Tips to Lower Fuel Consumption

If there’s one thing that seems to keep going up in cost, it’s fuel. As it’s such an essential part of everyday life, we all accept that we have to pay for the pleasure of driving our cars. But what can you do to keep the price of motoring down and lower your fuel consumption? Here are some top tips to ensure you get the most kilometres for your money.

Accelerate and brake smoothly

If you have a ‘heavy foot’ when it comes to accelerating or braking, that could be really eating into your fuel consumption figures. Smoother acceleration and braking result in better fuel economy and a better driving experience.

Drive to the speed limit

It may be tempting to push the speed limit on the open road. But in reality, that could not only get you a speeding ticket, but it'll empty your fuel tank faster, too. Keep to the speed limits, and you'll save money all round.

Think about a hybrid

Stop-start city driving can be tough on your fuel economy. If you do a lot of commuting or around-town driving, think about swapping your current petrol car for a hybrid option like a Toyota Yaris or a RAV-4 hybrid. By using electric power on those short city trips and then switching to your petrol tank for the longer journeys, you can reduce your fuel consumption.

Use cruise control on long journeys

Cruise control means that your car is travelling at a constant speed with no acceleration. This reduces the amount of work your engine has to do, which in turn cuts down on the amount of fuel it needs.

Try to avoid idling in traffic

Stuck in a traffic jam? If you think you’re going to be there for a while, turn your engine off if it is safe to do so. If you’re not moving but the engine is still running, your fuel efficiency hits an all-time low.

Keep the windows closed

One of the ways to improve fuel efficiency is to turn the AC off. That's not practical in the Middle East, where temperatures soar, especially in the summer. But what you can do is make sure everything is working as efficiently as possible by keeping the windows closed and using your AC sparingly. Shutting the windows also improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics, making it lighter on the fuel gauge.

Keep your tyres at the correct pressure

Not only is keeping your tyres at the correct pressure a significant safety feature, but it can also have a considerable effect on your fuel efficiency. Check the manufacturer's recommended pressure and keep your tyres correctly inflated and checked regularly. If you're not sure if your tyres are properly balanced and fitted, drop into the Toyota Service Center and talk to one of our technicians, who will be happy to help.

Keep the weight down

That extra suitcase for a weekend away can make all the difference to your fuel efficiency. A lighter vehicle is more economical, which is why Toyota Yaris, which is 200kg lighter than its predecessors, is so much easier on the fuel tank.

Regular maintenance keeps your vehicle more fuel efficient

Regular servicing and the correct maintenance will make a massive difference to the reliability and running of your car. At Toyota UAE, we offer full car servicing to our customers, providing a comprehensive list of checks to make sure your Toyota is running smoothly.

All of these tips are easy to fit into your daily schedule and could mean that you end up spending a lot less on fuel.