Ways To Save Petrol
As gas prices have skyrocketed, consumers are searching to way to
trim the costs. There are many options that will reduce fuel consumption
as well as produce less carbon dioxide emissions. Excessive carbon
dioxide emissions are responsible for the climate crisis of global
warming. Ride sharing and changing motoring patterns are two ways that
have been successful and practical.
Consumers can be proactive by taking steps to conserve gas by looking
at alternatives of driving alone. The most common way is carpooling,
sharing a ride between a driver and one or more passenger usually to
commute to work. Carpools began in the mid-1970s. Carpooling is based on
common proximity to work and/or home. Fuel savings increase by the
number of participants in a carpool. Carpoolers use their own private
vehicles. Some countries encourage carpooling by designating
high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane. This reduces traffic congestion.
Carpooling reduces traffic which in return reduces carbon dioxide
emissions. A rideshare agency can also be helpful when setting up
carpools. A potential candidate for carpooling completes a questionnaire
regarding work hours, flexibility and location of home and work. The
rideshare agency's system conducts a carpool match. The potential
candidate is then urged to conduct his or her matches. There is also a
backup plan if the driver has to leave work early due to illness or some
other unexpected situation. The riders can receive a limited number of
vouchers for cab rides home. Communities can support carpooling by
offering free parking options for carpoolers.
Another option is vanpooling which consist of a group of 7 to 15
people who commute to work in a van. A vanpool has one primary driver
with one to two alternate drivers. Usually, the van is rented unless the
driver has a van and is willing to use it for the vanpooling. The driver
usually rides without charge and the rest of the van participants share
the rental fee for the van, the cost of gasoline and any parking fees. A
central location is selected where the vanpool participants can meet.
The riders leave their cars at the central location.
Gas consumption can be further conserved by changing motoring
patterns. The first step to better gas efficiency is to travel at the
legal speed limit. It has been proven that traveling at 55 mph produces
21% better mileage than traveling at 65 or 70 mph. It is also important
to drive at a steady pace. Repeated slowing down or speeding up lessens
fuel efficiency. Car maintenance is also critical to fuel efficiency.
Regular maintenance should include oil change and maintaining clean air
filters because weakened air flow raises gas waste. Tires should be
checked to make sure that they are properly inflated; tires should also
be rotated periodically.
 While traveling on highways, keep windows
closed due to air drag which can reduce mileage by 10%. However, the air
conditioning systems in cars can also reduce fuel economy by 10% to 20%
because it puts more stress on the engine. Furthermore, excess weight
should be removed from vehicle because it wastes fuel on inclines.
Parking in the shade can eliminate the evaporation of gas in the tank
while keeping the interior cool which lessens the need for air
conditioning.
Ride sharing and a change in motoring habits can trim down gasoline
costs. They are practical and successful ways to commute without
breaking the bank.
Summary of Tips for Saving Petrol
- Drive slower. The faster one drives, the more gas is used.
According to christianpf.com a test conducted by setting the cruise
control for 50 miles at 75 mph and 65 mph yielded a great response
on saving fuel. The test found that by driving slower one, “can save
up to 14% with an average of 12%”in petrol mileage. Letting up on
the gas pedal can save at the pumps.
- Carpool. Ride with another co-worker. If possible, take the bus.
Carpooling with co-workers or family members is a great way to save
on fuel. Riding the bus is also a great way to keep more vehicles
than necessary on the road.
- Don’t tailgate. When one tailgates, they tend to press the
accelerator and the brake pedal more than required. The more the
accelerator is pressed, the more fuel is being used. According to
www.gla.ac.uk/services/estates/cartips.htm. “A measured speed keeps
fuel consumption more constant.” Back off of the vehicle ahead in
traffic and avoid excessive accelerating.
- Accelerate slowly. The harder one accelerates, the more fuel is
used. Instead of jamming the accelerator or “flooring it,” slowly
press on the pedal. Take it easy and take time accelerating.
- Seek and alternate form of transportation. Some trips don’t
require a vehicle to get there. Try taking a bicycle or walking for
shorter trips. It will save on fuel and helps one get great
exercise.
- Make sure the vehicle is properly maintained. Vehicle
maintenance is not high on most people’s priority list. However, it
is known that the better shape a vehicle is in, the better mileage
it gets. Check filters and tire pressure regularly. Save-money-on-gas.info
says, “Low tire pressure means that the wheel has more resistance
when it tried to start rolling, this burning up more fuel.” Keep a
tire gauge in the glove box and check the tire pressure at each fill
up. The poorer the vehicle maintenance is, the harder that vehicle
has to work in order to perform properly, thus using more fuel.
- Turn the engine off when not in motion. By simply turning the
engine off when the vehicle is not moving can save quite a bit of
money. Having an engine idle for an unknown length of time is wasted
fuel. Forums/techarp.com/louge states, “Idling more than a minute
consumes much more fuel that restarting the engine.” So when stopped
for more than a minute, turn the vehicle off.
- By following just a few of these tips, one can save an abundance
of fuel. Take the time and be conscientious of the vehicle being
driven. Remember to slow down, ride with someone else, don’t drive
too close, take off slowly, try riding a bike, properly maintain the
vehicle and try turning the engine off more often instead of letting
it idle. These are just a few of the tips to save on fuel and
following them could save mileage and money.
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