Beyond simply purchasing a vehicle with moderate average fuel consumption, adopting good driving habits can significantly reduce your fuel costs. Key habits to cultivate include: avoiding prolonged idling; refraining from rapid acceleration and hard braking; selecting the appropriate gear; using the air conditioning system judiciously; and regularly clearing out the trunk.
Regarding gear selection, it is best to drive in a higher gear when road conditions permit, avoiding the practice of driving at high speeds in a low gear. Additionally, maintaining a speed between 75 and 90 km/h generally yields the best fuel economy. As for air conditioning usage, running the A/C typically increases fuel consumption by 1.5 to 2 liters per 100 kilometers for SUVs; even highly fuel-efficient models-such as the Pajero Sport-experience an increase of 1.2 to 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Some drivers try to save fuel by opening the sunroof for ventilation instead of using the air conditioner. While this is effective at speeds below 80 km/h, at speeds above 80 km/h, the fuel consumed to overcome the resulting aerodynamic drag exceeds the fuel used to power the A/C system. Furthermore, poor vehicle maintenance leads to component aging and wear, which in turn increases fuel consumption; thus, maintenance plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency. Key maintenance tips for saving fuel include: A) ensuring proper wheel alignment; B) avoiding tire wear caused by under-inflation, over-inflation, or excessive mileage, all of which increase fuel consumption; C) preventing overly tight brake pads, which reduce coasting distance and raise fuel consumption; and D) prioritizing engine care-such as using high-quality engine oil and regularly replacing spark plugs-to keep the engine running optimally.