| I am going to share some tips (based on my | | | | long periods of time then switch off your engine. |
| research) on how to reduce the petrol bill, even | | | | Strong Acceleration: Drive smoothly and at a |
| before you fill your tank - these tips are | | | | moderate speed - don’t travel at high |
| specifically about car usage… | | | | speeds. If you need to accelerate then accelerate |
| | | | gradually. When the accelerator is depressed, the |
| Tyres: Pump up your tyres regularly. The tyres | | | | engine goes into a “fuel-enrichment” |
| should neither be under-inflated or over-inflated. | | | | mode. Any speed higher than 90 kmph can waste |
| Your car manual will tell you what pressure your | | | | fuel…On highways, using cruise control can |
| tyres should be at - Check regularly and make | | | | reduce fuel consumption. |
| sure you stick to it. The tyres lose around one psi | | | | Travel Light: Don’t dump your car with |
| pressure per month and a tyre deflated by two | | | | things you don’t need for your travel. On |
| psi will lead to one percent increase in fuel | | | | average, every 50kg added load in your car will |
| consumption. | | | | increase fuel consumption by two per cent. |
| | | | Right Time: If possible avoid peak times. Constant |
| Type Of Petrol: Only high performance cars | | | | braking and constant acceleration can increase |
| require the higher grade petrol…If your car | | | | your fuel consumption. |
| does not require high grade petrol then that petrol | | | | Accessories Of A Car: Roof racks or additional |
| will usually not make any difference to the | | | | parts on the exterior of a car can increase |
| performance of the car. So check the car manual | | | | aerodynamic drag - which increases fuel |
| or with the manufacturer and use only the right | | | | consumption. Apparently even leaving the |
| petrol. | | | | windows open can increase aerodynamic |
| Service: Service your car regularly - This will | | | | drag…(aerodynamic drag was quite complex |
| identify any problems and fixing the problems will | | | | for me to understand but after reading a few |
| increase your fuel economy. Not all problems with | | | | pages this is my conclusion about what it is - it is |
| a car will be obvious - servicing the cars will | | | | simply ‘resistance to motion’.) |
| uncover them. | | | | |
| Idle Engine: Idling for more than a minute | | | | Air Conditioning: Use air con sparingly…If you |
| consumes much more fuel than restarting an | | | | are on highways using air con is better than |
| engine. So when you are stationary or held up for | | | | leaving the windows open. |