How to Improve Car's Fuel Efficiency: Practical 10 Tips And Techniques

 Overview

In today's world, where environmental concerns and rising fuel costs are major issues and our forefront of our minds, improving your car's fuel efficiency can benefit both you and the planet. By adopting some practical tips and techniques, you can significantly reduce your fuel consumption and emissions. Here are some actionable steps that you can take to help you improve your car's fuel efficiency, save your money, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Here Are Some Points We will be discussing In This Blog

• Vehicle Maintenance 
• Eco-Friendly Driving Style
• Fuel Quality
• Grade Of Engine Oil
• Weight Load
• Tire Pressure
• Tire Size
• Aerodynamics
• Role of Idle Stop
• Role of Cruise Control
• Role of Car Transmission

Let's Start With The Vehicle Maintenance

1. Air Filter

Many people believe that air filters only prevent engine oil from external dirt and particles, but this is wrong. Every part of a car has its main role in its performance. Now come to its role in car fuel efficiency.

Basically, an air filter ensures that only clean air enters the engine's combustion chamber. A clean air filter allows for proper air-flow mixture and optimal air-to-fuel ratio. When it is clogged it leads to an imbalance in the car's fuel ratio. Results in reducing car fuel efficiency and performance.

It is recommended to clean it from the air pressure blower regularly (Once a month or depending on your car usage per day or on the environment) and replace it with every engine oil change.

 2- Spark Plugs

They play a vital role in ensuring efficiency and complete combustion. Over time, spark plugs can become worn and dirty, which may lead to misfires or incomplete combustion. Resulting in reduced fuel efficiency and engine performance

Indications that your spark plugs are in poor health are: 

• Sudden drop in fuel efficiency
• Sudden loss of power of engine during acceleration
• Lacks power and take longer to accelerate
• Increased emission of harmful pollutants
• Difficulty in starting the engine
  

Rule of thumb, Sparks should be replaced every 30k to 100k Mileage of car, Depending on the type of spark plugs and the manufacturer's recommendation.

3- Throttle Body

Regulates the amount of air entering the engine. Works with fuel injector to maintain the correct air-to-fuel ratio. With time it becomes dirty and results in its malfunctioning. Disrupts the air-to-fuel ratio for combustion and reduces fuel efficiency. Get it cleaned on every tune-up.

 4- Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors play a vital role in maximizing fuel efficiency by precisely delivering fuel to the engine combustion chamber. Like any other component fuel injectors become dirty, blocked, or malfunctioning over time including overspray of fuel, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. 

Periodic cleaning of fuel injectors is essential. Replace them according to manufacturer's recommendation

4- CAT ( Catalytic Converter )

 

The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions by converting pollutants in the exhaust into less harmful chemicals. Over time its filter gets blocked resulting in increased struggle of the engine during gas emission and reduced fuel efficiency of the engine.

Periodic cleaning of it through car CAT cleaner plays an important role in increasing fuel efficiency.

5- Sensors

• Oxygen sensor
• Mass airflow sensor
•  Throttle Position sensor
• Temperature sensor
• Knock sensors
• VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor
• MAP sensor 

These sensors provide real-time data to a car's ECU system, enabling it to make adjustments to optimize fuel delivery and engine operation. Proper maintenance and inspection of these sensors are essential for optimal fuel efficiency.

1-Eco-Friendly Driving Style

Rapid acceleration, excessive speeding, speed below 40km/h in naturally aspirated engines, and frequent breaking can decrease fuel efficiency

• Drive smoothly, avoid rapid acceleration
• Maintain your car RPM in between 1-3 for maximum fuel efficiency
• Speed between 60-80 km/h gives maximum fuel efficiency in short tours
• 110 km/h is recommended for highways to get maximum fuel efficiency
  

NOTE: Please make sure to adhere to the speed limits as per the traffic laws of your country.

2-Fuel Quality

Using fuel that meets the manufacturer's specifications and adhering to recommended fuel grades and formulations can help optimize engine performance and maximize fuel efficiency.

Fuels with higher octane numbers allow higher compression ratios and more efficient engine operation.

BUT

Don't waste your money higher octane number than required does not improve performance. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fuel grade.

3-Right Engine Oil Grade

Use engine oil as recommended by the manufacturer.

High-quality synthetic oils reduce friction in the engine and result in increased fuel efficiency.

For engine oils please read: https://knowledgelogics.blogspot.com/2024/05/car-engine-oils-role-of-viscosity-and.html

4-Weight Load

Extra weight in your vehicle can reduce the fuel efficiency of your car.

Always follow the passenger capacity of your car to avoid overloading it with passengers or heavy equipment. Remove unnecessary items from your car trunk.

According to a study, every extra 100 pounds can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 2%

5-Tire Pressure

Make it a habit to check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the recommended levels.

6-Tire Size

Larger tires have a larger contact patch with the road surface, resulting in increased resistance and friction leading to higher fuel consumption. Additionally, larger tires than recommended will be harmful for car suspension.

Tire size plays an important role in a car's fuel efficiency by affecting rolling resistance, weight, gear ratios, RPM, and overall performance. Choosing the right tire size that balances performance needs with fuel economy considerations can help increase fuel efficiency. 

7-Aerodynamics (Open Windows)

Open windows can increase aerodynamic drag ( Resistance to airflow ), especially at higher speeds.

Close windows when driving on highways to improve fuel efficiency.

8-Role Of Idle Stop

Idling stop and turning off the Air Conditioning AC are two effective strategies for improving fuel efficiency. It is a simple yet impactful strategy. 

Eco-Idle System: Automatically shut off the engine when the vehicles come to a stop such as on traffic signals or in heavy traffic and restart it when the driver releases the brake pedal in an automatic transmission or engages the clutch in the manual transmission.

So if your car has this system then keep the eco-idle system on for maximum fuel efficiency.

Keep the AC off when car is in idle position. It increases the fuel efficiency and also improves the engine health.

9-Cruise Control

Using cruise control on long highways can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency. It prevents unnecessary speed fluctuations.

10-Role Of Transmission

Higher Gears

   In manual cars when driving, using higher gears (lower numerical gear ratios) allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs (revolutions per minute) for a given vehicle speed. This reduces the engine's workload and decreases fuel consumption.

    Higher gears are most effective when driving at constant speeds on highways or smooth roads with minimal changes in elevation. They help maintain a steady pace while keeping engine RPMs low, resulting in improved fuel efficiency

Modern transmissions, such as manual, automatic, continuously variable transmissions (CVT), and dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), play a vital role in managing engine power and optimizing fuel efficiency.

CAR ENGINE OILS "THE ROLE OF VISCOSITY AND WEATHER IN ENGINE OIL SELECTION"

High-quality engine oil isn't just a choice; it's an investment in your car's heart

Like a healthy food for humans 

 Welcome to our guide on car engine oils! Choosing the right engine oil for your car can be difficult, especially when many options are available. In this blog, we'll delve into the different grades of engine oils and how to select the best one for your vehicle based on weather conditions and engine requirements. And how you can protect yourself from market scams when buying engine oil. In the end, I will share a tip and the benefits of selecting high-quality engine oil.

What is Engine Oil Grades

Engine oils are classified by viscosity, which refers to the oil's resistance to flow. 

Viscosity grading system that categorizes oils into different grades, such as 0W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, and 20W-50

•  The numbers before the "W" indicate the oil's viscosity in cold temperatures, while the numbers after the "W" denote viscosity at operating temperatures.

ENGINE OIL GRADE AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

1. Cold Weather

•    For cold weather conditions, optimal for oils with a lower cold viscosity grade, such as 0W or 5W. These oils flow more easily at low temperatures, ensuring proper lubrication during startup.
• Suitable for cars in countries like Northern Canada, Greenland,  Antarctica, Norway, Svalbard, and the United Kingdom
•  Examples include 0W-20 and 5W-30, which are suitable for winter driving in regions with sub-zero temperatures.
• These grade engine oils are mostly synthetics. But they can be conventional. 
• I personally recommend synthetic. But also depends on the suitability of the engine.

2. Moderate Weather 💦

•    In moderate climates, where temperatures typically range from mild to warm, oils with a slightly higher viscosity grade, like 10W-30, provide adequate lubrication without being too thick or thin.
• These oils offer a balance between cold-start protection and high-temperature performance.
• It is compatible with a wide range of vehicles
• 5W-30 is also suitable for moderate temperature. But mostly recommended for new cars or fuel-economical engines during moderate temperatures. In simple words, 5W-30 may be bearable in moderate temperatures.

3. Hot Weather  

• In hot climates or during summer months, it is recommended to use oils with a higher viscosity grade, such as 10W-40 or 20W-50. These types of oils maintain proper viscosity even at high temperatures, which ensures optimal engine protection.
• Thicker oils are less likely to thin out under heat stress, providing better lubrication and engine wear protection. Some countries with mostly hot temperatures include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Australia, and Mexico.

Considering Engine Condition

1. Low Mileage Engines

• New or low mileage engines tend to perform better with lighter viscosity oils, such as 0W-20, 5W-30, and 10W30. These oils flow more easily, which reduces friction and helps increase engine lifespan. Lighter oils are also ideal for engines with tight tolerances, which are commonly found in newer vehicles.
• Using lighter viscosity oils can also improve engine health in the long term, leading to better fuel economy, reduced emissions, and easier cold starts. As for the right oil to use for engines with higher mileage, 10W40 is a recommended oil for cars with mileage ranging from 80,000kms to 150,000kms.
• However, every engine has different tolerance levels and depends on how well-maintained and driven it is, as well as the atmospheric conditions it operates in. For instance, some engines like Toyota NZ engines that are driven carefully and maintained properly can run with oils 5W-30 even beyond 200,000 kilometers mileage.
• There is a common myth that engines with mileage above 200,000 kilometers must use 20W-50 grade engine oil. However, this is not true. A well-maintained engine can run with 5W-30, 10W-30, and 10W40 oils, depending on the engine's specific needs and conditions.

2. High Mileage Engines 

• For engines with high mileage, it's normal to see signs of wear and increased oil consumption. In order to address this issue, you may want to consider using thicker oils with higher viscosity grades such as 10W-40 or 20W-50. Thicker oils can help compensate for worn engine components and provide better sealing and lubrication.
• If you are currently using 5W-30 and your car starts consuming engine oil before the scheduled oil change time, it is recommended that you switch to 10W-40 and check the oil level after 1500kms of oil change. Do not directly jump to using 20W-50. If the car still consumes oil after using 10W-40, then it is recommended that you switch to 20W-50. It's also important to confirm any oil leakage.

WHY CARS CONSUME ENGINE OILS

• Cars can consume engine oil for several reasons, it could be because of engine wear, leaking gaskets or seals, PCV system issues, driving habits, high mileage, incorrect oil level, and oil type or quality.
•  It is important to use the correct oil viscosity recommended by the manufacturer and choose high-quality oils that meet the vehicle's specifications.

MARKET SCAMS AND THEIR IMPACTS ON CAR ENGINE HEALTH

 Engine oil scams are prevalent in the automotive industry. Counterfeit, false claims, diluted or recycled oils, and overcharging for services are some of the common scams. These scams can lead to accelerated engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and ultimately, engine failure. Repairing or replacing damaged engine components can be expensive and may result in vehicle downtime.

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

• Purchase engine oil from reputable retailers and authorized dealers.
•  Verify product authenticity by checking for certification seals, batch numbers, and manufacturer information.
• Follow vehicle manufacturer recommendations for oil specifications and change intervals.
•  Be cautious of unrealistically low prices or overly aggressive marketing claims.
• Report suspicious or fraudulent products to relevant authorities for investigation and enforcement.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING THE APPROPRIATE GRADE OF ENGINE OIL.

  1. Consult Your Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual is the best place to start. It provides specific recommendations from the manufacturer regarding the viscosity grade and performance specifications required for your engine. Follow these guidelines closely.

2. Consider Climate and Weather Conditions: Choose an oil viscosity grade that is suitable for the climate and weather conditions in your area. In colder climates, opt for lower viscosity oils (e.g., 0W or 5W) to ensure easy cold-start performance and proper lubrication in freezing temperatures. In hotter climates, consider higher viscosity oils (e.g., 10W or 20W) to maintain viscosity and protect against heat-related engine stress.

3. Understand Viscosity Grades: Engine oils are classified by viscosity grades, which indicate the oil's flow characteristics at different temperatures. The numbers before the "W" (e.g., 0W, 5W, 10W) represent the oil's viscosity in cold temperatures, while the numbers after the "W" (e.g., 20, 30, 40) indicate viscosity at operating temperatures. Lower viscosity oils flow more easily at cold temperatures, while higher viscosity oils provide better protection at high temperatures.

4. Consider Engine Age and Condition: The age and condition of your engine can also influence the choice of oil grade. Newer engines with tight tolerances may benefit from lighter viscosity oils, while older or high-mileage engines may require thicker oils to compensate for wear and reduce oil consumption. Consult a mechanic or automotive expert for recommendations tailored to your engine's specific needs.

5. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations: Stick to engine oils that meet or exceed the manufacturer's specifications and performance requirements. Look for oils that carry the appropriate certifications and approvals, such as API (American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), to ensure quality and compatibility with your vehicle.

6. Consider Synthetic vs. Conventional Oils: Synthetic oils offer superior performance and protection compared to conventional oils, especially in extreme temperatures and demanding driving conditions. If your vehicle requires enhanced performance or you want to maximize engine longevity, consider using synthetic oils. However, always check compatibility with your vehicle and follow manufacturer recommendations.

7. Regular Maintenance: Lastly, maintain a regular oil change schedule according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Even the best-quality oil will degrade over time and lose its effectiveness, so it's essential to replace it at the recommended intervals to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.