Good Driving Habits

Since we are in the "mood" of high petrol price right now, I want to share with you some of the good driving method, which can save our fuel consumptions. This is only applicable if you fork out your own pocket to pay the petrol (if you can claim your travelling mileage, who knows you may make some profit.. hehehe)
Some might already knew it. However, for those who have not know yet..hope these help a bit.

(These are based on the actual test done by an US-based automotive magazine)
Since the results are too technical, I summarized in my perspective below.

Test #1 Aggressive Driving vs. Moderate Driving

Result: Major savings potential

The Cold Hard Facts: Up to 37 percent savings, average savings of 31 percent

Recommendation: Stop driving like a maniac.

My perspective: If you take within 10 seconds to clock 70km/h, slow it down to 15 seconds or more. Please be gentle with your pedal. Another indication is that don't let your RPM meter exceed 2000 before reaching 60km/h. (No more race with the car next to you at traffic light..hehehe..)
Same when you want to break. Don't break immediately. Take it easy..
Don't tail the car in front of you closely. You tend to always have the sudden break. (And accident if you are unlucky!!)

Test #2 Lower Speeds Saves Gas

Result: Substantial savings on a long trip

Cold Hard Facts: Up to 14 percent savings, average savings of 12 percent

Recommendation: Drive the speed limit.

My perspective: Frankly, I failed this test. Now, with the new price, I will try to change..The test shows 80-90km/h is the best speed!!More than that, you've got to pay more. (Wake up early if you always late to office!!). Moreover, you can save your money from 'saman ekor' etc..

Test #3 Use Cruise Control

Result: Surprisingly effective way to save gas

Cold Hard Facts: Up to 14-percent savings, average savings of 7 percent

Recommendation: If you've got it, use it.

My perspective: Most of us don't have it. What we can do, mantain the speed as long as we can. Frequent changes in the speed also consume a lot of petrol.

Test #4 A/C On, Windows Up vs. A/C Off, Windows Down

Result: Nice in theory; not true in practice

Cold Hard Facts: No measurable difference (unless you open the sunroof, too!)

Recommendation: Please, make yourself comfortable.

My perspective: I was wrong on this. Switch off your air-cond not necessarily save the petrol. This is due to latest technology on modern cars. Just enjoy your ride comfortably.

Test #5 Check Your Tyre Pressure

Result: Important for safety and to reduce tyre wear

Cold Hard Facts: No measurable effect on the vehicles we tested

Recommendation: Check your tyre pressure often but don't expect a big savings.

My perspective: Although not reflected significantly on petrol, it can increase your tyre life. Tyre also costs a lot of $$$..

Test #6 Avoid Excessive Idling

Result: More important than we assumed

Cold Hard Facts: Avoiding excessive idling can save up to 19 percent

Recommendation: Stopping longer than a minute? Shut your engine down.

My perspective: It depends on the situation. If your family waiting for you in the car on the hot weather, maybe you need to close one eye. But if too long, it is dangerous for them as well. Think smart & wise okay..

Overall, change our driving habits can actually save some money (if not much). As Transport Ministry's campaign always said.."YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE"