How to lower fuel consumption of your car - Newstrends
Connect with us

Auto

How to lower fuel consumption of your car

Published

1 year ago

on

How to lower fuel consumption of your car

When President Bola Tinubu announced an end to fuel subsidy at the inception of his regime in 2023, many motorists were jolted by the expected impact it would have on the cost of keeping their vehicles on the road.

Many Nigerians were also concerned about the impact it would have on the cost of living, especially the prices of goods, services and transportation.
And their fears were genuine; prices of goods went up astronomically and there were complaints of hardship all over the country.

This led to a swift drop on the sales of big cars, especially Sport Utility Vehicles. Many Nigerians quickly parked these cars in their homes and some immediately put up theirs for sale while others quickly bought smaller cars that they presumed would consume less fuel. They forgot that the rainy season would not be fair to the roads and their new small sedans, especially the bumpers and underneath the cars.

Those living in flood-prone areas like Lekki and some seasonally flooded areas in Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa states can attest to the advantages of SUVs over sedans from their expenses. With some of these expected challenges, it didn’t take long for the average Nigerian motorist to adjust and live with the negative impacts of the fuel subsidy removal.

Though the challenge persists, coupled with the poor state of the roads across the country, it has been almost impossible for Nigerians to totally do away with their big cars and SUVs which are renowned for higher fuel consumption. It is the classical case of choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea.

READ ALSO:

Today, Vanguard offers you some tips on how to ensure maximum fuel economy in your vehicles at a time like this. It is clear that by improving your car’s fuel economy, you’re helping to reduce the drain on your wallet. With some simple driving tips and habits, your fuel can take you further. A combination of good driving habits, and proper vehicle maintenance of your car is essential.

The Tips

*When driving, accelerate and brake gently, quick starts and stops waste fuel, but smooth driving boosts your kilometres per litre. Driving at slower speeds leads to better fuel efficiency.

Reducing speed by 10-20 kph can help. Keep a steady speed, you may use your cruise control on motorways because when you drive at a consistent speed, you save fuel.

•Watch the traffic ahead, it will help you predict what other drivers will do or intend to do. This helps you to avoid braking and speeding up.

•Also avoid idling your engine for long periods even when it is stationary as it wastes fuel. Switch off the engine if you need to stop for more than a minute.

•Also limit short journeys, and be aware that cold starts use more fuel.

•As a motorist, ensure that your tyres are appropriately gauged. Soft tyres cause drag and waste fuel. Check pressures often and inflate correctly.

Many drivers don’t know that proper inflation of their car tyres contributes significantly to the fuel economy. Under inflated tyres have a higher rolling resistance on the road. This means that your tyres generate more friction and rolling resistance and will increase fuel consumption.

READ ALSO:

If your four tyres are underinflated by 10 psi, this could increase your fuel consumption by 10 per cent. Car manufactures always have the recommended tyre gauge inscribed on the drivers door frame. Gauge your tyre accordingly and reduce your fuel consumption.

•Correct wheel alignment is vital. It reduces tyre wear and drag. This also saves fuel.

•Many motorists carry all sorts of things in their boots which they hardly need and this adds to the weight of the car, this should be avoided. Note that every extra 50kg of load in your car increases fuel consumption by about two to three percent.

Some used cars from abroad come with a heavy bar attached to the rear for pulling boats and other heavy objects from where they have been imported which is hardly needed in this part of the world. It is advised that you remove them to avoid unnecessary weight.

Some people however believe that this serves as protection when another vehicle hits them from behind, unknown to them that they are paying more to fuel their cars. Lighten your load and remove extra weight from the car. Less weight means better fuel economy.

•Also, reduce drag by removing roof racks as they increase wind resistance which wastes fuel.

•Use your air-conditioning system. Driving with an air-conditioner has an advantage to fuel economy but most drivers think otherwise.

Apart from keeping the interior of your car clear of dust and ensuring the safety of the driver from attacks, it also saves fuel. Driving with windows down at a speed faster than 80km/h causes a lot of wind resistance and more fuel consumption. It is more fuel efficient to drive with your air-conditioner on.

•Maintain the right speed. Avoid over speeding and going slowly too.

While both have safety consequences, they also have an impact on your fuel consumption. It has been established that on highways, your engine works hard to overcome wind resistance.

This means that you will burn up to 15 per cent more fuel at 100km/h and 25 per cent more at 110km/h. On the other way round, if you drive at a speed slower than 50km/h your engine would drop to a lower gear thus using up more fuel. It is advised that driving between 50km/h and 90km/h gives optimal fuel efficiency.

•Many people accelerate their cars as if they are running at Formula 1 Race thereby wasting their fuel unknowingly. Avoid revving your accelerator to a high revolution per minute (RPM). Your engine uses less fuel when it is revolving slower at a lower RPM.

•It is also important to note that aggressive braking is not only a disadvantage to the brake pad but increases fuel consumption.

Slamming on the brakes increases fuel consumption as the car needs to accelerate again. Give a reasonable distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you have been driven by a pilot before, you would understand what it means to drive with caution.

READ ALSO:

They are very cautious of the vehicles in front of them and avoid them from afar. I am sure that if we take count of professionals who hardly get involved in traffic accidents, the pilot would take the number spot.

•Avoid hard acceleration when moving your car from complete stop or climbing hills as it increases fuel consumption. Most people who drive vehicles with automatic transmission hardly know the advantage of one special feature in the car called cruise control.

If you are driving an automatic car, you can make use of cruise control to keep your speed constant. But if you are driving a manual car, maintain a higher gear when appropriate. This ensures that your engine goes through less revolutions per minute, RPM and ensures less fuel consumption.

•Driving in traffic causes higher fuel consumption. Stop-start traffic puts a lot of pressure on your engine and burns more fuel. Avoid peak traffic if possible. Turn off your engine when it is parked. As long as your engine is on, the fuel is burning. The choice is yours to keep the engine steaming when that car is not moving. It is your fuel that is burning which you can use to cover some kilometers.

•Regular servicing with quality engine oil is key to the longevity of your engine. If your engine is poorly maintained, it will lead to sludge and corrosion build-up which will prevent the engine from working smoothly. Regular maintenance is key.

•Follow your vehicle’s schedule, a healthy engine works better. A clean air filter lets the engine breathe freely. Good airflow improves fuel use. Use the right oil type to reduce friction and boost engine performance. When buying a new car, think about fuel efficiency. Pick a model that fits your needs. If your car has a fuel-saving mode, then use it.

How to lower fuel consumption of your car

Vanguard

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Auto

Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

on

May 23, 2026

By

Jetour T2 Earns Top Global Safety Rating, Intensifies SUV Battle in Nigeria

 

Jetour has thrown down the gauntlet in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market after its rugged T2 model secured the coveted NCAP 5-Star safety rating — a global benchmark regarded as the highest standard in crash protection and accident avoidance technology.

The achievement is expected to boost the brand’s appeal among Nigerian motorists seeking tough, family-oriented SUVs that combine advanced safety, luxury and off-road capability for the country’s challenging road conditions.

Jetour Nigeria discloses this in a statement, stressing that it is backing the T2 with a growing nationwide dealership and after-sales support network, including trained technicians, genuine spare parts, structured maintenance plans and warranty coverage aimed at boosting long-term ownership confidence.

Positioned as a bold “super SUV,” the Jetour T2 was designed specifically with Nigerian driving conditions in mind, according to the automaker.

In a country where motorists often encounter congested urban roads, long-distance highways and rough rural terrain within the same trip, the T2 is engineered to adapt seamlessly to changing environments.

Safety is seen as one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points. The SUV comes equipped with a comprehensive airbag system, SRS airbags, parking sensors, rear camera and surround-view monitor.

It also features advanced driver-assistance technologies such as Anti-lock Braking System, Emergency Braking Assist and Auto-Brake Assist, which help detect potential collisions and automatically apply braking when necessary.

Beyond safety, the T2 projects a muscular and commanding presence aimed at drivers looking for both ruggedness and refinement.

Jetour says the SUV was built to offer confidence for daily commuting while remaining capable enough for off-road adventures.

Inside, the cabin combines premium comfort with practical space. Measuring 4,785mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers generous legroom and headroom for occupants, making it suitable for long-distance travel and family use.

Under the hood, the T2 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 187kW (254hp) and 390Nm of torque.

Paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the setup provides strong acceleration, smooth overtaking capability and enough power to tackle steep inclines and demanding terrains.

A major highlight of the SUV is its advanced multi-terrain capability. The T2 features a BorgWarner sixth-generation four-wheel-drive system and XWD automatic intelligent drivetrain.

Multiple drive modes — including Sport, Eco, Normal, Mud, Rock and X Smart — allow the vehicle to adjust to varying road conditions ranging from muddy rural tracks to sandy and rocky surfaces.

Technology and convenience also feature prominently in the package. A 15.6-inch LCD touchscreen serves as the hub for infotainment, vehicle diagnostics and off-road information.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, intelligent voice commands, cruise control and crawl control are integrated to enhance the driving experience.

Additional features such as remote start, push-button ignition, lane departure warning and blind-spot detection further improve convenience and safety for drivers.

With the T2, Jetour is seeking to position itself as a brand that understands the realities of Nigerian roads and the increasing appetite among motorists for SUVs that combine adventure, luxury and safety without compromise.

Jetour Nigeria specifically lists its accredited dealers spread across the country as Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training

Published

6 days ago

on

May 20, 2026

By

An instructor taking the TSS Motors technical team through a practical session with a Forland light truck

Forland, TSS Motors strengthen technical capacity with specialised truck training

 

Forland Motors, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of light commercial trucks, has strengthened its partnership with local assembler and distributor, Transit Support Services Ltd (TSS), through a specialised three-day technical training programme aimed at boosting the competence of technicians handling the brand’s vehicles in Nigeria.

The programme was organised to equip the TSS technical team, comprising assembly and after-sales technicians, with in-depth knowledge of Forland light trucks, which are assembled and distributed in Nigeria by the company. The training covered assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance, with the goal of ensuring high service standards in both vehicle assembly and after-sales support.

The training, held at the TSS Motors Training Centre on Ikorodu Road in the Anthony area of Lagos, was facilitated by Forland instructors who arrived from China, alongside TSS technical personnel drawn from Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja.

Also in attendance were technical personnel from Yuchai, the major supplier of engines to Forland trucks. Yuchai is one of China’s largest manufacturers of powertrain solutions.

Forland training at TSS office in Lagos

Providing further insight into the programme, the Head of After-Sales Services at TSS, Mrs. Phebian Iwalokun, said the training focused on general maintenance, engine servicing, and preventive maintenance programmes.

According to her, the initiative was designed to ensure that TSS technicians are fully equipped to manage the growing number of Forland vehicles operating in Nigeria.

She added that continuous skill enhancement had become necessary as TSS prepares for an expansion in production capacity amid increasing demand for Forland trucks across the country.

“Forland trucks are currently gaining ground in Nigeria, with over 1,000 units already in operation, mainly among fast-moving consumer goods companies, logistics firms, and last-mile distribution operators,” Iwalokun stated.

A subsidiary of ABC Transport Plc, Transit Support Services assembles Forland trucks at its plant in Enugu and provides technical and after-sales support to customers nationwide.

Forland has continued to build a strong reputation globally as a successful commercial vehicle and light-truck brand, with its products performing strongly in several international markets.

ABC Transport Group founder, Mr. Frank Nneji (right), presented certificates to the participants

Loading

Continue Reading

Auto

Nigeria Targets Additional 70,000 Annual Vehicle Output, West African Export with Hybrid Motors, Chinese Firm EV Deal

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 15, 2026

By

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Launch Design, Wang Xun, and Chief Executive Officer, Hybrid Motors Nigeria, Jubril Arogundade, during the signing of a strategic partnership agreement to establish Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing facilities in Lagos and Abuja, in Shanghai, recently.

Nigeria Targets Additional 70,000 Annual Vehicle Output, West African Export with Hybrid Motors, Chinese Firm EV Deal

 

Launch Design Shanghai and Hybrid Motors Nigeria have signed a strategic partnership agreement to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plants in Lagos and Abuja, a move expected to raise Nigeria’s annual vehicle assembly capacity by 70,000 units and strengthen automobile exports to neighbouring West African countries.

The agreement, signed in Shanghai on May 8, 2026, will drive the production of “Acely,” Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s indigenous vehicle brand designed specifically for Nigerian roads, climate and mobility needs.

The collaboration is being positioned as a major boost to Nigeria’s automotive industrialisation drive, with the two firms aiming to transform the country into a regional hub for vehicle production and export.

Under the partnership, the companies will develop two manufacturing facilities with a combined annual production capacity of 70,000 vehicles at full operation.

The Lagos plant, located along the Lekki-Epe corridor, will serve as the main production and assembly centre with an installed capacity of 50,000 units yearly.

Its proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port is expected to support large-scale exports to regional markets including Ghana, Benin Republic, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.

Industry stakeholders believe the export-oriented facility could significantly expand Nigeria’s automotive footprint across West Africa while reducing dependence on imported vehicles within the region.

The second facility, to be located within the Free Zone Business Area of Centenary Economic City in Abuja, will have an annual production capacity of 20,000 units and focus on supplying Northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahel markets.

The firms said the dual-plant strategy would improve logistics efficiency, lower production costs and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the automotive value chain.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of Hybrid Motors Nigeria, Mr. Jubril Arogundade, described the project as a defining moment for Nigeria’s automotive future.

“This partnership is more than a business agreement; it is a commitment to building Nigeria’s automotive future,” Arogundade said.

“With Acely, we are demonstrating that globally competitive vehicles can be conceived, designed and assembled in Nigeria by Nigerians for both local and international markets.”

He added that the partnership with Launch Design Shanghai would bring advanced automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise into Nigeria, helping the Acely brand meet international standards while retaining local identity.

Chief Executive Officer of Launch Design, Mr. Wang Xun, said the collaboration would contribute to the emergence of a stronger automotive manufacturing ecosystem in Africa.

“Our turnkey engineering capabilities combined with Hybrid Motors Nigeria’s understanding of the local market create a strong foundation for success,” Wang said.

“Together, we are not only building vehicles but helping to establish a sustainable automotive industry for the region.”

The companies said Acely vehicles would focus on local assembly, energy efficiency and advanced electric and hybrid technologies suited to African operating conditions.

Analysts said the project could stimulate local component manufacturing, encourage technology transfer and deepen technical skills development within Nigeria’s automotive sector.

The initiative is also expected to conserve foreign exchange by reducing vehicle imports while positioning Nigeria as a competitive exporter of made-in-Nigeria vehicles within the ECOWAS sub-region.

Both firms noted that the investment aligns with the Federal Government’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan aimed at increasing local vehicle production, attracting investments and accelerating industrial growth.

“With facilities in Lagos and Abuja serving distinct but complementary markets across Nigeria and the wider region, we are laying the foundation for a new era of mobility that is locally rooted, globally competitive and sustainably driven,” Arogundade added.

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending