Tip of the Day: Pumping fuel - or just pumping Gas?

Petrol prices just went up again - way, way up this time. Fortunately (if this can be called fortunate), we still have the lowest rates in the region, except for Brunei, which is really a sea of crude oil. In these trying times, our mechanic (and a longtime friend of hubby's) has a few words of wisdom. Here they are:

1. Pump Slowly - Most of the time, when you pump petrol, you are also pumping in more fumes than fluid. Just because the meter's moving doesn't mean there's that much fuel in your car. The fuel tank is as adept to keeping fuel vapour as it is fuel. There's even a vapour management valve and a vapour purge system in some newer cars just to manage fuel vapour. 

2. Keep it cool, please - Don't pump when the weather's hot, just like any other molecule, it expands when it's hot - meaning that you actually get less fuel for your money. Don't pump when it's still too cold in the morning either, dew and vapourising water can get into your tank. It's best to pump when the ground isn't hot anymore - at night.

3. RON92 or RON97? - Gee, this is like Win95 or Win 98? Anyway, RON is actually the octane rating of the fuel, the higher meaning purer (less sulphur), thus better combustion. But seriously - these days, with the advanced formulation oil companies have come up, the quality is substantially better than before. To those of us who use older (circa 1995) engines, use RON92, and adjust (advance/retard) your timing accordingly, which can be done by most mechanics. Newer engines can't use RON92 - it'll ping and knock like crazy. Oh, for the record, RON92 is slightly cheaper - so you get more for our money.

4. Check your tyres - this is a must, as badly inflated tyres will result in higher fuel consumption. Some recommend to inflate tyres close to their maximum limit, but this I'm not sure. It's always good to stay in the middle, so experiment with tyre pressures before you make up your mind.

5. Don't be a leadfoot - Cruising always saves more fuel than going full throttle, brake and then accelerate again. When cruising at a constant, the onboard computer can easily calculate the ideal fuel to air ratio, and conserve fuel more efficiently.

6. Gadgets - if you're  a gadget freak, an Air-Fuel Controller (AFC) and a good Fuel Pressure Regulator can help conserve fuel. They can also be used to extract the last drop of power from your engine too. It depends on how you use it.

There - that was quite lengthy wasn't it? Anyway, I've a suggestion - why don't we all boycott petrol and switch to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG / NGV) instead? It's a LOT, LOT cheaper (sometimes up to five times), but you'll have to live with the decreased power from the use of it. It's your choice, basically.

Post later - Ciao. 

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Tags: tip, petrol, fuel, save, advice