How To Survive The Fuel Price Catastrophe

Everybody suffers the wrath of the fuel price catastrophe. Even the most well-off spoilt-brats in my social circle are affected. Even though the Cabinet announces the new price every end of the month, it relieves me very little. They can go lower, though. Anyway, considered as the most money-wasting creature by my dad, I know many ways to save gas. Lord, I need those money for finer things in life. Here are my favorites:

1. Load your tank in the morning, not when it's empty.

Low temperature gives denser gasoline while high temperature makes the gasoline expand. What should be a gallon is not really a gallon in high temperature; simple science. The storage tanks are buried below ground. The ground is cooler in the morning. Some argue that whether it's 'liquid' gas or 'air' gas, It's all gas. But be reminded; some air gas don't really go in your tank when you pump it in. that's where there a risk of explosion. that's why we should not smoke in the gas station or answer our phones. When it's hot, more liquid gas converts to air gas and spreads everywhere. So, warmer atmosphere does affect the amount of your gas.

2. Load your tank when its half full/empty.

Again, about the air gas. The more gas you have in your tank, the less air there is and gas evaporates more rapidly when it's warm. At first I thought it's no difference. Yah. liquid gas or air gas, it's all the same for me. Then I studied in one of the driest part of the country (Bestari Jaya). At that time I always fill my tank when it's nearly empty. Tomy astonishment, my fuel consumption (CLK = Cute/Creepy Little Kancil) is more than a friends' (Waja). He thought me this trick.

3. Drive with the ideal speed.

For those indy car racer or accidenct candidates wannabes, you might want to try and follow the speed limit for a while. I discovered that the speed limits ARE the ideal speed. The ideal speed of a car is varied. Invest your time test driving your car on a flat straight road. I noticed that my CLK's ideal speed is 60km/h-90km/h. BMW 7 Series goes well with 90km/h-110km/h. Others are in between. For more info on that, check your own car manual.

4. Speed-up smoothly.

The ideal speed is just not enough if it's non-parallel with your gear shift. To know if it's parallel or not, be it manual or auto, your car should accelerate smoothly. Don't jack-rabbit start with it. And don't use high gear when you're slow. FYI, that cost you a lot too. If you drive an automatic, accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears. Stick-shifters should shift early to keep the revs down, but don't lug the enginee. Downshift if you need to accelerate. Focus on the road for potential slowdowns. Constant speeding and braking cost you a lot.

5. Check the tire pressure.

No matter how powerful your engine is, without the right tire pressure, you are the slowest. Insufficient air requires more energy to move. Too many air makes your car more sensitive to bumps and holes, giving you a bumpy ride, also waste energy. Tires
lose air due to time and temperature (1PSI/month, 1/10 SI/degree). Be sure to check the pressure when it's cool, as high temperature may fool you (gives higher reading.

6. Check the air filter.

Picture yourself playing rugby or football with a flu. Easily gassed out, isn't it? Remove the filter and hold it up to the sun. If you can't see light coming through it, you need a new one. More effectively, use permanent filters that need cleaning rather than replacing. It saves energy and the environment.

7. Hang with the big boys.

Notice how trucks act cool in traffic jams while CLKs (like mine) speeds-up and slows down? Same principle as no. 2 and 4.

8. Roll with the big boys.

Not a very good idea if you're not used to it. But driving behind bigger vehicle (smaller vehicles could help too) protects you from air resistance. Notice that while resisting the air, your car needs more energy to manouver. My favorite big boys are the ambulance. But be careful doing this. FOCUS. Don't want a mad truck driver come chasing after me for your fault.

9. Shut the hell off (the air-cond).

Opening a window is cooler and more enjoyable provided the pollution index in the area is acceptable. At moderate speed, shutting the air-cond off is the best bet. In my part of the world, in traffic jams I can't stand the heat, thus again, DeepFriedUncle was born. At higher speed however, the A/C is more efficient.

10. Clean out your car.

As a heavyweight competitor, I know better how weight can affect your fuel. Imagine a heavyweight (85kg) in his CLK, with his dumbell set (40kg), not to mention going back from shopping with a shopaholic chick (45kg chick +120kg HER stuffs only). That's a lot of weight, dude. That was me in the yesteryears, before this catastrophe started. Invest your time in cleaning your car!

11. Plan your trip.

Think whether it's necessary or not. Combine your errands in one trip. Share your vehicle as long as you don't exceed the load limit. Since this catastrophe, I feel like living the good ol' days again; riding the KTM and LRT; get to know more people; growing my social network once more. And I'm planning on doing this even in
the aftermath of this whole disaster.