A Guide to Fuel Economy

As petrol prices continue to rise, saving fuel becomes more important than ever for both the environment and your wallet. If you’re looking for how to save fuel, you need consider your driving, car maintenance, and the features of your car itself. Read on to find out our best fuel saving tips to help you improve your fuel economy.

How to save fuel by caring for your car

  • Keep your tyres properly inflated

Running your car with flat tyres can put unnecessary strain on your vehicle, increase fuel consumption and cause poor tyre wear. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, properly inflating your tyres can improve your fuel mileage by up to 3%. You’ll find the proper pressure for your tyres printed on a sticker in the driver’s side door, or in your owner’s manual. For tips on how to maintain your tyres, visit our tyre safety checklist.

  • Dont skip your services

Keeping your car in top shape will not only prolong its life, but also help you to save on fuel. If your car is guzzling more fuel than usual, that can be an indication that something is wrong beneath the bonnet. According to the US Department of Energy, fixing an out of tune car can improve your fuel mileage by an average of 4%. If you own a new Mitsubishi, our capped price servicing will help keep your car in good condition.

 

How to save fuel while driving

  • Brake and accelerate smoothly

No one likes being stuck in gridlock but when you take off from the lights do it smoothly. Keep gear changes to a lower RPM where possible to avoid over-revving your car. Generally try to avoid jerky driving whenever possible, it’s not a race, you’ll get there in time and with more fuel in your tank.

  • Plan your route

Don’t really know where you’re going and want to just wing it? A few clicks through your MMCS and you can ensure you’re taking the most direct way possible. Less time on the road means you can save money on petrol.

  • Turn off 4WD

4WD is great for heading off the beaten track, but driving in 4WD mode will increase your fuel consumption. If your car enables you to switch modes, such as Mitsubishi’s Super Select, make sure to switch to 2WD when you’re back on the highway.

  • Take a load off

The heavier your vehicle, the more fuel it takes to move. Unpack heavy gear such as sports equipment or heavy toolboxes when you don’t need them with you. This fuel saving tip also applies to accessories, which add weight and wind resistance. If you don’t need it, take it off your car.

  • Switch off

Using your air conditioner at low speeds can increase your fuel consumption dramatically. If you don’t need your air conditioner on, switch it off and put the windows down to let natural airflow keep you cool.

  • Share your ride

How often do you look across at the traffic lights and spy a sea of just one person in each car? Too often. You can help cut costs by car-pooling and splitting the petrol savings. Team up and share the journey, your fuel gauge will thank you.

 

Fuel saving tips when buying a car

  • Check the estimated fuel economy

When it comes to fuel economy, not all cars are built equal. Fuel economy is usually expressed as litres/100km, showing how many estimated litres of fuel the car needs to travel 100km. The lower the number of litres stated, the better the fuel economy.

  • Go hybrid

Hybrid cars may be the ultimate way to save on fuel. Plug-in hybrids like the Mitsubishi Outlander Phev and Eclipse Cross Plug-in Hybrid work by charging an electric battery from the power grid. Both these models can drive for more than 50km without using any petrol at all, or producing any greenhouse emissions. For longer trips, petrol can be used to supplement the battery power so you don’t find yourself looking for a plug half way down the highway.