Fuel-Saving Techniques for On-Road and Off-Road Driving in KSA Summer
On-road and off-road driving in Saudi Arabia can be challenging for the owners because of the scorching summer heat in the summer. On top of that, High temperatures and long distances have an adverse effect on your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. For that, saving fuel is essential for both on-road and off-road trips.
The reason to save fuel in warm weather is, car engines may lose power because of less oxygen in the air which results in decreased fuel economy. Further, the car air conditioning system used in hot weather also reduced fuel efficiency. With day-by-day increases in gas prices, many car owners are looking for ways to save on fuel and use the fuel they have more efficiently while driving.
Are you sick of using up all your petrol and blowing your budget every time you travel around Saudi Arabia during the intense summer heat?
Fortunately, there are some tips to use in your driving habits and vehicle maintenance that can significantly cut down your fuel consumption.
Tips To Save Fuel for On-road Trips in KSA
Check Your Tyres Properly
Under-inflated tires or worn tyres can increase rolling resistance, which makes it more difficult for your car to move at a given speed. This results in consuming more fuel. Generally, proper maintenance of car tires is not difficult now. You just have to take the Tyre Pressure Monitor to check the tyre health condition to make sure tires are properly inflated before the road trip.
You can find the recommended tyre pressure on a label inside the driver’s door side. Not only do the under-inflated tyres reduce their lifetime, costing you more money to find replacement tyres. But also cost you up to 1 percent of your fuel economy.
Open Windows and Turn Down the AC
Turning on the car’s air conditioning system is the main contributor to decrease fuel efficiency in hot weather. While an SAE study from ten years ago tells that driving with the windows down significantly reduces fuel economy. While aerodynamic tests show that drivers would expect the A/C to be more efficient at high speeds. Instead, on-road testing revealed that fuel consumption was greater with the car A/C at all tested speeds. So, if you want to reduce the gas mileage, you might want to turn down the A/C.
Reduce Speed
Your car is designed to operate at a speed of about 55 to 60 miles per hour, and exceeding that speed by 20 mph can cause efficiency to drop by approximately a third. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), if you drive over 50 mph, you end up paying an extra $0.20 per gallon of gas for every 5 mph increase in speed. Instead of spending that extra money on gas, why not save it for some delicious road trip snacks or memorable beach souvenirs?
DON’T IDLE THE ENGINE
This might seem a tough tip to you in the sweltering summer months but don’t idle the engine. On extremely hot or cold days, it's essential to start the car to prepare the climate control system, either by revving the A/C compressor to produce ultra-cold air or by warming up the engine block to turn on the heat.
So, in case you are waiting for your friend, turn off the engine if your car is parked for more than 10 seconds. Also, don’t keep the A/C on while your engine is in idle position as it wastes up to three cents of fuel per minute.
Lose Excessive Weight
When it comes to 4x4 vehicles, owners often struggle with this problem. With the installation of a bull bar, driving lights, roof racks, and an extra spare wheel, the weight of the vehicle increases significantly. However, you can reduce the excessive weight by removing unnecessary items, such as the gear in the back drawers or a 12V fridge that you may have stored in the boot.
Fuel-Efficient Driving
You will notice that aggressive acceleration and braking during driving can dramatically increase fuel consumption. To save fuel, observe the road and traffic around you and try to react to changes early so that you can accelerate slower and brake gently. There is a myth - Don’t ever shift into neutral when driving down a hill in Saudi Arabia thinking you will save fuel as it is very dangerous.
To optimize your fuel economy and achieve a smooth driving experience, it would be a good idea to use cruise control whenever possible. If your vehicle comes equipped with adaptive cruise control that’s even better! By using cruise control, the vehicle will take control of the accelerator pedal, brakes, and transmission, operating as smoothly as the traffic allows.
Tips To Improve Fuel Economy For Off-roading in Saudi Arabia
Choose the Right Vehicle
The first step to saving fuel in off-roading in Saudi Arabia is to choose the right car. Best off-road SUVs with smaller engines are normally more fuel-efficient than their larger counterparts, such as Mitsubishi Pajero, Chevrolet Tahoe, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and more. Furthermore, diesel engines are more fuel efficient than gasoline engines and provide better fuel economy for off-road.
Tire Maintenance for Off-Roading
Another crucial factor is car tyre maintenance to improve fuel economy. If your car tires are properly inflated, it reduces the rolling resistance and improves the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. So, always make sure to check your tyre pressure regularly, especially before going out on an off-road adventure.
Gear Shifting and Braking
Off-roading can take a toll on your vehicle's fuel economy due to the frequent gear shifting and braking. Try to maintain a consistent speed, and avoid excessive braking whenever possible. Additionally, shifting to higher gears as soon as possible can help reduce the strain on your engine and lead to better fuel economy.
Route Planning for Off-Road Travel
To maximize your vehicle's fuel efficiency, it's essential to plan your route carefully. By mapping out your journey ahead of time and sticking to established trails and roads, you can avoid any uncertainties that could impact your fuel efficiency. It's also a good idea to steer clear of steep inclines and rough terrain that could strain your vehicle and reduce your fuel efficiency.
Reducing Unnecessary Weight
Off-roading can be a lot of fun, but carrying excess weight can significantly impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Before you hit the trail, assess your gear and see if there's anything you can do without. It's also a good idea to remove any roof racks or off-roading gadgets that add extra weight and reduce your vehicle's aerodynamics, which can have a significant impact on your fuel efficiency.
Avoid Over-Revving
Lastly, avoid over-revving your engine as excessive racing reduce fuel efficiency. Instead, make an effort to keep a constant speed and refrain from exceeding your engine's capabilities. It helps to save fuel and ensure that your car performs optimally throughout your off-road adventure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the key to saving fuel on- and off-road trips in Saudi Arabia is to be mindful of your driving habits and make small adjustments that add up over time. By taking steps to optimize your vehicle performance, maintaining your vehicle properly, and avoiding unnecessary idling, you can reduce your fuel consumption and cut your costs.