Automakers urge drivers to think green before setting off on a trip

KEEPING YOUR car properly tuned, your tire pressures checked, and turning down the air-conditioning are some of the ways to make your driving more efficient and cut your fuel consumption, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

These eco-driving tips are the motoring equivalent of using low-energy light bulbs, turning off your PC’s monitor, and avoiding the use of a water heater — simple, commonsense tips that will bring down your fuel bills and really make a difference on the planet.

Maintenance

• Regular Servicing: Get the car serviced regularly. A regular tune-up can improve your gas mileage by as much as 4%.

• Engine oil: Make sure you use the correct specification as stated by the car manufacturer.

• Tire pressures: Check your tire pressure regularly and before long journeys. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance and thus use more fuel.

Before you go

• Lose weight: For every 100 pounds of weight you add on to your car’s load, you automatically add 2% to your fuel bill.

• Plan ahead: When going out on errands, plan all your stops ahead of time to avoid unnecessary driving.

On the road

• Leave promptly: Don’t start the engine until you’re ready to go. This avoids fuel wastage due to unnecessary idling and ensures the engine warms up as quickly as possible.

• Keep your cool: Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead. Speeding, accelerating and braking hard could raise your fuel bill by as much as 33% per liter.

• Avoid revving: Revving up the engine wastes fuel.

• Decelerate smoothly: When you have to slow down or stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear. Change gears as soon as possible.

• Cut down on the air-con: Don’t leave the air-con on all the time. When you get in the car, roll your windows down to let the trapped heat inside escape to the windows.

• Stick to the limits: The faster you go, the greater the fuel consumption and the greater the pollution, too.

CAMPI will be staging its 3rd Philippine International Motor Show, with the theme “Drive the Green Road, on Aug. 19-22 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City.