Home / Environment / Tips Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read | Comment
Tips for Saving Fuel
Adjust font size:

With rising oil prices, car owners have become increasingly concerned about saving fuel. In the same car driven by drivers of different skills, the fuel consumption differs greatly. Motor-vehicle maintenance and management services remind car owners that fuel consumption depends largely on the driver’s use of the car, circumstances under which it is used, and maintenance quality. Automotive experts released these “fuel saving prescriptions” to help drivers:

 

Keep a rational driving speed

 

Each type of motor vehicle has its own economical driving speed and fuel consumption is lowest at such speed. Cars usually have an economical driving speed of about 80-90 km/h. When driving within such a speed limit on good highways, one can realize the fuel saving effect.

 

Control the startup of the car

 

When starting a cold car, avoid prolonging the warming up the engine. The car begins running one minute after it starts, and it is best to keep the car running for 3-5 km in second and third gears to warm it up. Prolonged warming up will undoubtedly waste more fuel and to keep a cold car running not only wastes fuel but also increases maintenance expenses.

 

Avoid unnecessary idling

 

A small car idling for 1 minute consumes more fuel than restarting the car. So if the car has to stop for a long while, turn off the engine. 3 minutes idling the engine uses enough fuel to power the car for 1 kilometer.

 

Avoid sudden shifts of speed

 

Sudden changes in speed, both accelerating and decelerating, consume more fuel than moderate shifts. It would be better to drive steadily to avoid wasting fuel

 

Use the air conditioning properly

 

The air conditioning system consumes part of the engine’s power when working. In order to save fuel, some drivers drive at a high speed with the windows open and the air conditioning shut off. Actually when driving at a speed higher than 85km/h with the windows open, you consume more fuel than you would with the air conditioning turned on, due to the increased aerodynamic drag.

 

Change your oil regularly

 

The simplest and most effective way to maintain your car is to change the engine oil regularly. The smaller the engine, the smaller the volume of engine oil, which means the oil will need changing more frequently. When changing oil, take care to use the type of the engine oil designed for the vehicle itself.

 

Maintain recommended air pressure in tires

 

If air pressure is too high or too low in tires, it will increase the fuel consumption. The steering system should also be checked regularly in order to make certain it is balanced with the tires.

 

(China.org.cn September 12, 2007)

Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read
Comment
Pet Name
Anonymous

China Archives
Related >>
Most Viewed >>
- Quake leads pandas to diet
- Mount Qomolangma to go on green drive
- A pig survives quake and a happy ending is promised
- Zoo tried to keep its animals cool
- Flood gates open for sand washing
Air Quality 
Cities Major Pollutant Air Quality Level
Beijing particulate matter II
Shanghai particulate matter I
Guangzhou particulate matter I
Chongqing particulate matter II
Xi'an particulate matter II
NGO Events Calendar Tips
- Environmental English Training (EET) class
- Hand in hand to protect endangered animals and plants
- Changchun, Mini-marathon Aimed at Protecting Siberian Tiger
- Water Walk by Nature University
- Green Earth Documentary Salon
More
Archives
Aid from the world
The Sichuan earthquake prompted a worldwide wave of sympathy. Governments, NGOs, firms and individuals rushed aid to the victims.
Panda Facts
A record 28 panda cubs born via artificial insemination have survived in 2006.
South China Karst
Rich and unique karst landforms located in south China display exceptional natural beauty.
Saving the Tibetan Antelopes
The rare animals survive in the harsh natural environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
More
Laws & Regulations
- Forestry Law of the People's Republic of China
- Meteorology Law of the People's Republic of China
- Fire Control Law of the People's Republic of China
- Law on Protecting Against and Mitigating Earthquake Disasters
- Law of the People's Republic of China on Conserving Energy
More
Links:
State Environmental Protection Administration
Ministry of Water Resources
Ministry of Land and Resources
China Environmental Industry Network
Chengdu Giant Panda Research Base