John LINDGREN
With gas or petrol, benzene, diesel fuel prices going through the roof, here are some advice that can help you to save your hard earned TBH, and extend the time before your next pit-stop, "top-up" at the Jet-Jiffy, the PTT or the Caltex pump.
I. Avoid High Speed Driving!
The faster you go the more wind resistance you'll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume. As your acceleration and speed increases, your aerodynamic drag also increases in an exponential mode. Driving 100 km/h versus 120 km/h will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent. Also higher RPMs (revolutions per minute 'engine speed') the engine, the cylinders work harder and need more fuel supply. That's why the red hot F-1 Ferrari's need pit stops - for refueling (tire changing) up to five times during one race.
II. Progressive, Smooth Driving
Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness, and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to achieve fuel economy. By anticipating the traffic, controlling your breathing, applying slow and steady acceleration and smooth braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20 percent. Plus your passengers will feel significantly better and in case you’re hauling pets; the dogs and the cats will not get car sick.
IV. Keep the Pressure, the Tire Pressure
Keep the tire air pressure at the level recommended by your car manufacturer. It's marked on a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door, or in the owner's manual (if you can find it). A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1-2 percent. Check your tire pressure every two weeks.
V. The Air Conditioner a Necessary Cooling Device
If you don't want to sweat your butt off you must use the air conditioner. But the A/C compressor puts extra load on the engine and burns up to 20 percent more fuel. Do drive al-fresco, sans A/C sometimes. The late afternoon in the sunset by the sea is recommended. Open the windows, (if you have a moon-roof open it) and activate your olfactory senses.
VI. Service Your Car Regularly
Take your car to the service center: whether it is the Mercedes Benz authorized garage or Somsak's un-authorized "Auto-Fixx" behind the "Aroy" noodle shop. Poor fuel economy can be related to simple items such as dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low lubrication oil levels. This applies specially to second hand (pre-owned) cars.
VII Use your " Tom Cruise Control"
Today's modern saloon cars, especially the coveted European sedans have a feature called the cruise control this gizmo will maintain a constant speed over long distances saving liters fuel and letting you take your foot off the accelerator (gas pedal).
VIII. Avoid Unnecessary Loads
Remove the golf bag, all the shoes, the camping equipment, the skateboard and old the newspapers and magazines you carry in your trunk (boot) or in the rear seat. A lighter car consumes less fuel. And the trunk, the back seat looks nice and orderly.
IX No Excess Idling
If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute (60 seconds), turn off the engine! In the ueber environmentally correct, zero tolerance Sweden drivers will get a 6-12 months prison sentence if the car is idling more than 60 seconds. And if caught idling outside a kindergarten, primary school most likely death penalty. And remember re-starting the car uses less fuel than letting the engine idle.
X Buy a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
If you buy a new car don't get carried away by the cool styling, the free tires, the new car leather scent or the crispy PVC smell, the cruise control, the CD, the DVD, the MP3 features, the moon roof and the ultra smooth and sweet talking sales consultant. Check at the fuel consumption! Simple: How many kilometers per litre! How many? A manual transmission (stick shift) will give 20 percent more mileage. That’s why all the pick-up trucks and all commercial vehicles have stick shift. The bigger the engine the more it consumes. Super cars drink enormously. A "Lambo" Lamborghini Murcielago less than 6 kilometers per litre. The little Honda Jazz can get about up 13 kilometer per liter.
DRIVE & RIDE Safely: Take a Deep Breath! Buckle up! Wear Helmet! Do Not Drink and Drive! (Drink Yogurt- Low Fat)
With gas or petrol, benzene, diesel fuel prices going through the roof, here are some advice that can help you to save your hard earned TBH, and extend the time before your next pit-stop, "top-up" at the Jet-Jiffy, the PTT or the Caltex pump.
I. Avoid High Speed Driving!
The faster you go the more wind resistance you'll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume. As your acceleration and speed increases, your aerodynamic drag also increases in an exponential mode. Driving 100 km/h versus 120 km/h will reduce fuel consumption by about 15 percent. Also higher RPMs (revolutions per minute 'engine speed') the engine, the cylinders work harder and need more fuel supply. That's why the red hot F-1 Ferrari's need pit stops - for refueling (tire changing) up to five times during one race.
II. Progressive, Smooth Driving
Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness, and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to achieve fuel economy. By anticipating the traffic, controlling your breathing, applying slow and steady acceleration and smooth braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20 percent. Plus your passengers will feel significantly better and in case you’re hauling pets; the dogs and the cats will not get car sick.
IV. Keep the Pressure, the Tire Pressure
Keep the tire air pressure at the level recommended by your car manufacturer. It's marked on a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver-side door, or in the owner's manual (if you can find it). A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1-2 percent. Check your tire pressure every two weeks.
V. The Air Conditioner a Necessary Cooling Device
If you don't want to sweat your butt off you must use the air conditioner. But the A/C compressor puts extra load on the engine and burns up to 20 percent more fuel. Do drive al-fresco, sans A/C sometimes. The late afternoon in the sunset by the sea is recommended. Open the windows, (if you have a moon-roof open it) and activate your olfactory senses.
VI. Service Your Car Regularly
Take your car to the service center: whether it is the Mercedes Benz authorized garage or Somsak's un-authorized "Auto-Fixx" behind the "Aroy" noodle shop. Poor fuel economy can be related to simple items such as dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low lubrication oil levels. This applies specially to second hand (pre-owned) cars.
VII Use your " Tom Cruise Control"
Today's modern saloon cars, especially the coveted European sedans have a feature called the cruise control this gizmo will maintain a constant speed over long distances saving liters fuel and letting you take your foot off the accelerator (gas pedal).
VIII. Avoid Unnecessary Loads
Remove the golf bag, all the shoes, the camping equipment, the skateboard and old the newspapers and magazines you carry in your trunk (boot) or in the rear seat. A lighter car consumes less fuel. And the trunk, the back seat looks nice and orderly.
IX No Excess Idling
If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute (60 seconds), turn off the engine! In the ueber environmentally correct, zero tolerance Sweden drivers will get a 6-12 months prison sentence if the car is idling more than 60 seconds. And if caught idling outside a kindergarten, primary school most likely death penalty. And remember re-starting the car uses less fuel than letting the engine idle.
X Buy a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
If you buy a new car don't get carried away by the cool styling, the free tires, the new car leather scent or the crispy PVC smell, the cruise control, the CD, the DVD, the MP3 features, the moon roof and the ultra smooth and sweet talking sales consultant. Check at the fuel consumption! Simple: How many kilometers per litre! How many? A manual transmission (stick shift) will give 20 percent more mileage. That’s why all the pick-up trucks and all commercial vehicles have stick shift. The bigger the engine the more it consumes. Super cars drink enormously. A "Lambo" Lamborghini Murcielago less than 6 kilometers per litre. The little Honda Jazz can get about up 13 kilometer per liter.
DRIVE & RIDE Safely: Take a Deep Breath! Buckle up! Wear Helmet! Do Not Drink and Drive! (Drink Yogurt- Low Fat)
