extra fuel into the engine, exhausting the tank faster. Using cruise control whenever possible on the highway helps maintain speed and save fuel.
No Idling
Today's powertrains don't need a warm up. Start the car quickly and gently drive away. Don't leave your car idling. Extended idling increases emissions and wastes fuel. Turn the engine off whenever it is safe to do so, such as when stationary for more than 30 seconds. This avoids excessive energy consumption of an idle running engine.
Remove Unnecessary Cargo
Reducing the amount of luggage you keep in your boot or back seat can increase your fuel efficiency as less energy is needed for acceleration. Try to travel as light as possible, keep only the most essential items (like an emergency kit, jumper cables, a small toolset, and a small jack) in the car.
Reduce Aerodynamic Drag
Your vehicle is designed for excellent aerodynamics - but attaching a large carrier or bike to the roof adds more wind resistance. If you spend lots of time travelling on the highway or are planning a long trip, try to carry extra items inside the vehicle or attached to the rear. Also, by keeping your windows and sunroof closed can lower wind resistance. You will have less drag and better fuel economy.
Only Use A/C On The Highway
Your fuel economy decreases by up to 15 percent when you utilise the air conditioner at low speeds. So if it isn't too hot, turn off the air conditioner when driving around town, and roll down your windows instead. However, at 90km/h or higher, using the air conditioner is favoured compared to open windows for two reasons: Your vehicle has much weaker wind resistance with the windows closed. And because the engine delivers more power at higher revs, it's able to manage accessories like the A/C compressor more efficiently.
Use Cruise Control
Initiating your cruise control keeps you from mindlessly driving faster and with lower fuel efficiency, maintains a constant speed, and won't use additional fuel while accelerating. Try to set your cruise control at your vehicle's most fuel-efficient speed, as long as it's at or below the legal limit.
Combine Trips
Many short trips will use more fuel than a single, longer trip. So when you have to drive for errands, get as many completed as you can in one trip to increase your fuel economy.
DriveSpark Thinks!
The Ford survey and the subsequent tips on how eco-driving can slash your fuel bill by 25 percent are the right way forward for a better and increased fuel efficiency.
Continue with Google