Save petrol to save money - fuel efficiency hacks for Singapore drivers

You could reduce your car's fuel consumption with these tips related to maintenance and driving habits. 

Fuel prices in Singapore sometimes seem to be on a never-ending roller-coaster ride, and let's face it - nobody enjoys watching their hard-earned motoring money vanish at the fuel pump. It's no wonder many Singaporeans make a beeline for Johor Bahru to fill up their fuel tanks, and also do some shopping and satisfy their Malaysian food cravings at the same time.

But you could save money on fuel without needing your passport, right here in Singapore. Here's how!

Keep your car in shape

Tyre pressure

Under-inflated tyres create extra rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption and causes the tyres to wear out faster. Regularly checking your car's tyre pressure and adjusting it according to the manufacturer's recommendation would improve fuel efficiency.

Proper maintenance

Have your car serviced regularly at a reputable workshop, using quality consumables. If your car is not running at its mechanical best, it would consume more fuel than necessary. For instance, issues such as clogged filters, misaligned wheels and old fluids significantly increase fuel consumption. Fixing these problems would probably improve your mileage.

Adopt good driving habits

Weight management

Removing excess weight from your vehicle can make a noticeable difference to fuel consumption. Avoid keeping unnecessary items, especially heavy ones, in the boot of your car. The more "dead weight" your vehicle carries, the harder its engine has to work, burning more fuel. With less weight to lug around, your car could go further on less fuel.

Wasteful idling

Turn off your car engine when waiting. Idling could waste a precious litre or more of fuel per hour, depending on the size and type of internal combustion engine. Auto start/stop functions for greater fuel efficiency are common these days, making it easier for the driver to avoid inefficient engine idling at every opportunity. 

Incidentally, under Singapore's Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) regulations administered by NEA (National Environment Agency), it is an offence for the driver of a motor vehicle to leave the engine of a vehicle idling while it is stationary, for reasons other than traffic conditions. 

Route planning

Nobody likes getting stuck in a bottleneck. Plan your routes ahead of time and check traffic conditions using the Motorist App. You'll avoid those pesky jams and therefore save time, fuel, and your sanity. Efficient route planning means fewer "roundabouts" en route and, ultimately, more money in your pocket for your next drive to wherever.

Read the road and drive sensibly

Anticipate traffic conditions by looking as far ahead as you can, instead of just seeing the rear bumper of the vehicle in front of yours. This allows you to ease off the throttle according to the changing traffic situation ahead, rather than slam on the brakes in reaction to a "sudden" change in the road traffic flow. Driving in this predictive manner saves fuel.

Remember to maintain adequate spacing between your vehicle and the one in front to avoid sudden stops-and-starts. When accelerating, do so gently to maximise fuel efficiency.

Engage the Eco mode if available

Many modern cars come with an Eco driving mode which optimises the engine and transmission for better fuel efficiency. In most cases, this mode adjusts the throttle response and consequent rate of acceleration, and also moderates energy-hungry systems like the air-conditioning to help save fuel.

By following the tips shared here, you could improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and save money on petrol. Not only will you be reducing your fuel costs, but you'll also be contributing to a greener environment. Happy driving, happy saving!

Read More: Motormouth: I still enjoy burning petrol in an engine

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