Fuel prices in Kenya have been on an upward trajectory over the last few years, leading to the rise of 'fuel saving tips' as Kenyans try to find ways to make some savings
Roll down your windows and turn off the A/C, use premium fuel are but some of the alleged tips.
However, thorough research and notes from industry experts in the motor world have debunked most of these so-called tips and branded them as works of fiction.
Here's a breakdown of five of the most common fuel saving 'tips' that are actually not based on facts.
Air conditioning drains your fuel
Experts say it's so insignificant, you might as well be comfortable.
While it is true that having your windows down does increase aerodynamic drag, it hasn’t been found to have a measurable effect on fuel economy.
Using the air-conditioner at highway speeds will cause the engine to work harder, but doesn't significantly impact fuel efficiency. However, it’s probably a good idea to roll down the windows to cool you off when running errands on those short trips around town.
This is because of all auxiliary power requirements, the air conditioner use has the greatest impact on fuel consumption.
On the highway, both air conditioning and open windows affect fuel economy in almost similar ways.
Using the air conditioner can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% because of the extra load on the engine. However, the load depends on the vehicle’s interior size, the outdoor temperature, and other operating conditions.
A dirty air filter leads to higher consumption
The engines in older vehicles pulled air straight through the air filter into the carburetor, so a clogged filter could affect fuel consumption to some degree.
Today's advanced engines have a computerized engine control module (ECM) to precisely regulate the air-to-fuel ratio. In a modern vehicle, air goes through the filter and then through a mass airflow sensor that lets the ECM gauge the airflow and adjust the fuel accordingly; less airflow means less fuel is sent to the engine.
While fuel consumption may not be affected, dirty air filters can lead to sluggish acceleration.
Experts say you'd be better off spending your energy on ensuring you have the optimum tyre pressure, as it has a direct impact on the efficiency of the car.
Coasting in Neutral gear helps save petrol/Shifting into Neutral at stops
This is a pretty popular technique employed by many drivers on Kenyan roads.
Cruise control is designed to maintain a constant speed. While that might be true on flat roads, rapid and sudden acceleration on hilly roads burns out a lot of fuel.
If you're planning to use cruise control, be cautious and anticipate an upcoming incline. You should apply pressure to the gas pedal slowly as needed to maintain speed without the sudden engine revs caused by cruise control.
As for shifting to the Neutral gear at stops, this is a myth that was only factual when engines required carburetors. Today's vehicles have computerized fuel-injection systems that sense if an engine is revving above idle when you ease off the accelerator.
If that happens, the fuel injectors shut off, so gas is no longer injected into the engine, even if the car is still in gear. The only thing you accomplish by constantly shifting in and out of neutral is premature wear on shift components.
Buy fuel early in the day
Yes, this is actually a 'thing' in the motor world. The theory is that as it gets hot, gasoline expands in the tank, so if you buy early in the day, you'll get more fuel for a similar amount of money as compared to fueling under the scorching sun.
However, at petrol stations, fuel is always pumped from storage tanks underground that are naturally insulated from large temperature swings.
Experts advise, top up on your fuel when you need it.
Cars with manual transmission consume less petrol
It's true that in the past, cars with manual transmissions were more fuel efficient than their automatic counterparts.
But as automatics become more advanced and gain additional gears, they are now ahead of manuals in terms of fuel economy.
Around town, you’ll use less fuel if you:
- Drive smoothly and try to maintain a steady speed.
- Use the gearbox sensibly, and change up through the gears as soon as practical.
- If you drive an automatic, ease back slightly on the accelerator once the car has gained sufficient speed.
- Avoid peak hour and other heavy traffic where possible.
- Avoid engine idling for long periods.
On the highway, you’ll use less fuel if you:
- Reduce speed - you can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 25% by taking 20 km/h off your speed.
- Use cruise control if you’ve got it.
- Keep the windows up and use the ventilation system when travelling over about 50 km/h, if your car doesn’t have air conditioning.
- If your car’s transmission has power and economy modes, use the economy mode to ensure the transmission up-shifts earlier.
All of the above tips also help reduce wear and tear on your car’s brakes, tyres and the other mechanical parts. So you’ll save on running costs too.
