Download our fuel efficiency checklist for automatic vehicles

Quick driving tips to save on fuel in an automatic vehicle.

 

  1. Keep your momentum: 

    It’s science—a body in motion stays in motion, and therefore uses less energy and fuel. Don’t brake unless needed, and driving slowly and consistently will result in better fuel efficiency.

  2. Don’t keep your foot on the brake:

    Resting your foot on the brake pedal, no matter how lightly, immediately applies drag to the car, which hugely impacts fuel economy. According to How Stuff Works, “It'll place an unnecessary burden on the engine and transmission. You'll wear out your brakes rapidly, as well.”

  3. Ensure that your tyres ARE properly inflated:

    Your car only touches the ground on, quite literally, a handful of places. Each tyre has a portion as big as the palm of your hand that actually touches the road and this has a huge impact on your driving and fuel efficiency. An underinflated tyre causes your car to drag, increases stopping distances, and is generally unsafe.

  4. Don’t drive angry:

    Racing to the traffic light, fast braking, and crazy accelerating, all eat fuel rapidly. Aggressive driving can lower your fuel consumption by 33% at highway speeds, and by 5% around town, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Accelerate gently, and pull away slowly to save on fuel.

  5. Stay cool while cruising on the highway:

    Use your air-con wisely, car manufacturers explain that your car may use more fuel to power your air-con at lower speeds, but cruising on the highway with your air-con on won't make a difference to your fuel consumption.