To achieve good FC does not mean having low revs, it is how fast u achieve the crusing speed at the highest gear. AS some pointed that you have to have about 2.5k rpm to be efficient and yet fast enough for gear changes.
After observing the fuel consumption of my Latio, I find that the following are the key contributors to maximising fuel efficiency.
1. Overinflating your tyre presure a little, but not to the extreme. Mine is 240KPa for the front and 230KPa for the rear. Recommended pressure is 220KPa.
2. The lighter the car, the more fuel efficient it is. This means clearing your boot of junk, removing your spare tyre, and carrying as few passengers as possible.
3. Service your car periodically accordingly to schedule.
4. Set your air con temperature higher, at 26 degrees. The compressor loads the engine resulting in higher fuel consumption. Drive without the air con at night in the city. For cruising at highway speed, it is better to wind up your windows and turn on your air con as wind drag increases fuel consumption .
5. Accelerate as gently as possible, and not exceeding 2000rpm. Lift your foot off the accererator for a split second to allow it to shift up if it is dragging on a lower gear up a slope. Such driving habits wil mean you get heavy vehicles overtaking you and you must keep to the left lane.
6. Make sure your radiator grill is not clogged with leaves to allow air flow.
7. Avoid making short trips on cold starts. Or plan to do all your errands at the same time, so that you can avoid a cold start which consumes the most fuel.
8. Avoid driving on a very hot day. The cooler the air, the more economical your car gets.
9. Get a fuel efficient tyre which reduces drag, like Michelin XM1.
10. 95RON is sufficient.
11. Avoid after market accessories like body kit & spoilers as they add weight to the car and at legal speeds, they do nothing to reduce air drag to the undercarriage.
12. Clean and wax your car. The smoother surface reduces drag although the improvement in fuel efficiency is minimal.
Any more to add?
