Efficiency is a word on every mind and maybe tongue. Climate concerns are also a topic of great debate and concern. We will focus on one aspect of your life that can benefit from efficiency improvement and offer climate impact reduction; your transportation, your wheels, your utility.
These are complex issues where no single answer seems suitable for everyone. While a diesel-burning engine generally delivers higher fuel mileage than petrol. Hydrogen engines are more than diesel. Even electric vehicles have a trade-off in climate damage for their range as the sourcing of minerals has terrible climate effects.
The technology to increase the power output of a combustion engine also increases efficiency, depending on how you drive. Utility trucks are heavier and not as aerodynamic, increasing fuel consumption. Moving the air in and out of the engine faster increases power or efficiency. For instance, an updated Hilux exhaust can move air faster, and cleaner. Below are more EFFICIENCY tips;
- A new intake air filter can create better fuel atomization for your climate. Clogged filters decelerate air and can starve the engine. The computer senses this change in intake and compensates with more fuel.
- New tires, rated for your driving type are recommended. If you drive 90% of the time on paved surfaces, it would be a horrible idea to drive on mud & snow tires. All-season radial will offer you increased economy.
- Proper inflation of tires will affect economy, handling, and safety. Use caution and follow dealer-recommended inflation pressure.
- The kit you decide to add after vehicle purchase can consist of heavy bumpers and tools not necessary for daily travel. They should be installed for high-use periods only.
- The additional surface area of items attached or stored externally can cause increased drag and fuel consumption. Roll bars, off-road lights, bed caps, suspension, or body kits cause more drag and friction due to weight.
- Your driving style is the number one factor for fuel economy. Here are some more pointers;
- The rate you accelerate has a tremendous result on fuel usage.
- If you decelerate too much, you have to accelerate to correct. Buring fuel twice to attain the same speed. Pay attention and keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you.
- Make necessary trips. Cut out access cruising. Take direct routes to destinations.
- Filling your tank in the morning or evening will allow the gas to expand as it heats, increasing the volume.
- Do not leave your engine running to keep your car hot or cool, while you are not in it.
Our friends at the Department of Transport have some advice as well. There is an annual test to regulate CO2 emissions. Vehicle efficiency standards will be strictly enforced with penalties. The Australian Automobile Association is conducting an emissions and efficiency study from 2023-2026 across 200 vehicle variants for an accurate assessment of the industry.
I can only imagine the cost of that study the taxpayers get to pay for. However, it should render a list of vehicles that will see higher taxes at sale for lack of efficiency. They don’t say that in the report, but that is generally the process path, spending taxes to make more taxes. Drive clean, drive cheap.
