How To Save On Fuel...

Rising fuel prices affect us all. And since fuel costs eat up a large percentage of our household budgets, here's few practical tips to help you make the most out of your fuel.

Watch your tires
Overused or poorly inflated tires can slow down the car and increase fuel consumption. For the right inflation instructions, check the car’s manual or the label at the inside edge of the driver’s door. Remember, tire pressure depends on the type of vehicle you drive. Motorcycles will have a lower tire pressure than sedans.

Check the Engine
Engine Oil darkens as you use your vehicle. Dark and thick engine oil will result to less efficient fuel consumption. It is advisable to change the engine oil every 10,000 kilometers of travel. Dirty air filters could also affect your fuel consumption as it blocks the needed supply of air for the engine to perform well. Make sure you have your vehicle checked for maintenance at least once a year.

Remove those extra cargos
Unnecessary cargo adds weight to the vehicle. The more weight the vehicle has, the more fuel it will need to accelerate. Reduce clutter in your car’s interior and trunk by removing hardly used items such as bags, shoes, coolers, clothes, etc. Fuel also increases the car’s weight. For city driving, it is best to load only half of your vehicle’s fuel capacity.

Shift to higher gears
Driving on low gear eats up fuel fast. Always shift to a higher gear to reduce fuel consumption.

Avoid Idling
It is better to turn off your engine when waiting. Avoid the rush hour by scheduling your travel time or taking alternative routes.

Plan your trips
Avoid going in circles. Take note all of the places you need to go to and arrange them according to their proximity. You will not only save fuel but also save time and effort.

How’s Your Driving?
Do you drive with a heavy foot? Don’t put the pedal to the metal – this eats up more fuel. When accelerating, step on the gas pedal lightly until you reach the desired speed. On highways, it is best to limit your speed from 60 to 80 kph.

Whether you take a motorcycle or a truck, these tips will make sure that you maximize every liter of fuel that you put in your vehicle. (And lessen your carbon footprint too!)

Source: www.nestleclub.com.ph