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Increased Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy (or Fuel Efficiency) means the amount of fuel required by the automobile to move over a certain distance. Many people may confuse this with fuel efficiency of the engine but this is completely different. Fuel efficiency is the term most commonly heard by people as the litres per 100kms or miles per gallon of fuel. If the fuel efficiency is high as in the case of miles per gallon then the car shows better fuel economy. This implies that you can travel more distance in the same amount of fuel.

Factors that can affect fuel economy:

- Air resistance: When a vehicle starts moving, it has to overcome air resistance. Generally at lower speeds, air resistance is not a major limiting factor. But at higher speeds, the car has to generate more power to be able to move. As the speeds keep on increasing, the strain on the car increases and the fuel economy takes a hit.

- Aerodynamics: This is a decisive factor especially when the car is driven at high speeds. Smooth streamlining will decrease the air resistance and help keep the fuel economy in check.

- Rolling friction: Rolling friction is the friction offered by the surface to the tires of a car. This type of friction is most effective at low speeds.

There are many other similar factors that play a major role in affecting the fuel economy of a vehicle.

With the world facing an energy crisis today, fuel economy has become the single most important criteria when it comes to choosing vehicles. People are now buying hybrid vehicles and small vehicles in favour of SUVs and are aware of the benefits of having a vehicle that offers optimal fuel economy. Apart from this, many countries like U.S have to import huge amounts of oil every year to satisfy the needs of millions of cars that ply on the road. Manufacturers have also realised this and are spending billions of dollars in research of technologies that provide higher fuel economy.

Whilst the manufacturers are spending large amounts on R&D, there are certain simple steps that each individual can take to ensure to maintain maximum fuel economy:

- Drive at a steady speed

This means that you realise that you are not a F1 driver and don't drive aggressively for no reason except maybe cheap thrills. This goes a long way in getting optimal fuel economy. Sudden changes in acceleration reduces the fuel efficiency .

- Keep minimum weight in the car

This is an often neglected fact. Most of the time the car is full of things which are not necessary for the trip you are about to undertake. This makes the car heavier and takes a toll on the economy.

- Try to drive at the highest gear possible

Lower gears provide more power and therefore consume more fuel. Try to keep the vehicle at a higher gear

- Maintenance should be done in time

A car that is not properly maintained can result in reduced fuel efficiency and hence less economy.

- Plan ahead before a trip

If possible try to combine errands or try to tackle errands in such a way that you don't have to take the same route twice. This takes a few seconds, but save precious fuel.

With the advent of new technologies and increased awareness, optimal fuel economy can be achieved by taking a few simple steps.