The hot weather in the UAE has several direct impacts on cars and their fuel consumption. High temperatures put extra strain on various car components, leading to increased fuel consumption and potentially higher maintenance costs. Here are 7 genius tips to save fuel that you can benefit from this summer:
1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
In the scorching UAE heat, the air inside your tires expands, which could cause overinflation. On the other hand, underinflated tires create more resistance, causing your car to work harder and use more fuel. Either way, your fuel efficiency suffers.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. It’s easy! Just refer to your car’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s side door frame for the recommended levels. Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures you get the most out of your fuel, especially in the summer heat.
2. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
A/C in the UAE is a lifesaver, but it can also consume a lot of fuel. Keeping it on max all the time can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20%, and that’s a lot of extra cash spent on gas. When you first hop in, don’t crank the A/C all the way up.
Roll down the windows for a couple of minutes to let the hot air out, then switch to a moderate A/C setting. This keeps the cooler air inside, rather than pulling in hot air from outside, which helps your A/C work more efficiently.
When stuck in traffic or driving at lower speeds, turn off the A/C. Open the windows slightly – just enough to keep things cool without draining your fuel. This is one of the best ways to save fuel.
3. Drive Smoothly
Quick starts and hard braking waste fuel, and in the UAE’s heat, that’s a double whack for your fuel economy. Aggressive driving stresses the engine, making it burn through more fuel. Ease into the throttle instead of gunning the engine. Smooth acceleration is not just more effortless on the car; it also helps save fuel.
Anticipate traffic flow so you don’t have to slam the brakes. Gradual braking helps save fuel and extends the life of your brake pads.
4. Reduce Weight and Drag
The more weight your car carries, the harder it has to work, which results in increased fuel consumption. Also, things like roof racks and open windows increase drag, especially when you’re cruising on the highway. That extra resistance drains fuel. Clear out heavy stuff from your car.
For every 100 pounds you remove, you can improve fuel economy by 1-2%. Open windows cause drag, which eats into fuel efficiency. Keep them closed when driving on highways to reduce resistance.
5. Avoid Idling
It’s tempting to leave the engine running in the heat, mainly to keep the A/C on. But idling wastes fuel, and in the UAE’s high heat, it stresses the engine and A/C, making them work harder than necessary. Turn off your engine if you plan on idling for more than a minute or two.
This is also one of the best tips to save fuel this summer. Modern engines are designed to use less fuel when restarting than when staying idle.
6. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained car runs smoother and uses fuel more efficiently. In summer, your vehicle has to work harder to keep up, so maintenance is even more important. You can implement the following essential maintenance tips to save fuel:
- Old, dirty oil causes your engine to work harder, burning more fuel. Stick to regular oil changes to keep your engine running smoothly.
- Clogged air filters reduce airflow, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Keep them clean and replace them as needed.
- Misfiring spark plugs can waste fuel, so replace them as needed to keep your engine running at peak efficiency.
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7. Consider Using Fuel Additives
Some additives can help keep your engine running efficiently, especially in the heat when the car’s systems are already working overtime. Purchase a high-quality fuel additive for your car’s engine. They can help clean fuel injectors and improve combustion, especially in the summer heat.
Conclusion:
Driving in the UAE’s brutal summer heat means putting your car through its paces. From using your A/C to the extra strain on the engine, it’s easy for fuel efficiency to take a hit. A few simple habits, like proper tire pressure, smooth driving, and regular maintenance, can help control fuel costs and extend your vehicle’s life.
A little effort goes a long way in saving both fuel and money during the hot summer months! These were our 7 valuable tips to save fuel. Thanks for reading till the end. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more content like this.