How to Save Fuel with an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
Here are some tips on how to save fuel with an automatic transmission: 1. Shift gears appropriately. Generally, the basic gears of an automatic transmission car are P, R, N, and D. Proper use of the automatic gearshift can help save fuel more efficiently. 2. Don't keep the car in "D" gear at red lights. Keeping it in D gear increases clutch friction. Instead, shift to "N" gear when waiting at a red light. This can save about "0.2%" of fuel each time, and your foot can also be removed from the brake pedal, reducing fatigue. 3. Avoid sudden acceleration. Since automatic transmissions shift gears automatically with a certain interval, avoid stomping on the accelerator, as this increases fuel consumption. Instead, press the accelerator smoothly and increase the throttle only after the speed has picked up. 4. Avoid sudden braking. Harsh braking increases fuel consumption. Therefore, maintain a steady speed while driving and use gentle braking whenever possible. Especially during the vehicle's break-in period, avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause excessive wear on the brake pads. 5. Coast downhill in D gear. Many experienced drivers think coasting in neutral saves fuel, but it not only doesn't save fuel but also increases risks. A more fuel-efficient approach is to coast downhill at a certain speed while keeping the car in D gear and releasing the accelerator pedal, allowing the engine to automatically cut off fuel. 6. Don't use D gear for uphill climbs. When climbing a hill in D gear, the car requires more power, making it laborious and fuel-consuming. The correct approach is to shift to "L" gear while climbing, which restricts the car to a lower gear, providing greater power. 7. Lock the gear promptly. When driving on winding and steep mountain roads, lock the gear to 3rd or OD to prevent frequent gear shifts by the transmission. This saves fuel and protects the transmission. The same applies to other special road conditions—choose the appropriate gear based on the situation.
Driving an automatic transmission car to save fuel is actually quite simple. After driving for over a decade, I've summarized a few key points. Be gentle with the accelerator pedal—avoid flooring it when starting, and maintaining the RPM around 2000 is the most economical. Observe road conditions in advance; when you see a red light from a distance, ease off the throttle to coast, and minimizing brake use can save a lot of fuel. Also, pay attention to tire pressure—check it monthly, and keeping it 0.1 bar above the standard value can reduce rolling resistance. Don’t set the AC too high; in summer, open the windows first to ventilate before closing them and turning on the AC for better efficiency. Lastly, avoid piling unnecessary items in the car—clearing out the trunk can reduce weight by 10 kg, and over time, a full tank of gas could last an extra 30–50 km.
