On 1 August, 2015, fuel subsidies were abolished in the Emirates. From now on, UAE prices will be based on the average global prices of gasoline and diesel.
For the month of August, the price of gasoline in the UAE will see a month-on-month rise of 24%. The price of diesel, meanwhile, saw a month-on-month drop of 29%, in the wake of the decision.
In the short term, therefore, the removal of subsidies will result in operational cost increases for motorists and fleet owners running gasoline-powered vehicles. With this in mind, Ford has released a selection of pointers to help drivers get the most out of every tank.
Trevor Hale, director of communications for Ford Middle East & Africa, commented: “Driving behaviours don’t need to drastically change in order to maximise your fuel efficiency. There are many simple things you can do – and should do – that will help you to go further with every fill-up and reduce the number of trips you make to the petrol station.”
So without further ado, here are Ford’s top five tips to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.
1. Use your air conditioning while driving
There’s a common perception that driving with your windows open uses less fuel than driving while using your air conditioning. This is not true.
Driving with windows open at freeway speeds creates drag and uses more fuel than driving with windows closed and the air con running.
2. Inflate your tyres to recommended levels
These figures can be found in your vehicle handbook or on a label inside the driver’s door. Properly inflated tyres give the optimum road ‘footprint’, reducing the demand put on the engine and therefore the need for fuel.
3. Don’t speed
The faster you drive, the higher the demand for fuel. You may arrive quicker but your fuel bill will be higher. When freeway driving, employ cruise control. It will rule out the need for unnecessary braking or accelerating, and by finding the vehicle’s sweet speed, you can set your cruise control accordingly to save money on long drives.
4. Don’t carry uncecessary items with you
Be sure to remove unneeded items from your vehicle (such as golf clubs, baby strollers, and work equipment) if you’re not going to use them. The lighter your vehicle, the better the fuel efficiency.
5. Consider trading in your gas guzzler
Today’s high-tech engines (Ford cites its EcoBoost with turbo direct-injection technology) offer considerably better performance and power than many larger engines, while also delivering better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
