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AS automotive fuel prices breach the P50 mark, allow me to devote
this space to 50 practical ways we all can scrimp on gasoline
expenses.
1. Drive a small car—preferably a
subcompact—especially if you mostly drive alone.
2. Discover the joys of commuting.
3. Share your car with a neighbor or officemate.
You’ll win more friends in the process.
4. Walk to short distances. You’ll end up
being healthier.
5. Be punctual so you don’t have to step on
the gas.
6. Avoid the rush hour at all costs.
7. Remove unnecessary objects—and thus
weight—in your car.
8. Plan your route and itinerary so you don’t
go round in circles in a day.
9. Buy your Top Gear magazine together with the
groceries. Making separate trips for different items doesn’t make
sense.
10. Stop going out with someone you can’t
imagine spending the rest of your life with.
11. Stay home.
12. Give your car a Sabbath rest every week.
13. Ride the bicycle.
14. Keep your vehicle in good shape. Mind the
oil change in particular.
15. Try to drive below 2,000rpm.
16. Do not race to beat the red light.
17. Be gentle on the brakes.
18. Operate the car in the highest possible
gear. Remember: The top gear rules.
19. Learn to say no to casual party invitations.
20. Reduce wind drag by removing useless body
kit.
21. Don’t sleep in the car while the engine
and the aircon are running.
22. Avail of restaurants’ delivery service.
23. Or cook and dine in the house.
24. Rent DVD from your neighborhood video shop
instead of going to the movie theater.
25. Let every member of the family strive for
physical fitness (and weigh less in doing so).
26. Sell your SUV.
27. Trade your sports car.
28. Consider driving diesel.
29. Always be alert and snappy. Going back for
stuff you left wastes fuel.
30. Never chase someone who has cut or overtaken
you.
31. Avoid weaving; stay in your lane.
32. Don’t drive drunk. Bad reflexes result in
less-than-optimal vehicle operation.
33. Adjust the aircon’s fan speed and
thermostat to the lowest possible setting.
34. Make sure your tires are not underinflated.
35. Maintain a constant speed and keep shifting
to a minimum.
36. Avoid hard acceleration when rolling from a
standstill.
37. Tank up during coolest time of the day, when
fuel is at its densest.
38. Stop smoking. Driving with open windows
increases wind resistance.
39. Steer clear of unpaved roads whenever
possible. They force the engine to work harder to achieve better
traction.
40. Know the shortest path to your workplace.
Better yet, know the freest-flowing path to your daily destination.
41. If you know there’s an uphill road coming
up, it’s best to accelerate before the climb.
42. Use an inexpensive scooter inside your
subdivision.
43. Stay away from the road on Friday nights.
44. Monitor your fuel mileage for every possible
route to your office. Keep the route that yields the best average
mileage.
45. If possible, date someone who lives within
your zip code.
46. Resist the urge to bring out the car for a
midnight Starbucks fix.
47. Replace dirty air filter.
48. Turn off your phone as soon as you get home
if you’re the type who can’t turn down a drinking buddy when he
calls for a round or two.
49. Ditch those juvenile joyrides.
50. Take motoring journalists seriously when
they come up with fuel-economy tips.
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