Renting a car in the UAE offers the freedom to explore its stunning landmarks and different cities of your own choice. However, with the rising price of fuel, especially in hot weather like the UAE, increased fuel efficiency can significantly decrease your travel expenses. At Desert Elite Travelers, we’re promised to help you get the most out of your rental experience. Here are some important points to make your rental car more fuel-efficient and ensure you get the best mileage on your way to your destination.
1. Select the Right Car
a. Choose Fuel-Efficient Models: When selecting a rental car, consider choosing a model known for its fuel efficiency. Many rental agencies, including Desert Elite Travelers, offer a range of vehicles with excellent fuel prices. Compact cars and hybrids are often more fuel-efficient than larger SUVs or branded cars.
b. Consider Hybrid or Electric Cars: If available, hybrid or electric vehicles offer exceptional fuel efficiency and lower running costs. They can be particularly advantageous in the UAE’s city areas, where running and stopping traffic can affect fuel usage.
2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
a. Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance. Before driving, check the tire pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Under-inflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency and affect handling.
b. Regular Inspections: If you’re renting a car for an extended period, periodically check the tire pressure. Most rental agencies provide the necessary instruments to check and adjust tire pressure.
3. Adopt Smooth Driving skills
a. Avoid fast Acceleration and Braking: Accelerating quickly and braking hard can consume more fuel. Instead, accelerate smoothly and anticipate stops to maintain a steady speed. This driving style helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces wear and tear on the car.
b. Use Cruise Control: When driving on highways, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed and improve fuel efficiency. This is especially useful on long stretches of road.
4. Reduce Idling
a. Turn Off the Engine When Parked: Avoid idling for long periods, such as when waiting in parking lots or at drive-thru services. Turning off the engine when stationary conserves fuel and reduces emissions.
b. Minimize Use of Air Conditioning: While it’s tempting to keep the air conditioning on high, especially in the UAE’s heat, using it sparingly can improve fuel efficiency. Consider using the vehicle’s ventilation system or opening windows when driving at lower speeds.
5. Lighten the Load
a. Remove Unnecessary things: Excess weight in the car can reduce fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and interior to reduce the car’s weight. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in fuel consumption.
b. Avoid Roof Racks: If your rental car comes with a roof rack, remove it if you’re not using it. Roof racks can create aerodynamic drag, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency.
6. Plan Your Routes
a. Use Navigation Apps: Plan your routes to cut down on needless driving and traffic jams. You can reduce fuel consumption by using navigation apps to find the quickest and most effective routes.
b. Combine Trips:To avoid making numerous quick trips, try to fit several errands or activities into a single trip. Longer, continuous trips may use less fuel than short ones with lots of stops.
7. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
a. Follow Rental Agency Guidelines: Make sure the rental car is kept up properly and abide by any rules the company may have given you. Improved fuel efficiency can result from routine maintenance, such as air filter replacements and oil changes.
b. Report Issues Promptly: Inform the rental company of any problems you find with the vehicle, such as slow acceleration or strange noises. Maintaining optimal fuel efficiency can be achieved by taking prompt action to address these issues.
8. Monitor Fuel Consumption
a. Track Your Mileage: Monitor your fuel consumption and mileage. Onboard computers in a lot of rental cars show current fuel efficiency data. By keeping an eye on this data, you can modify your driving style to improve fuel economy.
b. Refuel at the Right Time: Avoid running the tank too low and refuel the vehicle whenever it’s convenient. Keeping the car’s fuel level adequate guarantees smooth operation and guards against possible fuel pump problems.