Car Driving Tips & Guide: Daily Care, Safety, Fuel Efficiency

Car Driving Tips & Guide: Daily Care, Safety, Fuel Efficiency

Today, we drive safer cars on safer roads; decades of advertisements and public information campaigns have made most of us safer drivers. Do you feel that a 15 years old boy is driving the car, Why cant you. Lets take look on safe driving techniques for men and women

First come first : Congratulations on your New Car. You already know driving, but ideal is to maintain gear changing ratio and speed during the initial run

>>> First 1000 to 1500 Kms are considered the warm up period for your new car. Whether its Petrol or Diesel, ideal is to maintain speed to gear change ratio in equilibrium so as not to cross 2000 RPM during first 1500 Kms Driving

>>> Do not race the car engine during start-up. Move Gently. Ensure to not to speed up too quickly or stop with zoom by applying brakes too hard during the initial run atleast for the first one month or 1000 kms drive

>>> Though Covered in Point 1 – but during first 1500 kms, ensure maximum speed to be under 80 Kms. The reasons for above is to avoid strain on Engine, as the Piston Rings are rotating for the very first time and Oil gets aptly lubricated with the Engine Parts. Its best to avoid any kind of strain

General Tips

• Avoid accelerating or decelerating unnecessarily.
• Once the engine is running smoothly, begin driving accelerate slowly and smoothly.
• Avoid jack-rabbit starts and unnecessary sudden acceleration or braking.
• Get into high gear as soon as possible.
• Do not rest your foot on the accelerator pedal, for short period stoppages, for example at a signal.
• Keep a keen observation on the quantity and quality of fuel.
• Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.
• Keep your vehicle tuned-up and in top shape.
• For longer life of all parts and lower operating costs maintain your vehicle on schedule. (please insist on genuine parts during (pre-journey) maintenance service).

Your Safety

• Always wear seat belt.
• Do not Touch or Open Radiator Cap when Engine is Hot.
• Don’t fiddle with your Radio/Audio/Video player while driving.
• Avoid use of mobile phone, while driving.
• Always use Suzuki Genuine Parts. Non-Genuine Parts effect fuel-consumption, can be dangerous and cause accident(s).
• Always use indicator much before taking a turn.
• Keep a proper distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also reduce your brakes from wearing.
• Avoid hitting the curb and slow down on rough roads.
• Driving is transportation not competition. Want to compete? Find a race track.
• Keep your windscreen clean.
• Don’t leave your valuable in the car.
• Follow the speed limit given on the road signs.

Daily Car Care

• Check gauges and meter operation
• Check lighting system operation
• Check horn and turn signal operation
• Check fuel level in fuel tank
• Check rear view mirror condition
• Check number plate condition
• Check tire (air pressure, wear and damage)
• Check oil leakage under your vehicle
• Check radiator water level
• Check oil level through oil gauge / Dip stick
• Check battery water level

Fuel Efficiency

• Avoid long and unnecessary engine idling. If you have a long wait and you are not into traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start again later.
• For better and long lasting usage, keep tire pressure upto acceptable standard Pressure (Recommendation given on the sticker pasted on front RHS pillar / door).
• It is better to switch off the engine at stops of over 2 minutes and start again when required.
• Drive Slow and steady. The faster you go, the more the wind resistance your vehicle will face.
• Do not rest your foot on the clutch or brake pedal. This causes needless wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
• Always drive in the correct gear, Incorrect gear shifting can lead to as much as 20% increase in fuel consumption.
• A 25% decrease in tire pressure can cost you 5~10% more on petrol and 25% on tire life.
• It has been established by trials that you can get upto 40% extra mileage at 40 Kmph as compared to 80 kmph.
• Ensure proper wheel alignment. Improper alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an extra load on the engine, which in turn wastes fuel.
• A/C usage increases fuel consumption. Operate the lever on re-circulate position to optimize cooling.
• Various A/C settings are available in Suzuki. Choose according to your level of comfort desired. It is recommended that “Mild” mode be used in the morning & night time.
• A dirty air cleaner, out of adjustment carburetor, dirty plugs, dirty oil and grease, brakes unadjusted etc. all lower engine performance and contribute to poor fuel economy.

Like one can not learn swimming by reading a book, one can not also learn driving while reading these tips – But If one follow the basics and Rules and go on the road – within a very short span of time – one can find him/her driving a real pleasure and fun