Think green before driving
Keeping your car properly tuned, your tire pressures checked, and turning down the air conditioning are some of the ways to make your driving more efficient and cut your fuel consumption, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).
In line with the theme of its much-awaited 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) "Drive the Green Road," and its environmental protection awareness campaign called "My Ride+Earth" that support its ongoing advocacy on the issue of climate change, CAMPI produced seven viral video clips that contain helpful tips on what people can do to reduce their fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and help stop pollution.
Some of the personalities who contributed their time and talent to the "My Ride+Earth" viral video campaign of CAMPI include: comedian/Indie filmmaker/social entrepreneur and DJ Ramon Bautista, who talked about the importance of having a car tune-up; Ifugao congressman and environmental activist Teodoro Baguilat, Jr.; and personal finance blogger and business journalist Salve Duplito. The video clips can be viewed on YouTube (simply search ‘CAMPI’ and ‘green motoring tips’) and on the official site of the 3rd PIMS, www.campiauto.org/motorshow. More eco-friendly motoring tips will also be contained in the "Green Motoring Guide" that CAMPI will give out free to all those who will flock to the motor show at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on August 19 to 22.
These eco-driving tips are the motoring equivalent of using low-energy light bulbs, turning off your PC’s monitor, and avoiding the use of a water heater – simple, common-sense tips that will bring down your fuel bills and really make a difference on the planet.
Maintenance Regular Servicing: Get the car serviced regularly (according to the manufacturer’s periodic maintenance schedule) to maintain engine efficiency. A regular tune-up can improve your gas mileage by as much as 4%. That’s about P1.50 per liter of savings on your fuel bill.
Engine oil: Make sure you use the correct specification of engine oil (refer to your vehicle owner’s manual).
Tire pressures: Check your tire pressure regularly and before long journeys. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance and thus use more fuel.
Getting tire pressures right is important for safety, too. Your car’s mileage can improve up to 3% if your tires have the proper pressures.
Before you go Lose weight: Unless you are driving a van or an SUV/AUV that’s designed for heavy load, extra weight easily translates to extra fuel. So better unload unnecessary stuff you don’t need on the journey and take them out and leave them at home. For every 100 pounds of weight you add on to your car’s load, you automatically add 2% to your fuel bill.
Plan ahead: When going out on errands, plan all your stops ahead of time to avoid unnecessary driving. Check out road maps when taking unfamiliar journeys to reduce the chance of getting lost. Check the traffic news before you go and avoid driving during the rush hours. Constant driving, starting and stopping will eat into your fuel bills.