While the Christmas season is all about giving and celebrating the birthday of Jesus Christ, many folks usually take the opportunity to go on a roadtrip to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. To fully enjoy your rest and relaxation, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to practice a bit of fuel-efficient driving while you’re at it.
Yes, driving efficiently while heading out of town saves you the shock of high fuel bills. Moreover, studies by Ford Motor Company reveal that such driving habits can save as much as 25 percent fuel and cut down on harmful emissions.
So how does one drive in an eco-friendly manner, you ask?
- One way to do so is to plan your route. Avoid short, unnecessary trips and too many stops. Best to combine those trips.
- Drive smoothly and slow down. Avoid rapid, aggressive acceleration and sudden braking. Not only does this waste fuel but it also adds to wear and tear of parts like brake pads and the like. Speed up gently until your reach a constant cruising speed. And it would be best to maintain that speed. No need to rush. You’ll get to your destination just the same.
- Avoid idling the engine. If you’re going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, it would be best to shut off the engine to save on precious fuel. Yes, idling wastes fuel and adds to harmful emissions.
- Remove unnecessary weight and reduce drag. While many of us love to use our vehicles as mobile closets, such a practice only adds to our fuel bills. Only keep the essential stuff in your vehicle and remove the clutter. Apart from this, help reduce wind drag by closing the windows while on the highway. If you can avoid it, don’t succumb to the temptation of installing roof racks or the like. All these simply add to the engine’s workload and fuel consumption.
These are just a few simple hacks to help you save fuel this holiday season and all year round. Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
