Summer is officially here as temperatures rise above normal levels. Schools close shop and families begin planning for their long drive to the provinces. Motorists are gearing up for two months of gas-consuming travels as they spend more time on the road.
With pump prices expected to rise even further as Russia and OPEC member countries begin their talks, motorists should save on precious fuel during these traffic-prone holidays. Here are some pointers to make your Lenten season hassle-free.
A clean filter element means more air into your engine, hence more power.
Observe proper maintenance
Have your vehicle checked regularly. A poorly maintained engine will use up 50 percent more fuel than an engine that runs properly. Go to your dealership or your trusted mechanic and check the fuel and oil filters if it needs replacement. Clogged air filters can cause up to 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.
While you are at it, change the motor oil also based on the manufacturer’s recommended interval as clean oil also contributes to better fuel mileage. Before driving off to your destination, check the tire pressure. A visual inspection of the tires is a must because under inflated tires increases rolling pressure which in turn contributes to more energy expenditure.
An oil change can make a difference in overall performance.
Be smart on the road
Unless you are acting out a chase scene in “The Fast and the Furious”, avoid jack rabbit starts and sudden braking. Screeching tires easily wear out rubber and this speeds up your car’s fuel usage. You should accelerate smoothly and shift to a higher gear as soon as possible without doing a Vin Diesel.
Try to avoid improper idling during traffic, believe me, nobody wants to hear your loud exhaust pipes. Not only does it reflects your show boating, it annoys fellow motorists. If you are stopping by a convenience store for more than a minute, switch off the car’s engine.
Conserve always
After a tankful of gasoline, make sure the gas cap is closed, otherwise your precious fuel will evaporate. If you can, choose a shaded parking area. Aside from helping your car keep its interior feeling like an oven, which also doubles the work of your A/C system, parking in a shade minimizes gasoline evaporation.
Importantly, plan your road trip ahead of time, plot your course and if possible, leave early in the morning to avoid the heavy volume of vehicular traffic along NLEX, SLEX, and SCTEX. Check for road construction and use smart phone apps like Google Maps or Waze to outsmart traffic during the Lenten Season.
