Tips for Driving an Automatic Car to Save Fuel

SOLO, KOMPAS.com - Saving fuel has become one of the main concerns for car owners, especially amid fuel prices that frequently fluctuate and the growing need for mobility. Many drivers have not realised that how much fuel is used depends greatly on daily driving habits, not only the engine condition. With the right driving techniques, a vehicle can remain comfortable to use while being more fuel-efficient, including in automatic cars. ‘The key is in how you press the accelerator pedal. Do not stomp on the accelerator and it should be gradual,’ Iwan told Kompas.com recently. When driving on urban roads with dense traffic and frequent stops, drivers are advised to activate Eco mode so fuel consumption is more economical and controlled. This feature is designed to help the vehicle operate more efficiently without compromising comfort during the journey. Eco mode functions to regulate throttle response so it’s not too aggressive, adjust gear changes in the automatic transmission to be smoother, and optimise the use of additional features such as air conditioning (AC). ‘Use Eco mode when on city roads, and if high power is not required,’ Iwan said. ‘On the motorway you may need to maintain a constant speed, or use cruise control or active cruise control,’ he said. By keeping speed constant, engine revs become more stable so fuel combustion becomes more efficient. This approach also helps reduce the habit of rapid acceleration and deceleration, which can make fuel consumption more wasteful, especially on long journeys.