Changing motoring habits can help save fuel costs

Channel NewsAsia 2 Jun 08;

SINGAPORE: Petrol prices have risen sharply over the last two years. But the Automobile Association of Singapore says there are ways to cut down on fuel costs by changing one's motoring habits.

For instance, one's petrol bill can be reduced by 15 to 20 per cent by refraining from sudden acceleration or deceleration.

Regular servicing will also make one's vehicle run more effectively and economically. Lightening the load of the vehicle will also help.

And if the weather is cool enough, wind down the windows. This could save as much as 10 to 15 per cent in fuel costs for a 1,600cc vehicle.

Tay Chay Sim, Manager, Automobile Association of Singapore, said: "Singaporeans like to put a lot of things inside the boot - things like golf equipment, bicycles and other things you don't need to use daily.

"As you know, any additional load added onto the vehicle will require you to need more petrol to give the same speed. So try to remove these things. Definitely you will save money on fuel." - CNA/vm