With fuel prices rising almost every week and supply uncertainties lingering, the Philippines’ energy crisis has evolved from just a headline to a household problem. Every driver and rider feels the pinch at the fuel pump, prompting them to shift to public transportation or cut down trips altogether.
Malayan Insurance Co. Inc. (Malayan Insurance) understands the urgency of helping vehicle owners drive smarter so they can make the most of every liter. Hence, here are some guides on fuel-efficient driving techniques to help car owners make every drop count.
Prioritize vehicle maintenance
Drivers should pay attention to the condition of the vehicle. Keep engines properly tuned, replace dirty air filters and old spark plugs, and inflate tires at the recommended pressure to prevent problems that lead to excessive fuel consumption. Regular maintenance goes a long way in terms of costs.
Lessen the load
Car are extensions of their owners. Many consider them as their “third space” or a home away from home. Unfortunately this also means that vehicles accumulate a lot of things – from a week’s supply of clothing, boxes of shoes, books, snacks, water jugs, various sporting gear – and those are just personal items. Bulky car accessories like roof racks, overload gear, and bike carriers also add up to the load.
If you don’t need the personal items or car accessories on a daily basis, you might want to consider leaving them at home. An additional 100 pounds on a vehicles could lessen its fuel efficiency by roughy one percent in miles per gallon (MPG), with smaller autos feeling the impact more compared to larger vehicle types. And get rid of the dust, trash and mud!
Decrease idling
Did you know that idling for more than 10 seconds uses up more fuel compared to restarting your engine? If you need to stop at a roadside for more than a minute, shut the engine off. Vehicle idling can burn up to one to two liters of gasoline per hour depending on the car’s engine displacement and air conditioning use. What an expensive way to burn money!
Get insured
In today’s economy, some expenses can wait but not auto insurance. It is an investment. Financial security, convenience and peace of mind makes protection worthwhile. The annual premium for a comprehensive automobile insurance policy such as Malayan Insurance’s AutoMaster is far more manageable and affordable compared to the combined out-of-pocket costs to third party liabilities, vehicle repairs, hospitalization, legal fees, and towing service that a single road accident can bring.
Plan plan plan
Plan trips. If you are pressed for time, hit the road during off-peak hours. If, however, you are running on a fixed schedule, leave an hour or two ahead of the rush hour to avoid getting stuck in the gridlock which could waste a considerable amount of fuel. Stop and go driving, also known as intermittent driving, burns fuel inefficiently compared to cruising mode. since the engine is taxed to increase and decrease momentum with the constant accelerations and braking.
