Advertorial: How to make your road trips safe(Source IBN live)

Road safety is an issue of key concern for both the government and the people on Indian roads. Safe driving requires a higher level of confidence and competence, given the poor traffic planning, increasing number of vehicles, and lack of civic driving sense and untrained drivers on the road.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. promotes safe driving and ensures safety of the people by taking all measures for road safety awareness.

A few points shared below, can help us maintain safety of self and those riding with us. These tips help you become a smart and responsive driver.

More Mileage, More Fun

Drive between 45 and 55 kmph -- It has been established by trials that you can get up to 40 per cent extra mileage at 40 kmph as compared to 80 kmph.

Avoid accelerating or decelerating unnecessarily. Incorrect gear shifts can lead to as much as 20% increase in fuel consumption -- For city driving, change to a higher gear when you are sure that the engine will not have to struggle.Get into top gear as soon as possible.

Check wheels for free rotation when your car is being serviced. Binding brakes restrict free wheel movement and the engine consumes more petrol in order to overcome resistance.

Use your clutch only when you change gears. Riding the clutch causes loss of energy and damages the clutch lining.

You can save as much as 6 per cent fuel through regular tuning of car. If your engine emits black or dark grey smoke, has poor pulling power or consumes large quantities of oil, have it checked immediately at an authorised service station.

Your air filter prevents air from fouling the engine. Dust causes rapid wear of engine components and increases fuel consumption.

Make sure that the fuel tank cap has a good rubber seal. Unnecessary loads increase fuel consumption. A reduction of weight by about 50 kg can lead to a 2 per cent saving in fuel, when driving in the city.

Under inflated tyres increase rolling resistance which leads to higher petrol consumption and faster wear of tyres at the sides.

Better Maintenance, Longer Drive

Do all preventive maintenance of your vehicle and stick to the maintenance schedule -- If you notice any fault, consult your service station.

Daily pre-driving checks must be carried out by all drivers, both inside the vehicle and outside.

High-Speed Watchout

Stopping distance progressively increases with vehicle speed. Apply the brakes far before of the stopping point to allow for the extra stopping distance.

At high speeds, the vehicle may be affected by side winds. Therefore, reduce speed and be prepared for unexpected buffeting, which can occur at the exits of tunnels, when passing by a cut of a hill, or when being overtaken by large vehicles, etc.

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