7 Ways to Reduce Petrol Consumption
Reducing Petrol consumption can help lower your fuel costs. And I’m sure we don’t need more persuasion to retain more money in our pockets as Singaporeans. So let’s jump into it.. Now!
1. Drive at the correct speed
More than 50% of your engine’s power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag (air resistance). Since fuel is burnt more rapidly at speeds above 90km/h, as a rough gauge, traveling at 90km/h on the expressway would not only be safer, it keeps the cops away and helps you save money. Imagine… your car burns 15% more fuel at 100km/h, and 25% more fuel at 110km/h than at 90km/h. Perhaps the speed limits make some sense after all…
2. Maintain correct tire pressure
Deflated tires generate excessive heat, wears out faster and increases rolling resistance (= more fuel consumed). However do not over-inflate as this might reduce the tire’s “grip” on the road, causing potential danger if you need to do an emergency brake. Checking the tire pressure every 1-2 weeks will help ensure a smooth, safe ride. You can read the recommended tire pressure on the side of your tire printed by the manufacturer.
3. Watch your engine’s RPM
Your car’s engine runs most efficiently between around 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Therefore shift gears as soon as possible, before your engine reaches 2,500 rpm. On auto-transmission cars, you can always switch to “economy” mode and avoid stepping too hard on the gas. In this way, the transmission will shift gears faster and the gradual acceleration will ensure that less gas is burnt.
4. Unload unnecessary stuff from your car
Fact: Every additional 50kg load added in your car increases fuel consumption by two per cent. So avoid carrying unnecessary stuff in your car.
5. Drive smoothly
Another fact: You’ll use up to six times more fuel to move a car from a dead stop. Therefore anticipate the traffic ahead and avoid bringing your car to a complete stop. Also, you can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent if you do not brake or accelerate unnecessarily. Avoid following another vehicle too closely – this alone will help you avoid 90% of all unnecessary brakes and hard accelerations.
6. Clean your air filter regularly
Clogged air filters can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent. These airflow resistance promotes incomplete combustion and this cause the efficiency of your engine to go down — way down. So clean up or service your air filters when it’s time to.
7. Switch off your engine when not in use
We often like to leave our engines idling while waiting for passengers or to make an emergency phone call at the side of the road. However if you leave your engine idling for more than a minute, it consumes much more fuel than restarting (your engine). Contrary to popular belief, the increased wear and tear from this practice is negligible.
So follow these simple steps and you’ll see your petrol consumption fall and your fuel efficiency increase.
Click here to return from 7 Ways to Reduce Petrol Consumption to Motor Insurance Singapore Home
Reducing Petrol consumption can help lower your fuel costs. And I’m sure we don’t need more persuasion to retain more money in our pockets as Singaporeans. So let’s jump into it.. Now!
1. Drive at the correct speed
More than 50% of your engine’s power is used to overcome aerodynamic drag (air resistance). Since fuel is burnt more rapidly at speeds above 90km/h, as a rough gauge, traveling at 90km/h on the expressway would not only be safer, it keeps the cops away and helps you save money. Imagine… your car burns 15% more fuel at 100km/h, and 25% more fuel at 110km/h than at 90km/h. Perhaps the speed limits make some sense after all…
2. Maintain correct tire pressure
Deflated tires generate excessive heat, wears out faster and increases rolling resistance (= more fuel consumed). However do not over-inflate as this might reduce the tire’s “grip” on the road, causing potential danger if you need to do an emergency brake. Checking the tire pressure every 1-2 weeks will help ensure a smooth, safe ride. You can read the recommended tire pressure on the side of your tire printed by the manufacturer.
3. Watch your engine’s RPM
Your car’s engine runs most efficiently between around 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Therefore shift gears as soon as possible, before your engine reaches 2,500 rpm. On auto-transmission cars, you can always switch to “economy” mode and avoid stepping too hard on the gas. In this way, the transmission will shift gears faster and the gradual acceleration will ensure that less gas is burnt.
4. Unload unnecessary stuff from your car
Fact: Every additional 50kg load added in your car increases fuel consumption by two per cent. So avoid carrying unnecessary stuff in your car.
5. Drive smoothly
Another fact: You’ll use up to six times more fuel to move a car from a dead stop. Therefore anticipate the traffic ahead and avoid bringing your car to a complete stop. Also, you can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent if you do not brake or accelerate unnecessarily. Avoid following another vehicle too closely – this alone will help you avoid 90% of all unnecessary brakes and hard accelerations.
6. Clean your air filter regularly
Clogged air filters can increase fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent. These airflow resistance promotes incomplete combustion and this cause the efficiency of your engine to go down — way down. So clean up or service your air filters when it’s time to.
7. Switch off your engine when not in use
We often like to leave our engines idling while waiting for passengers or to make an emergency phone call at the side of the road. However if you leave your engine idling for more than a minute, it consumes much more fuel than restarting (your engine). Contrary to popular belief, the increased wear and tear from this practice is negligible.
So follow these simple steps and you’ll see your petrol consumption fall and your fuel efficiency increase.
Click here to return from 7 Ways to Reduce Petrol Consumption to Motor Insurance Singapore Home
