On an average, fuel bills over the last few months have increased by 20% for most of us. Led by the Global demand for oil, prices have skyrocketed to touch nearly 150$. Many speculators predict it will hit 200$ and then may be settle down around 125$. I hope it stays at 200$.
The spiraling costs of fuel should be seen as a blessing in disguise. For years we have splurged money on buying gas guzzlers with no thought given whatsoever for the adverse effects it has on the environment and also Geo-Politics. But now the world is taking notice and sees that high oil prices are here to stay and the ways to beat it is to increase efficiency, encourage alternate fuels and also to provide better public transport.
The only way we can insulate a country’s economy from the global oil shock is to decrease consumption , encourage better and environment friendly technologies. Investment is being channeled into various alternative technologies like fuel cells, ethanol fuel, hybrid technology etc.
The above things comes in the purview of policy makers. How can we as normal citizens contribute ? . For starters ,begin by getting better Fuel mileage from your car. We all now have to place a premium on the amount of miles per gallon we can squeeze out of our cars.
I am going to list out a few simple steps that you can undertake when you drive.
- Speed is the ultimate fuel burner. Faster the speed, faster your tank empties. I know all of us sometime have the need for speed, but it need not be all the time. So control the next time you just want to step on the gas ,cruising is also fun.
Fact : The difference in mileage between 55 mph cruise and 80 mph dash is approximately 20%.
- Accelerating Rapidly is another of the fuel burners. Don’t keep slamming brakes, shifting down and accelerate rapidly again. Anticipate braking ,slow down progressively and accelerate slowly. You will save your cars engine too. The extreme way to do this is called ‘Gliding‘ where you don’t apply brakes at all and let your car slow down and then stop by not accelerating. Remember lower the RPM, higher the efficiency.
- Reduce weight : don’t keep unnecessary weight in your car. Extra weight means the engine needs more energy, hence more fuel. Take all useless stuff out of your boot and keep your car clean.
Fact : Your fuel bill increases by 1-2% for each one of your 150 pound girl friends.
- Higher the time you spend in a higher gear the more your efficiency. Shift to higher gears as soon as possible. But don’t make wrong gear shifts and lag your engine. You should shift at the right time.
- Tire Pressure: this is a very critical aspect. Wrong or Lower tire pressure causes a huge drop in your kmpl. Check out your manual and maintain the manufacturer recommended tire pressure.
- Service your car periodically. Change air filters every 3000 km’s . It costs you only a little but breathes pure air into your engine making it last long and give you that extra mileage.
- Switching the car on/off : This is a tricky one. Switching off and later turning on in only sometime actually increases the fuel consumption. You can save fuel only if you have turned off for a long time. As a thumb rule, if your stoppage is for more than 3 min, then turn off.
- Go Hybrid
Fact : Hybrids increase fuel efficiency by nearly 30% (For e.g.. The Honda Civic hybrid)
- Roll up your windows if possible, as it reduces drag. Air conditioning should only be used when necessary. Time your drive such that you don’t go around town when the sun is steaming.
- Many people believe no fuel is consumed when the car is idling or when you are going downhill in neutral. The case is exactly the opposite, more fuel is consumed actually and I have seen this personally too when I left my car go downhill for about 40 kms in neutral. There was a drastic drop in my fuel efficiency.
- Challenge yourself every time you top up your car (Fill fuel) that you will beat your highest mileage achieved. This gives excellent motivation to ride sensibly. You can alternatively find a “mileage buddy” with whom you can compete in the mileage stakes.
Other Tips
- Buy a Small Car. Preferably Diesel.
Fact :The Tata Nano is said to give a mileage of 25 kmpl or more (around 100 mpg).
- Car Pooling is an effective and sociable way to decrease your fuel bill. Discuss in your network of friends and try and come up with a plan. It’s achievable and also reduces driving stress.
- Buy a bicycle for your short distance market hops. Gets your heart pumping well too.
- Organize and plan your trips into the city such that you don’t have to travel a lot in circles. Park at a clear place and walk to your destination.
The maximum I have achieved from my car (a Ford Escort 1.8 Diesel) is 24 km/per liter on a road trip (Highway) and around 18 kmpl in the city . I would love to beat it and am working towards it.
Your Comments and suggestions invited
A) Your car model.
When buying a car you should check for the following;
1. Opt for a fuel efficient car. (Small cars have better mileage)
2. Light Interior and Exterior colors and tinted windows can reduce heat build thereby reducing load on air conditioning/engine.
Somethings I had like to add to on cost cutting is
a) Avoid Peak traffic which guzzle’s more fuel.
b) Check your tyres regularly and ensure proper wheel alignment. Under inflated tyres are unsafe and fuel consumption is more too.
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