5 Factors That Can Influence Fuel Efficiency

Advertised fuel consumption ratings for your vehicle can drive you crazy, especially if you find yourself paying more at the pump than you thought you would when you purchased it.

One thing to remember is that the ratings you see on the windows of new vehicles, and on the web, represent the results of specific tests done by manufacturers under very controlled conditions in a lab.

While the ratings are achievable if you drive with fuel efficiency in mind, there are five factors that can impact your fuel consumption big-time:

1. Your driving behaviour: Rapid acceleration, speeding, driving at inconsistent speeds and even extended idling can increase your fuel consumption. The smoother you drive, the better your results will be. Drive smarter and you can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 25 per cent.

2. Weather: The colder it is, the more fuel you’ll consume. Poorer driving conditions, more friction and different types of fuel all add up. A drop in temperature from 24 to seven degrees can increase fuel consumption in urban commutes from 12 to 28 per cent. In the summer, air conditioning can increase fuel use and open windows at highway speeds can make your car much less aerodynamic, which increases fuel consumption too.

3. Weight: It’s a fact that lighter cars use less fuel. For every 25 kilograms of weight you add to a mid-sized car, you’ll lower your fuel economy by one percentage point.

4. Aerodynamics: Today’s vehicles are designed to glide easily through the air. Bikes, ski racks or cargo boxes can increase your fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent, so take them off when not using them.

5. Route planning and congestion: Just like meal planning makes weeknight cooking easier and less expensive, route planning reduces fuel consumption. Make a travel plan, check conditions, traffic or construction reports and plan accordingly.

Here’s the bottom line: While choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle is very important, fuel consumption can be affected by how, where, and when you drive.

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