How to Optimise Your Subaru’s Fuel Efficiency on Long Drives

Long drives are a fantastic way to explore South Africa’s stunning landscapes, from the coastlines to the bushveld, but they can also put a dent in your fuel budget. With rising fuel costs in the country, it’s more important than ever to optimise fuel efficiency on your journeys. Subaru, known for its commitment to engineering vehicles that balance performance, comfort, and fuel economy, offers several ways to help you get the most out of every tank. Whether you’re cruising on highways or navigating mountain passes, your Subaru is designed to deliver a perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency.

Understanding Subaru’s Fuel Efficiency and Fuel Economy

What is Fuel Efficiency, and Why Does It Matter for Long Drives?

Fuel efficiency refers to how far your car can travel on a set amount of fuel. For long drives, achieving optimal fuel efficiency means fewer stops for fuel, less time spent on the road, and reduced costs. It’s also a more sustainable driving choice, helping reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your vehicle’s performance high.

How Does Subaru Prioritise Fuel Efficiency?

Subaru has always focused on combining driving pleasure with practicality. Here’s how Subaru ensures great fuel economy:

• Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This feature provides balanced handling and stability, which can actually improve fuel efficiency, especially on South Africa’s varied terrain. It helps your Subaru maintain a consistent drive without unnecessary power loss.
• Subaru Boxer Engine: The horizontally opposed layout of Subaru’s Boxer engines offers lower gravity and better balance, contributing to smoother driving and improved fuel efficiency.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru’s advanced EyeSight system, which includes features like Adaptive Cruise Control, helps maintain steady speeds, reducing fuel consumption on long trips.

Together, these features allow Subaru vehicles to offer efficient fuel use without compromising the performance or rugged capability that many families need.

Key Tips to Optimise Your Subaru’s Fuel Efficiency on Long Drives

Plan Ahead for Fuel-Efficient Driving

• Choose routes with less traffic and smoother roads: Less stop-and-go traffic means better fuel economy. Plan your trip ahead of time to avoid congested areas and choose highways or less travelled roads where you can maintain a steady speed.
• Use navigation tools to avoid congested areas: Many navigation systems can show real-time traffic updates and help you choose the most fuel-efficient route.

Maintain Your Subaru Regularly

Regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring your Subaru operates at peak fuel efficiency. A well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel and runs more smoothly. Here are some essential maintenance tips:

• Check and replace air filters regularly: Clogged air filters reduce engine efficiency, leading to higher fuel consumption.
• Keep tyre pressure at optimal levels: Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, requiring more fuel to keep the vehicle moving.
• Use the right engine oil: Choosing the correct engine oil can improve fuel efficiency. Refer to your Subaru owner’s manual for recommendations.

For more information or to schedule a service, you can book a Subaru service here.

Adopt Smart Driving Habits

• Maintain a steady speed using cruise control: Using cruise control on highways can help maintain a constant speed, reducing unnecessary acceleration and braking, both of which waste fuel.
• Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking: Gradual acceleration and deceleration can improve your Subaru’s fuel economy by up to 30%.
• Reduce idling time: If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s better to turn off the engine and restart it when you’re ready to go.

Reduce Weight and Drag

• Remove unnecessary cargo or roof racks when not in use: Extra weight and wind resistance from roof racks or unnecessary cargo can increase fuel consumption. Remove items that aren’t needed for the trip.
• Discuss how lighter vehicles perform better in terms of fuel efficiency: The less weight your vehicle has to carry, the better the fuel efficiency will be.

For more tips on driving efficiently, check out Subaru’s fuel-saving driving tips.

Common Myths About Fuel Efficiency Debunked

Myth 1: Premium Fuel Always Improves Efficiency

Premium fuel may not provide the fuel efficiency benefits that many believe. Subaru vehicles are designed to run optimally on regular unleaded fuel unless otherwise stated in the owner’s manual.

Myth 2: Air Conditioning Hurts Fuel Economy Dramatically

While using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption, it’s generally not as detrimental as many think, especially on long drives. On highways, it’s often better to use the air conditioning than to drive with the windows open, which can create drag and reduce efficiency.

Myth 3: Small Cars Are Always More Fuel Efficient

While small cars can be more fuel-efficient, Subaru’s innovative design features, such as the Boxer engine and AWD systems, allow its SUVs and crossovers to offer competitive fuel economy while still providing ample space and versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• How can I improve my Subaru’s fuel efficiency without compromising performance?

Regular maintenance, driving at steady speeds, and utilising Subaru’s fuel-saving technologies like Eco Mode and EyeSight can help maintain a balance between fuel efficiency and performance.

• Does all-wheel drive (AWD) affect Subaru fuel efficiency?

Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD is designed to be fuel-efficient and provide better traction, especially in varying road conditions, without significantly compromising fuel economy.

• How often should I service my Subaru to maintain optimal fuel economy?

Regular servicing is essential to keep your Subaru performing at its best. For maintenance tips, visit Subaru’s preventative maintenance guide.

By following these simple tips and making use of Subaru’s efficient technology, you’ll enjoy long drives with fewer fuel stops and more savings along the way.