adminFact Jeke Behind the Wheel
The majority of vehicle owners are normally pre-occupied with cutting down on fuel and service costs.
This is normal in the current situation where fuel prices are soaring. In this issue I want to offer some suggestions that can be useful to motorists in saving fuel.
It may come as a surprise, but making a few simple observations and changes can improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.
Inadequate tyre pressure
This is one of the major causes of excessive fuel consumption. Inadequate pressure in your tyre can lead to increased consumption. I recommend that you check your tyres every two weeks.
Your tyres have to have a specified degree of pressure that enable them to handle the drive and also save you fuel.
If your tyres are under-inflated, then you are going to burn more fuel and at US$1,51 per litre, you don’t really need that.
So, always make sure that your tyres have correct pressure to get the best possible fuel economy.
Under-inflation can also cause rapid and uneven tread wear.
Check the pressures when your tyres are cold or when you have driven less than 5kms.
This is because the pressure in the tyre naturally increases as you drive and the tyre heats up.
Replace the air filter
I recommend that you have your air filter changed whenever your engine oil and oil filter are being replaced.
You can save on fuel costs with a new air filter as it takes less power from the engine to circulate air.
Reduce your load
If you carry a lot of unnecessary weight in your car boot, this can adversely affect your fuel economy. I always have to buy water and also have to carry several buckets of water for use at my house which overloads my vehicle and in such instances there is a drain on my fuel.
Less weight equals less fuel usage.
Do not speed
If you are driving along at 100km/hr instead of 120km/hr on the highway you’ll save a great deal of fuel over the duration of your trip. This is because at 100 km you are burning all the fuel that goes into the engine and beyond that not all fuel is burnt but some is lost in the atmosphere.
Always keep your windows up. Having the windows down when you are on the highway creates aerodynamic drag which means your car has to work harder to keep you at the same speed.
Acceleration and braking
Try not to accelerate too quickly or hit the brakes too hard.
By accelerating hard your engine will use fuel far quicker, by taking it nice and steady you can make your fuel can take you further.
Minimise on errands
Rather than driving to the shops every day, try to do one run, preferably at the weekend?
Fewer journeys will reduce your fuel costs. If your destination is close to your home and it is possible to walk or to cycle, do so.
This will enable you to save on fuel and also gives you an opportunity to exercise which is good for your health.
Car sharing
Most families now have more than one car and the tendency is for two or several members of the family to drive in separate cars.
Where possible a family should use one car.
If you work in the same location as your neighbours and they also own cars it might be helpful to use one car.
You can alternate the car that you use throughout the week.
Till next week, be safe. God Bless you.
Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows and rallies, & written for various publications in the region for the last decade.
She can be contacted via email on [email protected], follow Torque with Fact Jeke on Facebook and YOOKOS.
Online Reporter