Make every drop of fuel count

By Keith Didham

Sunday Tasmanian

31 March 2008

A few smart fuel-saving habits can make all the difference to your hip pocket.

With fuel prices showing no sign of dropping below highway robbery levels, now's the time to rethink your driving habits.

Getting more kilometres for your dollar isn't difficult, it's just common sense.

The heavier the car, the more fuel it needs to move the mass so have an autumn clean out of any unwanted gear in the boot.

That includes removing the roof racks and tow hitch if they are not being used.

Rolling resistance is another petrol killer: check tyre pressures once a week to make sure tyres are at, or just above, the recommended level and don't forget the spare.

Obviously, keep your car well tuned with regular servicing, use the proper oil for your engine and check the air filter to see if it is clogged.

But the biggest saving can be made in the way you drive.

The key here is to be oh-so-smooth: no sudden starts and stops. Brake early and gently, anticipate when traffic lights will change and try driving just below, not at, the maximum limit on highways.

Use the airconditioning sparingly and, if you can, leave the windows up to reduce drag.

The higher the gear, the lower the engine speed so use the highest gear possible but don't let the engine labour.

Turn off the engine if you are stuck in a queue for more than a couple of minutes.

Comments on this story

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A big way to save fuel it to pump your tires to at least 35psi. Another is to leave for your destination with a little time to spare. This allows you to accelerate a bit more sedately (accelerating hard uses a lot of fuel), you don't need to constantly jockey for position on the road and don't need to race drivers for that spot in traffic. The latter method has other benefits such as cutting road toll and reducing road rage.

Sasha Posted at 09 April 2008 3:38pm

Driving below the speed limit on the highway is stupid! Sure fuel economy is slightly better but it is better still at 60kph. If you are not willing to trade money (fuel) for time I suggest you walk (I walk to the shops a lot, BTW.) Modern cars are designed from the beginning to be economical at highway speed. It is so much safer on the highway if everyone travels at the same speed. Is 5c of fuel worth a life?

Mark Posted at 03 April 2008 9:17am

There is no need to warm up your engine before driving. Start the engine, commence driving iimmediately at lower speeds until the engine is up to temperature

Ralph Orth Posted at 01 April 2008 7:52pm

The best way is to change to a low engine capacity car which is below 2L or equipped with auto-gas.

Joe Posted at 01 April 2008 3:40pm

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