Some fuel saving tips

[Guest fruitcakepablohoney]

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/save-up-to-...l-a-year-.html

1. Raise the roof (rack)

If you think having a roof rack on your SUV gives you a cool and rugged off-roader look, you just might be paying more for your monthly petrol bills. Use it only when necessary, because the absence of the rack can save you up to 5% more fuel.

2. Check your tyres

If your tyres are under-inflated by a mere 1 psi, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency can be reduced by up to 3%. Check your tyre pressure whenever you visit the petrol station and fill up those rubbers with air also!

3. Mind the cap

Always make sure your fuel cap is screwed on tight after every fill-up. This prevents fuel from evaporating.

4. Drive smoothly

Keep your lead foot at home, and don’t drive too aggressively. You waste more fuel driving this way. Also, refrain from braking too hard. This also wastes fuel.

5. Lose the weight

For every 45kg you carry in your car, your fuel efficiency can drop by as much as 1 to 2%.

6. Yes, turn down the air-conditioning

The use of the air-conditioner adds strain to your engine which increases fuel consumption by up to 8%. You don’t have to suffer in the heat – use your car’s internal ventilation instead.

7. Don’t get high (speed)

The faster your car goes, the more wind resistance you will encounter, this forces your car’s engine to consume more fuel to maintain speed. As little as 12 km/h can affect fuel economy by up to 23%.

8. Avoid excess engine idling

If you are waiting for someone for more than 10 seconds, it would best prudent to turn off the engine. Idling gets you nowhere but yet burns away precious fuel.

9. Avoid over-revving

Red-lining your car wastes fuel, so change your gears in good time when you accelerate. Also when driving, always try to use a higher gear when driving slowly as it burns less fuel and try to maintain constant speed.

10. Check air filter

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your fuel economy by up to 10%.

11. Service your engine

A dirty engine increases fuel consumption as clogged up parts toil to work. Start by changing your worn out spark plugs and reduce consumption by up to 5%.

12. Plan your routes

Avoid rush hour equates to less waiting time stuck in traffic burning fuel, also try to combine trips by car- pooling within the family.

13. Use the correct oil

As per manufacturer’s instructions, the correct engine oil recommended can improve fuel economy by 1 to 2%.

14. Wind up your windows

Driving with your windows open creates internal wind resistance which affects fuel economy due to drag.

Keegan Gan is the former chief editor for the

autos blog Burn Pavement.

[Guest chiaster]

good stuff, mate :thumb:

now, for everyone to put this into practice... :becky: