A manual transmission gives the driver full control over rpm because the driver can make the engine speed up or slow down via gear selection. The lower the gear, the higher the rpm. The higher the rpm, the more torque the engine is producing, and the more fuel it is using. Automatic transmissions take some of this control out of the driver's hands, but they, too, can be manipulated to maximize fuel efficiency. With a manual gearbox, shift into the upper gears quickly.
Rule of thumb: If the engine is revving faster than necessary to sustain an even road speed, move to the next higher gear. Downshifting follows a similar standard. If the gas pedal has to stay close to the floor to maintain speed, you probably belong in the next lower gear. If your manual-transmission car has an upshift indicator, use it as a guide. Using signals from the engine, transmission, and accelerator pedal, the indicator tells you exactly when to upshift to maintain greatest efficiency, and thus top economy.
When the engine speed is high compared to the position of the accelerator pedal, the shift indicator lamp signals that you can get the same performance with less fuel by shifting up without losing power. Tests conducted by Saab and the EPA compared operation of cars that had an upshift indicator to those that did not. In the EPA city-driving test, use of the indicator yielded an average gas mileage improvement of more than 9 percent.
Even without such an indicator, you should shift into a higher gear sooner than you normally would and use fifth gear as much as possible to stretch your fuel. Because tachometers are no longer limited to performance models, more drivers than ever have a chance to pay attention to engine speed as well as road speed.
This allows you to find the engine's most efficient rpm and stay close to that point whenever feasible. What speed is that? The exact figure depends on the engine but is typically the speed at which it produces the greatest torque output. For economy's sake, it's generally wise to remain below 3, rpm most of the time and to shift into the next gear before the engine gets much beyond its optimum rpm level. Too low an engine speed does nothing for your finances, so running below 1, isn't ordinarily a good idea.
Keep your car serviced properly , to maintain engine efficiency. Fuel prices at the pumps can vary significantly — so shop around. Walk or cycle instead. It adds weight, and the heavier the car the more fuel it will use. Maintain tyre pressures; underinflated tyres use more fuel and need replacing more regularly. If possible, travel at quieter times; getting stuck in jams is inefficient.
Some sat navs have an eco setting which chooses a fuel-efficient route. Are there any other upsides to eco driving? New cars with free insurance. Find out more. Previous article Winter driving tips: how to prepare for driving in wintery weather. Stay Connected. Advertisment Feature. Read more.
Other articles for you. Cars, like all machines, work best when they are properly maintained. Get your car serviced on schedule and make sure you regularly change your engine oil and pump up your tyres to keep everything running efficiently. So what do you really need in the boot? Think about aerodynamics too - roof racks, cycle racks or top boxes create more wind drag which means the engine has to work harder. Smooth driving with progressive and gentle acceleration is key to keeping your fuel economy average high.
Cars warm up more effectively when being driven, too. Towing with an electric car, hybrid or plug-in hybrid - what's the capacity and can you tow a caravan? Electric car charging stations: a complete guide. Skip to header Skip to main content Skip to footer. Tips and Advice Home Tips and advice. Servicing Scrimping here is actually a false economy since a car that is in peak condition burns less fuel.
Check your tyres Under-inflated tyres cause a lot of drag that your engine has to overcome by burning more fuel. Slippery business Good aerodynamics the way air travels over and around a car are crucial to achieving good economy. Drive slower This is probably the easiest thing you can do to save fuel — especially on the motorway.
Beware of power-hungry equipment Certain pieces of kit in your car can seriously increase fuel consumption, so try to limit how much you use them. Most Popular. Tips and advice 4 Nov
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