The Reality of Fuel Consumption
Owning a Subaru means you’re the first to put your hand up when asked who will pop to the shops, be the designated driver, sign-up for that upcoming road trip and, well… anything really that puts you behind the wheel of the biggest love of your life (we won’t say a word to your significant other!).
The bad news is the almost never-ending announcements that fuel prices will go up. Just as you get used to one figure that you can gauge and budget with accordingly, the news foretells another increase (and of course with a fuel price hike, everything else goes up too). But there’s still no reason why a tank of fuel shouldn’t give you great gratification with regards to where that took you.
The good news is that there are ways to be smart about how you convert petrol into performance. We’ve put together some easy fuel saving tips for you to take advantage of, because owning a Subaru and not being on the road is like spending the money on a new pair of Yeezy sneakers or Christian Louboutin heels and not taking them anywhere they can be seen. Sacrilege!
Healthy engine = healthy consumption
First off, keep track of the average amount of kilometres you get on a full tank. This is mainly about being aware when there’s a sudden change in the consumption of what you’d normally get on full tank — and may mean there’s an issue that needs attention. The most logical when it comes to tips on saving fuel comes down to responsible maintenance and timeous services; a car out of its service schedule will undoubtedly mean harder work on the engine, consuming more petrol than it should do.
Oil Maintenance
Still on the topic of your engine’s wellbeing is the quality and age of the oil in its engine. While this traditionally forms part of your service plan, knowing when your oil was — and should be — changed gives you great insight into the difference between great fuel consumption and why your driving might feel a little heavy footed. Technological advancements have meant that modern cars only really need their oil changed between 11,000 and 16,000 kilometres. Older cars more frequently (at every 5,000km’s). While you’re outside your service plan or as the owner of a second-hand car, try to stay on top of things like oil-change cycles. It’s one of the unsung heroes when it comes to tips on saving fuel.
More factors to be aware of in this area are:
See? Not all the things that can contribute to excessive fuel consumption are necessarily top of mind, but tips on saving fuel should start with these easy to manage items more often.
5 Best Fuel-Saving Tips for South African Drivers
- Tip 1: Keep your tyres correctly inflated
Under-inflated tyres create greater rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and increases fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressure regularly and always use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. This is particularly important before long road trips or when carrying heavier loads. - Tip 2: Avoid unnecessary weight and aerodynamic drag
Carrying unnecessary items in your vehicle increases the amount of energy needed to move it. Roof racks, roof boxes and other external accessories can also increase aerodynamic drag, particularly at higher speeds. Remove anything you don’t need for the journey and, where possible, avoid leaving roof-mounted equipment fitted when it isn’t being used. - Tip 3: Plan your journeys to reduce unnecessary driving
Combining errands into one trip can help reduce the total distance you drive and, consequently, the amount of fuel you use. Planning your route before setting off can also help you avoid congestion, unnecessary detours and repeated stop-start driving. - Tip 4: Use your air conditioning wisely
Air conditioning places an additional load on the engine and can increase fuel consumption. Use it when necessary and avoid running it unnecessarily when the vehicle is stationary. At higher speeds, however, driving with the windows open can increase aerodynamic drag, so closing the windows and using the vehicle’s climate control may be the more efficient option. - Tip 5: Drive smoothly and anticipate the road ahead
One of the simplest ways to improve fuel economy is to avoid aggressive acceleration, harsh braking and unnecessary changes in speed. Maintain a steady speed where conditions allow, leave enough following distance to anticipate traffic and allow the vehicle to slow naturally when appropriate. Smooth driving can reduce the amount of fuel wasted through repeated acceleration and braking.
How to Save fuel Consumption: Driving Tactics
Driving style matters
So your favourite part about being in a Subaru is when it’s moving, right? When it comes to how to save fuel consumption and your driving style, try to remember the following:
- Aggressive driving: Driving too fast, accelerating too quickly and stopping too suddenly are activities that all lead to high fuel consumption. Keep your accelerations gentle, your speed limit accurate and your following distance generous (to avoid sudden braking). Natural slowing or “brakeless deceleration” can actually increase your fuel efficiency.
- Gears: If you’re in a manual car, pulling a heavier load in a higher gear will make your car work harder than it should and therefore exacerbate your fuel consumption. Likewise, being in a lower gear at higher speeds (on the highway for example) will mean your revs are higher than they should be and you’ll be using much more fuel than you should. Listen to your engine. If it sounds like it is over— or under-working, you’re likely to be using more petrol than your car’s designed to do.
- Idling: This one might be more obvious to some, but it still makes our list of fuel saving tips. If and when you’re in a situation where you can turn your engine off completely, do so. This shouldn’t interrupt your journey of course, but let’s say you’re in the pick-up queue at your child’s school and the little one’s are taking longer than usual to come out, it’s better to turn off your engine than park there, leaving it idling. Not only from a fuel economy tips perspective, but also general wear and tear.
FAQs About Fuel Saving Tips
What causes excessive fuel consumption?
Excessive fuel consumption can be caused by several factors, including aggressive driving, excessive idling, incorrect tyre pressure, unnecessary vehicle weight, aerodynamic drag, poor engine maintenance and congested driving conditions. A sudden change in your vehicle’s normal fuel consumption can also indicate that it needs attention or servicing.
Does air conditioning use more fuel?
Yes. Using air conditioning places an additional load on the engine and can increase fuel consumption. However, at higher speeds, driving with the windows open can also increase aerodynamic drag, so using the air conditioning with the windows closed can be the more efficient option.
Does tyre pressure affect fuel consumption?
Yes. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning the engine needs to work harder to move the vehicle. Check your tyre pressures regularly and keep them at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
What is the best way to save fuel when driving?
The most fuel-efficient everyday approach is to drive smoothly, avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking, maintain appropriate speeds, minimise idling and keep your vehicle properly maintained. Planning journeys and avoiding unnecessary weight can also help reduce fuel consumption.
While we like to welcome car lovers of all kinds here, it’s worthwhile mentioning that the Subaru Outback features auto stop-start technology. It’s about preference which is why it can be deactivated for those who do more urban driving and prefer not to have this system on.
Whether you prefer to be proactive about our tips on saving fuel, rely on technology or a little bit of both, we just want to make sure you get the most of your driving experiences. Don’t leave those Yeezy or Louboutin heels in their box because you’re afraid of them being used. And certainly don’t let the price of fuel keep you from jumping at every opportunity to fully enjoy your Subaru! There are smart ways of getting the most from life, and we hope our fuel saving tips have made for a good start when it comes to everything car-related.
Want to know more about how a Subaru could fit perfectly into your life? Call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za and a skilled member of our team will be happy to assist you. Alternatively, use our store locator to find your nearest dealership, and of course if you’re looking to experience any of our six incredible models first-hand, get behind the steering wheel by booking your test drive today.
