Dwight Moore, Contributor
This is the second in our monthly series, From The Driver's Seat, where motorists will be given advice on good motoring habits. This week we look at ways to improve fuel efficiency.
Conserving Fuel
Fuel consumption is one of the highest costs for maintaining vehicles. Fuel costs have doubled since the start of this decade and have continued to increase dramatically.
Trends show that prices may still sky-rocket and analysts suggest that a barrel of oil is likely to cost US$100 in the near future. With the instability in the Middle East - Iran, Iraq, Kuwait - and declining fuel reserves, this is a definite possibility.
Here are some tips and strategies which, when employed, will put less pressure on your pocket and improve fuel economy.
The engine of your car, like the human heart, needs care and attention:
Tune ups - spark plugs and filters are critical for fuel conservation.
Replace faulty oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor makes fuel burn more efficiently.
Flush radiator and cooling system in summer months. Higher seasonal temperatures cause vehicles to overheat and consume more fuel.
Choose motor oil rating in keeping with manufacturer's recommendations. This will also extend engine life. Recommended - oil change every 5,000 km.
Travel in overdrive at high speeds because low gears cause overloading of engines and unusual use of gas and parts.
Avoid revving of engine every time you stop - save it for the race track. Revs equal gas. Ten stops and starts each day equal 3,600 revs per year. How much gas is that?
Reduce idling time when car is stationary or whilst waiting for pick up or delivery.
The proper care and maintenance of your tyres will not only save your life, it will save you much-needed money.
Inspect tyres regularly (recommended daily) to ensure that the correct air pressure is maintained. Under-inflated tyres require more gas to rotate.
Purchase tyres with high treadware/low rolling resistance. Rolling resistance indicates how much gas is required to make tyres rotate.
Inspect tyres, shocks, axles and other suspension parts to detect any faults which could impact on your safety or fuel economy.
Use tubeless radial tyres as they run cooler. Tyres will last longer.
Align and rotate regularly to increase the life of your tyres.
These easy-to-remember tips are often taken for granted. By applying these strategies when you drive and sharing them with friends, you will attain significant savings.
Perhaps you may even be able to take that long-overdue family drive around the island.
Dwight Moore is an automotive dealer and motor sports enthusiast. For further information, email: dwight@kiamotorsjamaica.com.
