How to save fuel...

Few couple of days ago I read this in The Star.. paste it here, but then when I click for posting it vanished. Today I hope it wouldn't vanish..

How to save fuel without really trying
EFFENDI Azmi Hashim talked about the effects of the rising fuel cost and of using public transport to reduce cost (Ride of the common people, A Yuppie's Progress, StarMag, March 5). In addition to running the car, petrol is used to operate just about every electronic function in the car, hence we can think of many ways to save fuel. Malaysians are already practising some of the tips, so they should come naturally.


1.Don't signal – ever
Not that Malaysians use their indicators anyway but it is an even more compelling reason to not waste energy on that blinking light

2.Don't park in multi-storey car parks
Going up and down ramps burns fuel. Better to just leave the car outside on a single yellow line.
3.Don't brake for bumps
Braking burns fuel so just keep accelerating over speed bumps.

4.Commute off-peak
Avoid the rush hour traffic by going into work at 10am and coming home at 3pm.

5. Delay switching on headlights
Wait until it gets really dark or until someone flashes you before switching on headlights.

6. Sing
Radio music is lousy anyway. Sing to entertain yourself instead of letting your Blaupunkt burn more fuel.

7.Carpool
Cram as many people as possible into your Kancil. Besides, the added weight helps with braking.

8. Smoke cigarettes
You will naturally open your window to smoke so this saves on air-con usage.

9. Coast downhill
Turn off the engine and free up the gear when going down a slope. Let gravity do the work, not petrol.

10. Invest in body kits
Making the car more aero-dynamic with sporty skirting and spoilers reduces drag and fuel consumption.

11.Use 18-inch rims
Big rims mean less tyre material, i.e. rubber. Therefore less rubber is burnt while driving.

12. Drive on the line
Align the middle of the car on the line that divides two lanes on a dual carriageway. This reduces the need to make sharp turns as you are effectively using the racing line.


13. Go through red lights
If you are in front at a traffic light, go straight on. Braking hard for a yellow or red light burns fuel.

14. Use high gears
Try to go from first straight to fourth. Keep the revs to below 1,000rpm.

15.Take MCs
Utilise your entitlement to the max. Every day that you don't go to work is RM saved on fuel, toll, parking, etc.

16. Use the emergency lane
Why sit idle in traffic when you can gain ground efficiently on the extra lane?

17.Speed
The faster you reach your destination, the less fuel you use.

Dazza & Co, Kuala Lumpur
Star Mags