Save fuel even if you don’t own a hybrid

SINGAPORE — Pairing electric motors with a conventional engine can do wonders for fuel economy and performance, but it also means having to pay for two engines instead of one.

Perhaps that’s why hybrid cars remain fairly uncommon here. According to figures from the Land Transport Authority, only 5,727 cars out of 616,609 passenger cars here are petrol-electric hybrids.

But the good news is, you don’t have to rely on a full-hybrid drivetrain to save fuel, if you want to do your bit for the environment (or just save money). Instead, working on simple driving habits can optimise the fuel efficiency of the car you already drive, leading to meaningful savings at the pumps.

Here are nine tips that will help you postpone those visits to the petrol station.

Don’t be under pressure

Check tyre pressures every two weeks. According to Shell, tyres underinflated by just 1 psi can increase fuel consumption by as much as 3 per cent. Underinflated tyres also wear out significantly more quickly and offer poor grip. Now, you have three reasons to pay attention to your car’s tyre pressures.

Leave early

The old saying rings true here: Haste makes waste. Depart a few minutes earlier than you normally do for an appointment, and you’ll end up driving more calmly and gently.

Be service-oriented

It’s not uncommon for fuel consumption to improve after servicing your car. That’s because old lubricant, clogged filters, fouled spark plugs, misaligned wheels and the like are all bad for fuel burn. Servicing takes care of them, so follow the servicing schedule specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Being unoriginal is costly

That huge rear wing on your boot, those big wheels and fat tyres may make your car look right at home on the set of a Fast and Furious movie, but they put a dent in fuel efficiency by making your engine work harder. Car makers have hundreds of engineers looking at ways to save every last drop. Keeping your car original is a good way to take advantage of that.

Look into the future

Drive with a sense of anticipation and look much further ahead than usual. That way you can mentally map what’s going on around you and anticipate what’s about to happen. By steering smoothly around upcoming hazards (instead of being stuck behind them) you can preserve momentum.

Keep it steady

You don’t have to drive like a granny to be fuel-efficient, but avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. Keep a steady speed (within the speed limit, of course) and use light touches on the throttle to keep moving.

Distance yourself

Keep a meaningful distance between yourself and the car in front of you (a two-second gap is a good rule to follow). The extra space allows you to travel at a constant pace while the car ahead speeds up and slows down with the rest of the traffic. It gives you a better view ahead, too, which helps you anticipate any danger ahead.

coasting ahead

Your right foot steps on the accelerator or the brake pedal, but there is a third option: Completely off the pedals to let the car coast. Try it and be surprised by how far momentum carries you.

Take advantage of technology

Some new cars automatically slip into Neutral when you lift off the accelerator. Fuel-injected cars cut off the fuel supply when you do the same. Some cars have visual aids to nudge you towards a smoother, more efficient driving style.

Many models now feature a Start-Stop function that cuts off the engine automatically when the car is at a standstill.

Then there are Eco driving modes that calm down the throttle response and alter the gearchange settings to reduce consumption.

The more you use these, the more fuel you’ll save. Besides, whether you drive a hybrid or not, a fuel-efficient car is no good without a fuel-efficient driver.