From zero emission cars to battery-powered vehicles, automobile manufacturers have been working to develop innovative technologies to reduce emissions and increase sustainable mobility. There are things that all of us can also contribute to preserve the environment. This Environment Day, we take a look on some smart tips from Ford to promote a safer environment and responsible motoring :
1. Lighten your vehicle load - It is wise to remove unnecessary weights from your vehicle. Heavier the load, the harder the engine has to work and the more fuel it uses.
2. Take off the roof rack or roof box - It increases the wind resistance which will make your engine work harder and consume additional fuel. Try carrying things off the roof as much as possible to ensure more efficiency.
3. Tyre pressure must be checked regularly - Maintain the inflation pressures advised by the vehicle manufacturer. An under-inflated tyre will build up excessive heat, increasing rolling resistance therefore reducing fuel efficiency.
4. Use air-conditioning moderately - The air conditioning system in your car runs off the engine and requires using up more fuel. During a hot weather try parking your car under a shade and during a cool weather, roll your windows down. Avoid using the AC unnecessarily.
5. Avoid reviving the engine during initial kilometers - Keep your engine running at its most efficient level – between 2,000 and 3,000 revs per minute. The ideal point for changing gears is at around 2,500 rpm in a petrol car and 2,000 in diesel. Make sure you shift to the 5th gear at speeds greater than 60 kmph. This will ensure better performance of the vehicle and fuel economy.
6. Run the engine smoothly during the initial 5000 kilometers - Avoid sudden acceleration and deceleration in and out of traffic. Although it saves you time, it consumes a lot of fuel and wears out some of the car's component parts faster. If your car is stationary for a long time or at a traffic signal, make sure you switch off the engine.
7. Get your car periodically serviced - Ensure you get your car serviced at Ford service centre. Give your car for a professional wash once in a while to keep your vehicle in a good condition inside out. Not only do most of them reuse water, but also use much lesser amount of water per car wash. Visit an authorised repairer for a scheduled service.
8. Dry Clean Whenever Possible - An average car wash at home uses around 200 litres of water, if you’re washing your car at home, make it environmental friendly by parking your car on the grass. Wipe off any dust or dirt with absorbents or clean rags soaked in soapy water.
9. Use biodegradable cleaners - Use eco-friendly detergents and soaps to clean your car. Some soaps are made of ingredients which are good for the soil and plants as well.
10. Use methods to check fuel economy - To keep a track on the fuel consumption of your car, fill the car's tank and reset the trip meter to 0. During your next trip to the gas station, top up the tank completely once again and divide the kilometers run shown on the trip meter with the number of litres filled in the tank.
Here's an example for you:
Day 1 - Fuel tank top up & Trip meter reset to 0.
Day 1-7 - Kilometres run : 500 (distance from trip meter)
Day 7 - Fuel top up again and number of litres filled : 28 liters. Hence, your mileage will be : 500/28 = 18 Kilometres per litre (kmpl).
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