KEY POINTS:
Just because the cost of petrol is coming down there's no point getting complacent because as sure as eggs are eggs the cost of fuel is going to go up again.
Therefore, now is the time to practise good fuel economy and here are 10 tips that can help you squeeze a few extra kilometres out of each tank of gas.
Like clipping coupons, the individual contributions may be small but the total savings add up.
1. Check your air filter
A clean air filter is the key to good fuel economy. A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and economy.
Air filters are easy to check and change: hold the filter up to the sun and, if you can't see through it, you need a new one. Consider a K&N or similar oil filter which is cleaned rather than changed; they are much less restrictive than throw-away paper filters.
2. Check tyre pressures
Under-inflated tyres can easily cost two to three mpg or more. Buy a reliable tyre gauge, check your tyres when they're cold (driving the car warms up the tyres and the air in them, increasing the pressure) and keep them properly inflated. Use the inflation pressures shown in the owner's manual or on a data plate in the driver's door jamb.
3. Slow down
As speed increases, fuel economy decreases exponentially. Try driving at the speed limit for a few days. You'll save a lot of fuel and your journey won't take much longer.
4. Stay with the trucks
Ever notice how, in traffic jams, cars constantly speed up and slow down while trucks roll along at the same leisurely pace?
A constant speed keeps gear changes to a minimum - important to those who have to wrangle with those 10-speed truck transmissions - but it also aids economy, as it takes much more fuel to get a vehicle moving than it does to keep it moving.
5. Try premium
Most new cars will run well on any grade of fuel but there is anecdotal evidence of older cars getting better economy from higher octane fuel.
Try a tank or two, record your mileage, then do the maths, translating cost-per-litre to cost-per-kilometre. The expensive stuff just might turn out to be cheaper.
6. Natures's aircon
Consider shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows. Keep in mind that, at higher speeds, the A/C may be more efficient than the wind resistance from open windows and sunroof.
7. Cut down the modifications
New wheels and tyres may look cool and they can certainly improve handling.
But if they're wider than the stock tyres, chances are they'll create more rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy. If you upgrade your wheels and tyres, stick to the old types.
8. Clean out the car
The more weight your car has to haul, the more fuel it needs to do the work.
If you're the type who takes a leisurely attitude towards car cleanliness, go through the car and see what can be tossed out or brought into the house. It doesn't take much to acquire an extra 15-20 kilos of stuff.
9. Out with the new, in with the old
Many people keep their old cars around even after they buy a new one.
A spare car, especially if it's an econobox, can be good insurance against temporary rises in fuel prices. The costs of keeping the car may or may not be less than the fuel saved, but it does allow for more predictability in your budget.
10. Don't drive
Not a popular thing to say but the fact is that if you can avoid driving, you'll save fuel.
Always ask yourself: Is this trip really necessary?
