Fuel Efficiency Tips

While one won’t be able to control ever rising fuel prices, there are a few simple things one can do to increase the fuel efficiency, and even an improvement of just one or two kilometers per liter can really add up.

How to check?      
The recommended way to check fuel efficiency of the car is to fill, to reach the full tank level (auto-full), next note down odometer reading at that point. After driving for a few hundred kilometers top up with fuel to reach full tank level (auto-full) and note down the odometer reading once again. The difference in the two odometer readings divided by the quantity of fuel needed to top up the tank the second time will give the exact fuel efficiency. For example - If the difference in two odometer readings is 357 kilometers and the fuel quantity used for topping up fuel tank the second time is 21 litres, then the average is 17 kmpl. Similar calculation could be done over a shorter drive too, but the reading may be skewed by traffic conditions on that day. Using full-tank to full-tank readings give accurate figures.  Also try to average such readings over a long time, say a few months, rather than relying on a single reading to exactly know the fuel efficiency of the car. 
  
Fuel efficiency of the car depends on various factors : 

• Frequent stopping, hard braking and short distance travel consumes more fuel.
• Clogged air filter, worn out clutch, badly tuned engine and high pollution levels increase fuel consumption.
• Traffic conditions - The mileage will vary between heavily crowded areas and less traffic areas.
• Needless idling at traffic lights affect fuel consumption.
• Tyre pressure - Recommended tyre pressure should be maintained. Less tyre pressure will increase fuel consumption.
• High speeds at low gears consumes more fuel than driving at steady speed of 60 to 80 kmph in top gear.
• Adulterated or less quantity of fuel dispensed by fuel pumps would indicate poor fuel efficiency

Tyre Maintenance

Tyre care and maintenance is very important in order to obtain maximum performance, life and fuel efficiency. Following checks are recommended to attain the same :

Maintain Proper Air Pressure :

Inflate the tyres to the recommended air pressure. Check one of the following places to know the proper air pressure for your tyres :

• In the owner's manual.
• On the car’s door jamb.
• Inside the fuel filler flap.     
• But not on the tyre. The inflation pressure shown on the tyre sidewall is only the maximum tyre inflation pressure.

Compressed Air :

Air tends to expand when it is hot and contract when it is cold.
It is best to check your tyre pressure in the morning before the day’s heat.

Nitrogen :

Nitrogen can also be used to inflate the tyres as it doesn't react to differences in outside temperature or leak out over time as air does.

Tyre Rotation :  

Regular rotation helps extend the life of the tyres hence saving time and money in the long run. For rotation, each tyre and wheel is removed from the car and moved to a different position. This ensures that all of the tyres wear evenly and last longer. If no period is specified in the owners manual, tyres should be rotated every 5000 to 7000 kms. The spare tyre should be included in the rotation process.

Spare --> Front right --> Front left --> Rear Left --> Rear right --> Spare

Note : Front tyres tend to wear out quickly as they are in-charge for braking, turning and carry the engine weight.

Wheel Alignment :

Proper alignment helps ensure that the car handles correctly and will help increase the life and performance of the tyres. Daily impacts such as potholes and bumps as well as more severe circumstances like accidents, can knock the car out of alignment. Wheel alignment should be checked when the car hits something, a difference in handling is noticed or a wear pattern appears at the edge of the tyres

Wheel Balancing :

At the first sign of vibration or irregular tread wear, your tyres should be checked for wheel balancing and alignment. A wheel is out of balance when one area is heavier or lighter than the rest. An imbalanced wheel can cause off-center tread wear and vibration. Wheel balancing should be done everytime a puncture is fixed, in case a tyre is replaced and also during the tyre rotation process.

Terms :
Tread - The portion of a tyre that comes into contact with the road and can be distinguished by the grooves.
PSI - Pounds per Square Inch

Useful Information!!!

Case :

This image is of a damaged engine block of a Maruti Zen 1999 Model. Under body of the car was hit by some object at high speed damaging the block causing an oil leak and resulting in a seized engine. Mistake made here was that the car was driven for half a km after the accident. Insurance company rejected the claim for the half engine stating it to be as a consequential loss, only paid 50% liability on the block, oil filter and towing charges.

Lesson : 

• Turn off the engine and check the under body of your car for any oil drip when you feel you have hit a MAJOR bump. 
• Turn off the engine in case of a glowing oil indicator on the display panel.

Engine oil grades explained

Engine is a complex machine with multiple moving parts that operate under a wide range of temperatures and pressure. Engine oil  provides engine protection against wear, corrosion, friction and the build up of dirt and deposits, it also transfers heat away from the combustion cycle.

When it comes to oil change you must determine which oil to use as there are as many different types of engine oil with different grades for different engines. By understanding what 5W-40 or 20W-50 actually means, you can make an educated decision when it comes to choosing the right engine oil for your car engine. Here, 'W' signifies the winter rating of the oil. The first number indicates the lubricant’s viscosity under lower temperatures. The second and higher number indicates the lubricant’s viscosity under greater temperatures. Viscosity is the measure of how easily a liquid flows. Temperature has a direct effect on oil viscosity, higher temperatures reduce the viscosity of oil, reducing its strength and lubricating properties. 

Note : Oil change frequency to be followed strictly as per the Owner's 

Car maintenance and driving tips during monsoon.

Car Maintenance :

• Full servicing – give your car a complete servicing i.e. oil check / change, vacuuming, washing and greasing.
• Check all tyres, including the spare one for tread wear, baldness, cracks and cuts. Replace, if necessary. Maintain correct air pressure. Have a wheel alignment / balancing done.
• Check brakes, horn, lights and electricals.
• Lubricate all door hinges.
• Replace wiper blades, if worn out/hard.
• Check battery for

              Corrosion – free terminals
              Electrolyte level and voltage

• Check proper tightness of fasteners and belts (Fan belt, etc)
• Clean / replace air and oil filters
• Wax your car.
• Install mobile battery charger in your car and ensure your FM Radio is in working condition to tune into announcements. 

Driving Tips :

• Allow for more travel time during monsoon.
• Apply brake earlier and with less force than you would normally.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Watch out for pedestrians.
• Defog your windows.
• Slow down when you are driving through still water. Even small amount can cause your vehicle to lose control.
• Be very cautious at night. It’s much harder to detect flooded areas in the dark.
• Avoid low lying areas.
• At any time your life is more precious than your car, so in case you are stuck be prepared to park and walk.
• Obey all caution signs.

In-case of Floods/Water logging :

• In a disaster- like situation instead of trying to reach home, first reach the nearest acquaintance. Try to minimize travel.
• If you must continue driving, drive slower. Leave plenty of room between you and the next vehicle. Give a truck or bus extra distance.
• Lower your window panes while driving through water logged areas.
• Put emergency contacts in your cell phone, to enable any rescuer to inform your nearest ones at the earliest.
  
• Handy things to be kept in the car :

              Hammer: to break the glass in case of an auto-lock system failure.
              Fully charged powerful torch.
              A working whistle.
              Plastic sheets and spare umbrella.
              Adequate dry, non -perishable food items.
              Adequate quantity of water.
              A well equipped emergency first aid kit with bandage, pain relief spray.
              Reflector tapes – would come very handy should your headlamp give way.