Tips for Saving Fuel During Long Trips
A long journey by car will certainly consume more fuel than usual. Automatically, your expenses will increase, but this can be minimized by saving fuel through several actions that can reduce fuel consumption during the trip.
There are several factors that will be discussed in this article regarding car fuel savings, such as maintaining a steady speed, driving style, and so on.
Road Habits Matter More Than You Think
Many people think that whether a car is fuel-efficient or not is solely about the engine. In fact, how we press the pedal also plays a role. According to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a research institution under the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving can reduce fuel efficiency by about 15 to 30 percent at highway speeds. This means that two drivers with the same car can consume very different amounts of gasoline on the same route.
So before thinking about modifications or additives, start with the easiest thing to control, which is your driving style. Here are seven steps.
1. Maintain a Steady Speed
The engine works most efficiently at a constant speed. Every time you accelerate and then decelerate, the engine has to work harder to regain lost momentum. On a clear highway, choose a comfortable speed that complies with the applicable limits, and maintain it. Besides being more fuel-efficient, the journey also feels calmer and less tiring.
2. Avoid Sudden Acceleration and Braking
Accelerating hard when the green light turns on or braking hard at the last second are two habits that quietly drain gasoline. Get into the habit of reading the situation ahead. If you see a red light or vehicles slowing down far ahead, lift your foot off the gas pedal earlier and let the car coast slowly on its own. Braking becomes smoother, fuel consumption decreases, and brake pads last longer.
3. Ensure Tire Pressure Matches Manufacturer Recommendations
Under-inflated tires make the car feel heavier to move, requiring more power from the engine. Before departing, check the pressure of all tires, including the spare tire. The correct numbers are usually listed on a sticker on the driver's door pillar or in the manual, not the maximum number printed on the tire wall. Tires with the right pressure are also safer and more stable at high speeds.
4. Reduce Unnecessary Cargo Weight
We often carry "just in case" items that end up unused throughout the journey. The heavier the load, the more power the engine needs. Check your luggage and cabin before leaving, and remove items that are not necessary. If you are using a roof box, also consider whether it is truly needed, as a box on the roof adds wind resistance when the car is moving fast.
5. Ensure Engine Condition and Perform Regular Maintenance
A well-maintained engine burns fuel more efficiently. Ensure the oil meets specifications, the filter is in good condition, and the spark plugs are functioning properly. Perform regular maintenance according to the schedule in the Daihatsu manual, especially before long trips. Also, do not ignore warning lights on the dashboard, as small issues left unattended can lead to increased fuel consumption and more expensive repairs.
6. Use AC Wisely
The AC does provide comfort, especially on hot routes, but its compressor also draws power from the engine. It doesn't need to be turned off completely. Just set the temperature to a comfortable level, not the coldest, and use the fan speed moderately. When the outside air is cool, such as in mountainous areas or during rain, you can open the windows or use regular ventilation for a while. At high speeds, however, opening the windows wide actually increases air resistance, so use the AC reasonably.
7. Plan Your Route to Avoid Traffic
Getting stuck in traffic means the engine is running but the car is barely moving, which is pure waste. Before leaving, check traffic conditions via map apps, then choose the route and departure time that is the smoothest. Leaving earlier or avoiding rush hours often saves both fuel and time. Also, plan rest stops and gas stations along the route so you don't have to detour or search when the tank is nearly empty.
Read Also: Choose Between Short Traffic or Long but Smooth Journey? Check the Pros and Cons
Fuel Savings Start with Preparation
An economical long journey doesn't require complicated tricks. Just maintain speed, drive smoothly, ensure tires and the engine are in prime condition, carry only what is necessary, use the AC wisely, and plan your route carefully. If all of these are done together, the results will be felt in your gas station receipts.
Finally, to ensure your savings are measurable and not just a feeling, get into the habit of recording and calculating your car's fuel consumption regularly. From there, you can see how much change is produced by new habits on the road.
