Paul Messam, Contributor
You will buy less fuel if you change your driving habits. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer
Is your motor vehicle one that gobbles up your gas dollars? Well, you can stop the fuel drain by improving your fuel efficiency.
According to Conroy Watson, senior energy conservation director in the Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, "If motorists adhere to the concept of preventative maintenance, running gear is checked periodically, parts are oftentimes replaced before they show signs of heavy wear, tyre pressure is checked regularly, filters are changed accordingly, then there would be less pressure on the gas consumption."
According to Mr. Watson, the basis of a well-maintained car is a well-tuned engine.
"Without an engine that operates at full efficiency, a car is a hazard on the highways and major towns."
Let us examine some non-mechanical causes of fuel consumption. The following are a few pointers on driving habits that contribute to higher fuel
consumption.
Speeding
There is no doubt or question about it. "Gas consumption increases with speed," says Watson. "When a motorist is driving at a steady 50 mph, approximately half of the fuel used by the car is used to push air out of the way."
Unnecessary braking
If you can keep rolling, don't stop. This means trying to time traffic lights. If a light in the distance is red, coast up and brake slowly. If the light turns green before your car reaches the intersection, apply steady pressure on the gas pedal. Stay off the brake pedal if you can.
reducing friction
Keeping tyres inflated to the correct air pressure and having front wheels properly aligned reduces friction that puts drag on the car. The engine must work harder with improper inflation, consuming more gas to overcome drag. Radial tyres have less rolling resistance than bias plies and therefore improve fuel mileage.
Excessive idling
An engine that idles for three minutes uses as much gas as a car that is driven one-half mile at 30 mph in the cold. In very cold or rainy weather, do not let the engine idle for minutes on end to heat the passenger component and defrost the windshield.
Stop and go passing
To pass another car, avoid running in its back,
slamming on the brakes, and hitting the accelerator pedal to get around. Instead start your pass well
to the rear, so you can swing out smoothly, and
execute the pass without braking and then hitting the accelerator pedal.
Tailgating
It is both dangerous and uneconomical to
tailgate. From a fuel consumption perspective a
tailgater is alternately hitting the brake pedal.
Jack-rabbit starts
Studies have shown that fast starts cut fuel consumption. Start, then get into high gear as quickly
as possible. While driving, remember that moderate and consistent driving will significantly improve
your fuel economy record.
