JPFreek - Index

JPFreek - magazine - Index

Fuel Economy Tips for Jeep Owners
Text courtesy of Chrysler Media Services
Improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles is a key topic in
the minds of consumers and manufacturers. While auto
companies make progress in technology, there are quite a
number of tips that any driver can employ to achieve
world-class fuel economy.
By far the most important factor in the reduction of fuel
consumption is the driver. The rule is simple: slow down
and take it easy.
Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel
compared to conservative driving. Avoid accelerating or
braking too hard, and try to keep the steering action as
smooth as possible.
Use Higher Gears
The higher the gear, the lower the engine speed. This can
improve fuel efficiency, so use the highest gear
appropriate, without causing the engine to labor at an
ultra-low rpm. Automatic transmission vehicles will
up-shift through the gears more quickly and smoothly if
the driver eases back slightly on the accelerator when the
car has gathered sufficient momentum.
Tune and Service the Engine
A well tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to
four percent. Change the oil and always follow the car
manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing.
Keep the Tires at the Correct Pressure
Correctly inflated tires are safer and last longer, and they
also reduce the amount of energy required to keep the
vehicle rolling. A tire that is under inflated by just 69
millibar (one psi) can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as
three percent.
Avoid Carrying Excess Weight
For every extra 45 kilograms (100 pounds) carried in a
vehicle, the fuel efficiency can drop by two percent, so
keep the trunk and rear seat clear of any unnecessary
items that just add weight to the vehicle.
Take the Roof Rack Off
If the roof rack or roof bars are not being used, then
remove them. They adversely affect the aerodynamic
efficiency of the vehicle and create drag, reducing fuel
economy by as much as five percent.
Use the Correct Engine Oil
Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using
the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve
fuel efficiency by one or two percent. Higher quality
motor oils can also help your engine operate more
efficiently.
Avoid Excess Idling
Idling gets a vehicle nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the
engine off when you’re in a queue, or waiting for
someone, until you need to drive.
Avoid High Speeds
The faster you travel, the more wind resistance you’ll
encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume
just to maintain speed. Driving just eight km/h (five mph)
over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23
percent.
Maintain the Distance
Leaving a sensible distance between your car and the
vehicle in front gives the driver ample time to anticipate
obstacles and to brake evenly.
Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and
uses additional fuel when operating, so limit its use to
particularly hot days. On temperate days, use the fan
instead of air conditioning.
Check the Air Filter
The air filter keeps impurities from damaging your engine.
Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy
by as much as 10 percent while helping to protect your
engine.
Avoid Rush Hour or Traffic Jam Hotspots
If you can travel outside of peak times and avoid known
areas of heavy traffic, you’ll spend less time stuck in
queues and slow-moving traffic, thus consuming less fuel.
Conserve Momentum
Think ahead when driving. For example, slow down early
to let red traffic lights change to green, rather than
stopping completely. Also, speed up a little before
reaching the start of a hill and then allow the vehicle’s
momentum to carry the vehicle up the hill without
working the engine harder.
Keep Calm
When drivers are not calm, they are more likely to make
judgment errors. Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness.
Judgment and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to
achieving fuel economy.
Use Handbrakes on Slopes
Some motorists do not use the handbrake when stopping
their vehicle on a slope. Instead, they either partially
disengage the clutch (on manual transmission vehicles),
or use the accelerator (on automatic vehicles), to keep the
vehicles from rolling back. Both actions use fuel
unnecessarily.