The ever-changing petrol prices in Pakistan have made it imperative for all car owners to make the best use of their petrol. Suzuki Alto 660cc is known as Pakistan’s best fuel-efficient hatchback. It delivers a wonderful performance of 16-20 km/l in City driving and 22 km/l on highways under optimal driving conditions.
But, for many drivers in Pakistan, achieving these best numbers is a challenge because of their driving practices, maintenance timings and road conditions. If you believe your vehicle is consuming more gasoline than it should, follow this much practical way to get better fuel efficiency.
Why Does a Suzuki Alto Lose Fuel Efficiency?
Suzuki Alto’s modern R06A 660 cc engine is tuned to high mileage. It really isn’t a big engine though. This results in additional pressure on the engine, be it from a heavy load, a dirty air filter or hard driving, causing the engine to use significantly more fuel to maintain speed. The sensitivity is the key to learning how to tune your car’s gas usage.
5 Practical Tips to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
Implementing these five simple, low-cost adjustments can slash your monthly fuel bill by up to 20% to 30%.
1. Drive with a Soft Foot (Smooth Acceleration)
The biggest reason for bad mileage in the Pakistani metropolis is aggressive driving.
Don’t use Sudden Throttling: Applying the foot accelerator too heavily will mean the small 660cc engine will be overworked.
Keep the dashboard’s “Eco” light on when driving an AGS or VXL: If you drive an AGS or VXL you should try to keep the dashboard’s “Eco” light lit.
Keep to Sweet-Spot Speeds: In the city, 40-60 km/h is the sweet-spot speed to run at for optimum efficiency, and under 80-90 km/h on highways.
2. Maintain Optimal Tyre Pressure
The rolling resistance is higher when tyres are under-inflated. This results in tyres gripping more than they should, which puts additional strain on the engine when driving.
Follow OEM Recommendations: Do not over or under inflate tyres. For standard Alto tyres, the recommended pressure is 35 PSI.
Visit Weekly: Extreme temperatures can quickly change the air pressure in Pakistan during the summer. Inspect the tyres for pressure, regularly when cold.
3. Choose the Right Engine Oil and Fresh Filters
Thick and heavy engine oil or a clogged air filter will instantly kill your MPG.
Recommended Viscosity: Fully synthetic oils such as 0W-20 or 5W-30 are best for the Suzuki Alto. When the oil is thicker, it causes resistance in the small engine.
Roads are choked by dust & smog in Pakistani roads in a matter of no time at all: Change Filters on Time. Replace the air filter completely every 10,000 km or clean it every 2,500 km.
4. Optimize AC Usage and Remove Dead Weight
In Pakistan’s sweltering summers, running an Air conditioner on a 660cc engine takes its toll. You can, however, do it smartly.
Ventilate Before Turning on AC: If your car is parked in the sun, open all the windows and release the hot air in a natural way before turning on the AC.
Empty the boot of any excess weight: The Extra Cargo. Each additional 10 kg of excess weight, heavy equipment or surplus fluids places a greater demand on your engine when you accelerate on-and-off.
5. Turn Off the Engine at Long Signals (Avoid Idling)
When you idle, you get 0 kpl. The car is causing idling for no reason at long traffic jams or at major intersections.
Eco Idle Wisely: If equipped with the integrated system of “Eco Idle”, be sure to use it to ensure that the vehicle’s engine automatically shuts off when it stops safely.
The 30-Second Rule: If you are driving a manual version, and know a traffic signal or block will not clear in less than 30 seconds, turn-off the key.
You don’t need to make a lot of costly modifications to get your Suzuki Alto to run efficiently. The key is in your driving habits, using genuine 0W-20 oil, ensuring tyres are properly inflated, and avoiding excessive idling – all of which will help you avoid the costly fuel and help you drive one of the least expensive commutes in Pakistan.
