How to Drive a Car for Maximum Fuel Efficiency?
4 Answers
Press the accelerator pedal gently, avoid sudden acceleration, minimize frequent switching between braking and starting, and try to maintain a steady speed. Do not keep the accelerator pedal in one position for extended periods. Adopting these good driving habits will maximize fuel efficiency. Apart from the vehicle's inherent displacement, fuel efficiency largely depends on the driver's habits. Poor driving habits not only waste fuel but also cause unnecessary damage to the vehicle. For example, some drivers tend to keep their left foot on the clutch pedal while driving, which not only accelerates clutch wear but also leads to unnecessary power loss. There is a common misconception: the idea that "coasting in neutral saves fuel" only applied to older carburetor-equipped vehicles. Many modern fuel-injected engine models do not benefit from this practice—in fact, it can increase fuel consumption. Coasting in neutral (especially at high speeds) reduces lubrication effectiveness in the transmission, which is detrimental to its longevity.
As a veteran driver with 20 years of experience, I have a lot to say about fuel economy. The most crucial thing is to control the throttle properly. Don't stomp on it when starting; pressing it one-third is enough. Once you feel the car picking up speed, ease off the throttle slightly and then gradually apply it again. In city driving, try to maintain a steady speed. When you see a red light 300 meters away, release the throttle and coast. Keeping your speed between 60-80 km/h is the most economical—once you exceed 110 km/h on the highway, fuel consumption spikes. In summer, remember to close the windows when using the AC, but opening them when it's not hot actually increases wind resistance. Clear out unnecessary items from the trunk, and check the tire pressure of all four tires monthly—underinflated tires can increase fuel consumption by 10%. Regularly change the engine oil and the three filters (air, oil, and fuel), as a well-maintained engine naturally saves fuel.
For my daily 30km one-way commute, I've summarized some practical tips. Before setting off, I always check traffic conditions on my phone and prefer taking a detour over crawling in traffic. While driving, I look ahead to anticipate the actions of the car in front and avoid sudden braking. In summer, I open the windows for ventilation for two minutes before turning on the AC, setting it at 24°C for optimal efficiency. If waiting at a red light for more than 30 seconds, I shift to neutral and never turn off the auto start-stop function. I make it a habit to record fuel consumption during refueling; a sudden increase prompts me to check tire pressure and air filters. Also, I never fill the tank completely, leaving a quarter empty to reduce weight. When parking, I choose shady spots to avoid overtaxing the AC with extra cooling.
When I first started driving, I used to burn a lot of fuel, but now I've learned better. The key is not to drive like a race car—press the accelerator gently and keep the RPM below 2,500. Maintain a three-second following distance to avoid sudden braking, which also saves brake pads. Using cruise control on highways saves about 5% more fuel than manual acceleration. Keep tire pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level—I always carry an electronic tire pressure gauge. I avoid carrying unnecessary items in the car, even limiting bottled water to half a case. During maintenance, I ask the mechanic to focus on cleaning the throttle body and fuel injectors, as carbon buildup can significantly increase fuel consumption. When using the AC, I start with recirculation mode to cool down faster, then switch to fresh air mode.
