Automobiles are meant to provide safe and
comfortable travel at a minimum possible time and cost. In order to achieve desired performance, many aspects
are to be considered.
Construction Aspect
(1) It is the basic knowledge that the use of low engine capacity vehicles instead of heavy and more fuel consuming vehicles is economical. Front wheel drive vehicles have significant advantage with regard to fuel efficiency. Turbo charged engines generate more power compared to normally aspirated engines and better fuel mileage can be achieved. Hybrid motor vehicles are among the best performers in fuel economy.
(2) All extra weights such as hood racks, roller bars, canopies and other body parts will contribute to the cost of fuel. Light weight components made of aluminium alloys, glass or carbon fiber and plastic material will lower the dynamic weight.
(3) Aerodynamic body design and use of body fixtures such as spoilers, bumpers, bumper lips, side skirts will help streamline the air flow along the body and reduces air resistance. Spoilers will make the air flow turbulent at the rear end and reduces drag at high speed. Both conditions reduce power needed at high speed and save fuel.
(4) Use of over size rims will increase fuel consumption. Always standard size rims are recommended for dynamic stability, power and fuel economy. Use of standard size light weight aluminium alloy rims will improve drive power and fuel efficiency.
Mechanical Aspect
(1) Common mechanical defects that cause excessive fuel consumption are clutch slipping, brakes dragging, wheel misalignment, engine misfiring, insufficient cylinder compression, tight bearings or piston rings, clogged air cleaner and leaking or clogging exhaust.
(2) Diesel engines and petrol engines (fuel injection) may show excessive fuel consumption when injector pump or fuel injectors are defective. Similarly carburetor defects such as partially open choke valve, high idle speed, over rich mixture, worn jets will result in excessive petrol consumption.
(3) Fuel injection petrol engines will consume more fuel when,
(A) Fuel system pressure incorrect
(B) Cold start injector leaking
(C) Temperature sensor defective
(D) Air flow meter defective
(E) CO concentration incorrectly set.
(4) Under inflated tires will increase fuel consumption due to higher friction between tires and the road. Over inflated tires will lower the fuel consumption subject to high risk factor and results in uneven tire wear.
(5) Use of excessively viscous engine oil will increase engine friction and causes reduced power with higher fuel consumption.
(6)Enzymatic Fuel Treatment (EFT) will improve fuel mileage significantly. Besides, EFT will provide easier starting, less carbon deposits and black smoke, clean plugs or nozzles, reduced engine knock and results in extended engine life time.
(7) Nano Technology products such as Nano Fuel Saver (NFS) has practically shown saving in fuel up to about 20 % on both petrol and diesel. NFS is a flexible part clipped around the fuel line that needs no power to operate.
Driving Aspect
(1) Keep all shutters closed to reduce wind resistance when driving.
(2) Minimize the use of brakes. Take maximum benefit of the rolling resistance to slow down the vehicle. Braking wastes tires, brake pads and energy generated by fuel.
(3) Always drive at an average speed of 50 to 60 kmph in top gear when road condition permits. Running too fast will increase fuel consumption. Do not drive in neutral gear to save fuel. It will loose control over the vehicle.
(4) Never race up the vehicle unnecessarily. Sudden acceleration is also consumes more fuel. Learn to accelerate gradually.
(5) Always avoid heavy traffic as far as possible. Idling in traffic jams will waste fuel. Make a habit to stop the engine in heavy traffic, railway crossings etc.
(6) Good road conditions support fuel economy. Driving in rough or rutted roads in low gears will consume more fuel.
(7) Do not rest foot on the clutch pedal when driving. This practice will wear away clutch fork and bearing also. Little depressed clutch may reduce the drive supplied to the wheels and causes loss of power.
(8) As for hybrid vehicles, downhill driving in B gear position will charge the battery and later selecting EV (Electric Vehicle) mode will run the vehicle only on battery. Proper planning will help save fuel.
Construction Aspect
(1) It is the basic knowledge that the use of low engine capacity vehicles instead of heavy and more fuel consuming vehicles is economical. Front wheel drive vehicles have significant advantage with regard to fuel efficiency. Turbo charged engines generate more power compared to normally aspirated engines and better fuel mileage can be achieved. Hybrid motor vehicles are among the best performers in fuel economy.
(2) All extra weights such as hood racks, roller bars, canopies and other body parts will contribute to the cost of fuel. Light weight components made of aluminium alloys, glass or carbon fiber and plastic material will lower the dynamic weight.
(3) Aerodynamic body design and use of body fixtures such as spoilers, bumpers, bumper lips, side skirts will help streamline the air flow along the body and reduces air resistance. Spoilers will make the air flow turbulent at the rear end and reduces drag at high speed. Both conditions reduce power needed at high speed and save fuel.
(4) Use of over size rims will increase fuel consumption. Always standard size rims are recommended for dynamic stability, power and fuel economy. Use of standard size light weight aluminium alloy rims will improve drive power and fuel efficiency.
Mechanical Aspect
(1) Common mechanical defects that cause excessive fuel consumption are clutch slipping, brakes dragging, wheel misalignment, engine misfiring, insufficient cylinder compression, tight bearings or piston rings, clogged air cleaner and leaking or clogging exhaust.
(2) Diesel engines and petrol engines (fuel injection) may show excessive fuel consumption when injector pump or fuel injectors are defective. Similarly carburetor defects such as partially open choke valve, high idle speed, over rich mixture, worn jets will result in excessive petrol consumption.
(3) Fuel injection petrol engines will consume more fuel when,
(A) Fuel system pressure incorrect
(B) Cold start injector leaking
(C) Temperature sensor defective
(D) Air flow meter defective
(E) CO concentration incorrectly set.
(4) Under inflated tires will increase fuel consumption due to higher friction between tires and the road. Over inflated tires will lower the fuel consumption subject to high risk factor and results in uneven tire wear.
(5) Use of excessively viscous engine oil will increase engine friction and causes reduced power with higher fuel consumption.
(6)Enzymatic Fuel Treatment (EFT) will improve fuel mileage significantly. Besides, EFT will provide easier starting, less carbon deposits and black smoke, clean plugs or nozzles, reduced engine knock and results in extended engine life time.
(7) Nano Technology products such as Nano Fuel Saver (NFS) has practically shown saving in fuel up to about 20 % on both petrol and diesel. NFS is a flexible part clipped around the fuel line that needs no power to operate.
Driving Aspect
(1) Keep all shutters closed to reduce wind resistance when driving.
(2) Minimize the use of brakes. Take maximum benefit of the rolling resistance to slow down the vehicle. Braking wastes tires, brake pads and energy generated by fuel.
(3) Always drive at an average speed of 50 to 60 kmph in top gear when road condition permits. Running too fast will increase fuel consumption. Do not drive in neutral gear to save fuel. It will loose control over the vehicle.
(4) Never race up the vehicle unnecessarily. Sudden acceleration is also consumes more fuel. Learn to accelerate gradually.
(5) Always avoid heavy traffic as far as possible. Idling in traffic jams will waste fuel. Make a habit to stop the engine in heavy traffic, railway crossings etc.
(6) Good road conditions support fuel economy. Driving in rough or rutted roads in low gears will consume more fuel.
(7) Do not rest foot on the clutch pedal when driving. This practice will wear away clutch fork and bearing also. Little depressed clutch may reduce the drive supplied to the wheels and causes loss of power.
(8) As for hybrid vehicles, downhill driving in B gear position will charge the battery and later selecting EV (Electric Vehicle) mode will run the vehicle only on battery. Proper planning will help save fuel.