Since President Bola Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy in 2023, Nigerians have been struggling with rising transportation costs. With fuel prices soaring, many car owners have sought ways to cut down on expenses, including switching to smaller vehicles.
However, for those who still rely on bigger cars, especially SUVs, improving fuel efficiency has become a priority.
Here are some practical tips to help maximize fuel economy and reduce costs:
1. Drive Smoothly
- Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, as they consume more fuel.
- Maintain a steady speed, especially on highways. Cruise control can help.
- Anticipate traffic ahead to reduce unnecessary stops and starts.
2. Limit Idling
- Keeping your engine on while stationary wastes fuel. Turn it off if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute.
3. Optimize Your Driving Speed
- Driving at 50-90 km/h offers the best fuel efficiency.
- Speeds above 100 km/h drastically increase fuel consumption.
4. Maintain Proper Tyre Pressure
- Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
- Check and inflate tyres regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
5. Reduce Unnecessary Weight
- Remove heavy items from your trunk.
- Unused roof racks should be taken off to reduce wind resistance.
6. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
- At speeds above 80 km/h, driving with windows down increases drag and fuel consumption.
- It’s more efficient to use the AC at higher speeds.
7. Plan Your Routes & Avoid Traffic
- Stop-and-go traffic burns more fuel. Try to drive during off-peak hours.
- If possible, combine multiple errands into one trip.
8. Maintain Your Vehicle
- Regular servicing ensures the engine runs efficiently.
- Use high-quality engine oil to reduce friction and improve performance.
- Clean air filters help the engine breathe better and use less fuel.
9. Use Higher Gears When Appropriate
- In manual cars, shifting to higher gears early reduces fuel usage.
- In automatic cars, using cruise control on highways helps maintain efficiency.
10. Avoid Aggressive Driving
- Rapid acceleration and hard braking waste fuel.
- Maintain a safe following distance to reduce sudden stops.
By adopting these habits, you can significantly cut fuel costs and extend your car’s lifespan.
A fuel-efficient vehicle isn’t just about saving money—it also reduces emissions and contributes to a cleaner environment.
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