Fuel saving has become an important issue due to both rising fuel prices and increasing air pollution. Drivers can easily save up to 20 percent fuel. And so it can protect the environment and pockets. Here are 10 tips for saving fuel.

1) Optimize your driving style

Shift up on time (at about 2000 rpm) and maintain the selected speed at low revs. Do not downshift until the engine shakes or starts humming. Read and follow the tips in your vehicle’s operating instructions, and also pay attention to fuel consumption and gear indicators.

Something can also be done for vehicles with automatic transmission. On many models, various drive programs (eg Eco, Normal and Power) can be adjusted using the so-called “drive mode switch”. Select the “Eco” mode here. Automatic gear shifts occur earlier, thus saving fuel.

2) Drive with foresight

Take your foot off the gas early. For example; downshift in the last few hundred meters instead of braking hard just in front of the vehicle.

3) Avoid short distances

A car uses the most fuel when the engine is cold. At the very least, a gasoline engine needs a richer mixture (with a higher fuel ratio) than the optimum operating temperature during the warm-up phase for proper operation.

That’s why it’s better to switch to a bike for short distances or combine several individual trips into one long trip. In winter, you should avoid heating the engine while it is stopped, if you do this, you will pollute the environment, spend extra fuel and damage the engine.

4) Turn off the engine while idling

The engine consumes fuel as soon as it starts. Even when the vehicle is not in motion, it consumes approximately 0.5 to 1 liter of fuel per hour. Therefore: turn off the engine if the idle time is likely to last longer than 20 seconds.

If you do not have an automatic start-stop system, you can turn the key yourself.

5) Turn off unnecessary electricity consumers

Electrical devices such as control units, lighting, fans, air conditioning, safety and comfort devices in the vehicle get their energy from the vehicle’s electrical system. Electrical energy is provided by the generator driven by the combustion engine. As a result, electrical appliances and other consumers that come into play consume fuel. Unlike the driving resistor, the electrical energy requirement does not depend on the distance traveled or the speed, but on time, that is, the duration of use.

For example, depending on the vehicle model, technology and operating conditions, an air conditioning system consumes approximately 0.3 to 1.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. A parking heater costs an additional consumption of about 0.2 to 0.5 liters per hour. It’s good to use these extras judiciously, because a pleasant indoor climate keeps the driver fresh. However, you should limit the run times to what is necessary so that the fuel bill does not go up too much.

By the way: Open side windows or sunroofs impair the flow of air to the exterior, resulting in higher fuel consumption. For example, windows opened from both sides at 100 km/h consume approximately 0.2 liters more. It can only be opened at low speeds. For example, windows can be opened in city traffic, so it provides a significant fuel consumption advantage compared to air conditioners.

Caution: Never save on lighting, windshield wipers or windshield heating and therefore safety!

6) Reduce excess load on your vehicle

Every unnecessary part in the car means more weight and fuel costs. That’s why it’s best to get rid of anything you don’t need. 200 pounds of additional load provides up to 0.3 liters more consumption. The weight of the load has a negative effect on fuel consumption, especially in stationary city traffic. Every takeoff, every acceleration requires extra fuel.

Especially roof racks and bicycle racks significantly increase the consumption of your vehicle. Therefore, you should remove the roof and rear racks immediately after use. In principle, transporting objects such as bicycles using a rear carrier on a trailer hitch saves fuel compared to transporting them on the roof of the vehicle.

7) Use energy-efficient tires

Tires have a great influence on driving resistance. With optimized tires, you can save up to 0.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. This means that an expensive tire with very low rolling resistance can pretty much pay for itself over its lifetime.

8) Pay attention to the correct air pressure

Also, check the air pressure regularly because too little air in the tires increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Even a 0.3 bar reduction in air pressure increases rolling resistance and thus creates unnecessary additional consumption.

To save additional fuel, you can moderately increase the tire pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer if described in the operating instructions.

9) Pay attention to regular maintenance

At first glance, this point seems trivial, as modern vehicles are equipped with maintenance-free digital engine electronics. In principle, there are no maintenance-related consumption factors here.

However, give your vehicle a regular inspection. Because there are spare parts that are definitely related to fuel consumption, such as the engine air filter. Regular oil changes, which should always be done, are important for appropriate consumption values. The vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines must be followed here.

10) Attend a driver training course

By attending a driver safety training course, you can optimize your driving skills and explore your vehicle’s handling in practical driving exercises. You will also receive valuable tips on safe and forward driving.

Some training facilities also offer specific eco and fuel economy training courses. Please check if such training is available in your area.

Dirt from the road, defective or dirty windshield wipers, and annual ice scraping can gradually damage car windows. This limits vision in the long run. To deal with these situations, you can remove minor scratches yourself.

Scratches on the windshield can cause poor visibility. They become a particular hazard in the dark especially when the sun light is low, or in bad weather. Such damage can also increase the blinding effect of oncoming vehicles. Also, even the smallest scratches can cause the glass to crack when driving over a pothole or bump in the road.

Light scratches on a Windshield can be removed easily

You can remove light and superficial marks yourself. If your car has deep scratches or stone chips on the glass, you will need to go to a car repair shop. Such repairs can be done with tools in the hands of professionals. Synthetic resin method is one of the options for invisible damages. You should not wait too long even for small scratches on the car.

Even if a fairly big scratch can be repaired with a good Windshield Glass Repair Kit. You can buy a windshield crack repair kit that can assist you in repairing windshield damage. The precision repair fluid can provide strong pressure to remove air from the cracks. 

Materials needed for the process

• Special polish for car windows from specialist shops

• A Polisher to remove residues (Important Tip: The speed should not exceed 600 rpm, otherwise the grinding point will become too hot and there is a risk of cracking the glass)

• 

• A bucket of warm water

• Special glass cleaner for car windows

• A lint-free cloth and a dry scouring cloth

How to remove the scratches on car Windshield

• Roughly clean the windshield. Hard particles and dirt should not be left on the glass.

• Fill a bucket with warm water. Add the car window cleaner to the water. Clean the glass with a soft lint-free cloth.

• You will need  a car polisher tool. In this case we can recommend ENEACRO Polisher which is a fairly budget friendly tool. For a much professional polisher, Chemical Guys 10FX Random Orbital Polisher is a great kit that lets you polish with random orbital spins. Orbital spins can make the task much faster and easier. 

• 

• If you have a polisher then dry the disc with a clean cloth. You can use the conditioner and cleaner chemical on the polisher disk that comes with the kit. 

• If you don’t have a polisher, you need to do it by hand. The small scratches can be removed with hand but It won’t be as effective as an electric polisher. 
• 

• Put the polish into the polishing chamber of the polishing machine. Set the device in advance according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Apply the polish to the glass in circular motions. Do not apply too much pressure to the disc. A very light, gentle pressure is sufficient. Proceed in this manner across the entire windshield to achieve an even result.

• The felt of the machine must not dry out during operation, otherwise more scratches will appear on the windshield. If necessary, add some polish to the felt. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to dampen the felt a little beforehand. Please consider the information provided by the manufacturer.

• When you finish applying, wipe the polish from the glass with a clean, soft cloth. Pay attention to the circular movements as well.

• If necessary, clean the glass again with water.

We also recommend you to take some “before and after pictures” to compare the windshield’s pictures. 

Fogging windows, icing inside and musty smell in the vehicle: This is usually caused by too much humidity in the car and is common in the cold season. In the worst case, mold and rust can multiply on your vehicle. So what are the reasons? And what can you do about it?

Especially in winter, drivers carry moisture into the vehicle through wet clothes and snow on their shoes. This not only wets the flooring, but also wets mats that do not dry properly at low temperatures. Get in your vehicle by cleaning the snow off your shoes before getting in the car.

Make sure to get the right Mat

If the mats are wet, remove them and let them dry. It’s also best to use rubber mats in the fall and winter and regularly clean the water off them. Otherwise, it will evaporate with the hot air conditioner turned on in winter and cause condensation on the windows in your vehicle.

The Car Mats actually one of the most important interior parts of the vehicles. You may want to use a waterproof and stain-resistant with anti-slip backing mat. In this case, You can use Universal Fit Heavy Duty Rubber Mat that fits Most Cars. It can be easily cleaned with vacuum or use soap and water for best results.  These mats are made to last and can handle a beating since it is made with a high quality rubber.

Watch out for leaks in the vehicle

Leaks in the vehicle, such as doors, windows and tailgates, can also be responsible for moisture in the vehicle. Here it is collected in waterproofing materials. Check and maintain gaskets regularly. If the car has leaks, the only thing that helps is replacing the gaskets at the workshop.

Ventilate the car properly

If there is a lot of humidity in the vehicle, it is recommended to ventilate it well. Turn up the heat and turn on the air conditioner. This takes moisture from the air and directs it outside. However, this only works when the outside temperature is a minimum of 6 degrees and the vehicle is not yet very humid. On air-conditioned vehicles, you must select the “defrost” setting.

Check the water drains in your car

If you have a sunroof, you can put a small amount of water in the gutter to test the drains. The water must be drained. If it stops, the drain hoses may be clogged and water may be running from behind the interior trim into the footwell. Have clogged hoses repaired at the workshop.

Remove the leaves and dirt

In autumn and winter, a lot of leaves and dirt accumulate between the hood and the windshield. You must remove it regularly, otherwise the rainwater drain of the heating system may become clogged. Rotting leaves can also damage the paint over time. Leaves can also build up on the doors and tailgate and clog the drainage holes there.

Ventilate your garage

Moisture can also accumulate in poorly ventilated garages. There may be puddles on the garage floor. Parked cars almost never dry out in such garages. The interior facilitates the formation of moisture on and inside the car. In the short term, it helps to ventilate the garage well when the door is open; In the long run, a built-in ventilation system can help.

If you have a closed car garage without ventilation, this will eventually lead your car and other equipment to get humidity which will then cause rust. Even a small ventilation system will help you save lots of many in the long run. A vent system like iPower 12 Inch Variable Shutter Exhaust Fan can help you save your car and equipment from humidity and rust. This vent has a Speed Controller function as well.

View on Amazon

Neither the engine, nor the vehicle electronics, nor the falling exhaust pipe: the majority of all car breakdowns (42 percent) experience vehicle battery failures. It always remains a problem, as batteries are subject to wear and tear. Otonel explains for you how to deal with it.

What you need to do to protect your vehicle battery

1. Avoid heat accumulation: What many people do not know is that the battery gets old quickly at very high temperatures. If the starter battery has an insulating cover, it should be replaced in case of damage. If possible, do not leave your vehicle in the scorching sun on hot summer days.

2. Reduce electricity consumers: Many energy consumers in your vehicle can cause the battery to over discharge. Therefore, always make sure that you never operate the radio, lights, and ventilation without the engine (“ignition on”) for extended periods of time when the engine is turned off. Only use electrical consumers (seat heating) as needed while driving. By the way, this also applies to electric cars with a 12 V starter battery. But one thing is clear: You should of course not overlook safety-related consumers, such as lighting in poor visibility!

3. Use the charger: The generator in the vehicle cannot adequately charge the battery during short distance journeys. Deep discharge can be avoided with a charger. NOCO Fully-Automatic Smart Charger is one of the great battery charger to use in this case.

4. Avoid operating errors: It is well known that negligence, such as leaving the light on (including interior lighting!) drains the battery. However, unlocked doors cause the vehicle to “draw power” when the vehicle is parked. Cause: Some controllers stay on for a while or don’t turn off at all. Therefore, always close the doors and the tailgate correctly and lock the vehicle.

5. Keep the battery clean: The contact between the battery pole and the battery pole clamp must be free of dirt and tight. If necessary, check that the battery pole clamp is firmly seated. Use the protection (spray or terminal grease) specified by the vehicle manufacturer to protect the connections from corrosion.

How to identify a faulty car battery?

If the engine is running without power, that is, the starter motor rotates more slowly and “misfires” during cranking; and if the interior lighting is flickering, this is the first sign of an old battery.

A warning sign in vehicles with a start-stop system is that it does not turn off the engine even if all necessary requirements are met. For example, at traffic lights, the engine continues to run even if it has to be turned off automatically. The reason for this may be that the vehicle electronics has detected a weak battery and therefore does not strain the batteries too much with continuous operation.