With the ever-increasing prices of gas, it has become important for us to find ways to save Fuel. While many Japanese used cars have been designed for optimum fuel efficiency, you may still want to know what you can do to minimize your carbon footprint. If any of the aforementioned is your concern, then you may want to check out the essential fuel saving tips we’ve compiled in this article. We will teach you how you can maximize every drop of fuel you pour into your tank.

1. Properly Maintain your Vehicle

There are many used cars from the JDM that boast of quality performance. Even so, it is still important to have a regular schedule for maintenance. Without proper maintenance, your vehicle can burn up to 30% more fuel.

2. Check your Tire Pressure

At least once a month, you should check the air pressure in your tires. Tires with low and uneven pressure tend to burn more fuel. It is worth noting that when tires are under-inflated by eight pounds, their rolling resistance increases by 5%.

3. Drive at Reasonable Speeds
As you increase your driving speed, your aerodynamic drag also significantly rises. You can lower your fuel consumption by around 15% when you keep your driving speed at around 62mph (100 km/h) and not more than 75mph (120 km/h).

4. Keep your Load Light

Before you drive to your destination, carefully think about the things that you need to bring. If you do not need it, then do not load it to your car. If you’re not using your roof racks, remove them to reduce wind drag. When you lighten your load, you can lower your fuel consumption and emissions. Carrying heavier loads also consumes more gas.

5. Maximise Every Drop of Fuel from the Pump

This tip may seem obvious and self-explanatory, but many people on a hurry tend to forget about it. Make sure that you wait until the pump shuts off before you take the hose out of your tank. You would be surprised to know that you can still get as much as a quarter of a cup from the hose. While this may not seem much, it may significantly contribute to your fuel efficiency in the long run.

6. Avoid Accelerating or Braking Hard

It is advisable to carefully anticipate the traffic and to accelerate and brake at a steady pace. Even with Japanese used cars, this driving technique can increase the fuel economy by as much as 20%. You can also reduce your car’s wear and tear, prolonging its life.

7. Close your Windows

When you’re driving, especially on highways, opened windows may increase wind drag. Keep in mind that open windows can reduce your fuel economy for up to 10%. So, it is better to keep them closed.

8. Sensibly Use the Gears

There are people who have a love-hate relationship with their gear stick. However, the fact still remains that when you correctly use your gears, you can save fuel for as much as 15%. So, switch to a higher gear as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

9. Minimise Short Trips

Sometimes, we can get lazy and decide to hop in the car just to get our Sunday papers from the corner shop. However, when you mostly use your car for short trips, the engine does not get warm enough. Remember that a cold engine can consume more fuel. So, if it is possible, walk or jog to nearer destinations instead of driving your car.

Following these essential fuel-saving tips can help you save money and at the same time, reduce your carbon footprint. These may seem like small changes you can apply to your driving behavior, but they definitely contribute to your fuel efficiency.

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