W ITH the long holidays coming up, driving long distances is a common occurrence. If you read last week’s article, you would be prepared for any eventuality.
But, there is another factor in driving long distances — saving fuel. With fuel prices staying put, this factor will be at the forefront of any drivers’ concerns.
But, even if you only drive daily to work, these few tips will still help you to extend that tankful of fuel an extra few kilometres.
First off, a vehicle can burn up to 30 per cent more fuel if proper maintenance is not performed on regular schedule.
Regular maintenance is the most important of all the tips, but we sometimes tend to ignore it. Asides from this important factor, there are others:-
1. Check your tyre pressures at least once a month. Under - inflated tyres burn fuel.
2. Make sure you allow all the fuel to pour out of the nozzle when you fill up. There’s at least a quarter cup in the nozzle even after it switches off.
3. If your car has cruise control, use it. It can save you up to 6 per cent in fuel consumption on the highway.
4. Clean your battery cables and battery terminals carefully. Dirty cables and terminals cause the alternator to work harder and cause drag on the engine.
5. Don’t let your car idle for long periods of time. Idling wastes fuel and pollutes needlessly. Better to switch off and restart as necessary.
6. Change the air filter as recommended in the owners manual, more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions.
7. Do an engine check-up. These days, the technician will be able to check your car easily. The technician may recommend to replace spark plugs, the oxygen sensor and/or the air and fuel filters.
8. Replace the oxygen sensor regularly as recommended in the owner’s manual. This innocuous device trims the fuel delivery as needed and has a profound effect on fuel economy.
9. Drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine. Avoid accelerating quickly and stay ‘light’ on the accelerator. If you have an onboard trip computer, there would probably be an Economy light or something similar. Watch this gauge carefully and try to keep it lighted up as much as possible.
10. Drive smoothly. By staying light on the throttle and avoiding heavy braking, you can reduce both fuel consumption and your car’s wear and tear.
11. Lighten your load and reduce air drag. Check your boot and remove items you do not need on the journey. Remove roof racks if not needed and those heavy accessories (that faux ladder on the back of your Kembara comes to mind) that create wind drag. A lighter and more aerodynmic car saves more fuel.
12. Fill up with the correct octane fuel for your car. Resist the urge to buy higher octane gas for ‘premium’ performance even if it ‘saves’ fuel. The higher price basically negates those ‘savings’.
13. Combine errands into one trip. This saves you time and money. Plan your trip so it makes a one-way loop instead of going back and forth along the same route.
14. Keep to the recommended grade of engine oil as stated in your owner’s manual. A heavier grade of oil is harder to pump and adds to parasitic horsepower loss.
15. Avoid unnecessary revving of your engine. Besides wasting fuel, the other consequence is it will wash oil down from inside the cylinder walls, especially if you do this before you shut off the engine. The cylinder walls will be dry the next time you start the engine and this adds to wear and tear.
16. Avoid resting your left foot on the brake pedal while driving. The extra drag on your brakes wastes fuel and wears out your brakes unnecessarily.
17. Choose the smoothest route possible. Winding roads and unsurfaced roads mean you will be on and off the throttle frequently — wasting precious fuel.
18. Drivetrain drag from worn out suspension and chassis parts waste fuel and create a dangerous situation. Check your chassis parts and replace if necessary.
19. SUV and 4-wheel-drive owners should switch from an aggressive patterned off road tread to a fuel efficient highway tread. Save those expensive off-road tyres for those off-road excursions.
Hopefully these tips will help you see a distinct improvement in your fuel mileage. Try to keep a log of the mileage every tankful and you will be able to see which tips help you the most. Keep the rubber side down and happy holidays, everyone!
Send your questions to askmechanic@nst.com.my