Pursuing a Career in Auto Service Operations? 5 Fuel-Conserving Tips You Can Share With Clients
There’s no denying that it’s expensive to gas up your car. However, what many drivers don’t know is that there are many ways to improve a vehicle’s fuel efficiency while on the road. Making a few simple changes can help drivers to save hundreds of dollars on fuel every year, in addition to reducing their carbon dioxide emissions. If you’re seeking a career in auto service operations, your customers will appreciate any input or advice when it comes to conserving fuel.
Read on to discover five different ways to maximize a vehicle’s fuel efficiency!
1. If You Have Auto Service Training, Advise Drivers to Resist Driving Aggressively
It’s an inevitable fact of life that aggressive drivers use more fuel than cautious ones. By changing a few things about the way they operate their vehicle, drivers can reduce their fuel consumption by up to 20%. For example, when accelerating, pressing on the pedal gently rather than speeding up as fast as possible can go a long way in improving fuel efficiency. Additionally, avoiding high speeds is one of the best ways to save fuel. Most cars are most fuel efficient at a speed of between 50 and 80 km per hour. As an auto service operations specialist, it’s also important to advise drivers that they should coast into deceleration rather than slamming on the brakes. Plenty of fuel can be saved when drivers take their foot off the accelerator early instead of wasting momentum.
2. Drivers Should Maintain a Consistent Speed in Order to Save Fuel
Moving less between the gas and the brake pedal can save a driver plenty of fuel over time, so driving smoothly is essential when it comes to optimizing for fuel efficiency. If they’re driving on the highway, advise drivers to consider turning on cruise control. Especially during long trips, avoiding unnecessary changes in speed can go a long way towards improving a vehicle’s fuel economy.
3. Drivers Should Check Their Tire Pressure Regularly
If a vehicle’s tires are under-inflated, more fuel is bound to be consumed. In just one tire, each pound of pressure below the correct inflation level can decrease fuel economy by 2%. If you’re entering a career in auto service operations, consider advising your customers to take their vehicle in for a tire pressure check every month. Maintaining the right amount of tire pressure according to the recommendations of the manufacturer can enhance a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. The practice will also help to improve the life span of the tires themselves.
4. Getting Rid of Extra Weight Goes a Long Way in Saving Fuel
One of the golden rules of fuel efficiency is that the more a vehicle weighs, the more fuel it consumes. While drivers can’t alter the weight of the vehicle itself, there are many changes that drivers can make to decrease the overall load weight of the vehicle. Many drivers carry around items in or on their vehicle that they don’t use, such as sand, equipment, and bicycle racks. These items take up space and contribute to the overall weight of their load. Removing them is one of the simplest ways that drivers can improve their fuel conservation efforts.
5. Preventative Maintenance Is the Key to Fuel Efficiency
Unsurprisingly for those in auto careers, preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure that a vehicle is using the right amount of fuel. Over time, many components of a vehicle can reduce fuel economy if not properly maintained. When drivers take their vehicle into the shop regularly to get their air filter, wheel alignment, oil levels, and other components checked regularly, they’ll be able to catch issues that may be impeding their fuel efficiency. Pass these tips onto your customers the next time you hear someone complain about the price of fuel!
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