Quick Read
- Accelerate smoothly from a standstill.
- Avoid frequent lane changes in heavy traffic.
- Anticipate traffic and coast to reduce braking and acceleration.
- Switch off the engine for stops longer than two minutes.
- Maintain correct tyre pressure to reduce rolling resistance.
- Ensure regular engine service and clean/replace air filters.
- Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle.
SINGAPORE (Azat TV) – Motorists in Singapore are facing increasing pump prices, prompting a renewed focus on fuel-saving strategies to mitigate rising costs. As international crude oil prices continue to fluctuate, local petrol prices have followed an upward trend, making efficient driving habits and vehicle maintenance more critical than ever for consumers.
According to The Straits Times, the ongoing climb in petrol prices has led to a surge in interest for practical tips on how to maximize fuel efficiency and stretch every litre in the tank. These recommendations range from adjusting daily driving behaviours to ensuring optimal vehicle upkeep.
Daily Driving Strategies for Fuel Savings in Singapore
One of the most impactful ways motorists can save fuel is by modifying their driving style, particularly in city environments. When accelerating from a traffic junction, a smooth and gradual increase in speed is more fuel-efficient than sudden, aggressive acceleration. Engines consume the most fuel when moving a vehicle from a standstill, and a heavy foot on the accelerator significantly increases consumption.
Furthermore, avoiding frequent lane changes in heavy traffic can also contribute to fuel savings. Constant switching often requires additional acceleration and braking, which burns more petrol. In congested conditions, motorists rarely gain significant time by changing lanes repeatedly.
Anticipating traffic conditions ahead is another key strategy. By modulating the throttle and allowing the car to coast whenever possible, drivers can reduce reliance on braking and subsequent re-acceleration. Many modern automatic transmissions are designed to disengage during coasting to save fuel, and some even shut down the engine at low speeds with automatic stop-start features. For manual transmission cars, coasting in gear can cut fuel supply in fuel-injected vehicles, though switching to neutral is also an option. However, it is always crucial never to switch off the engine while the vehicle is in motion.
For longer stops, such as waiting for more than two minutes, switching off the engine is recommended. This prevents unnecessary idling, which wastes fuel and contributes to emissions.
Maintaining Your Car for Better Petrol Economy
Beyond driving habits, regular vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role in optimizing fuel consumption. One often-overlooked factor is tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Motorists are encouraged to check their tyre pressure regularly to ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keeping the engine well-serviced with the correct grade of engine oil is also vital for optimal efficiency. A clean air filter, replaced or cleaned regularly, ensures the engine receives proper airflow, preventing it from struggling and consuming excess fuel. These maintenance steps help the car operate at its peak performance, directly impacting its fuel economy.
Finally, reducing unnecessary weight in the vehicle can also yield savings. Items such as cleaning equipment in storage boxes or bicycle racks with bikes still mounted, even after use, add weight that the engine must work to move. Every kilogram removed contributes to better fuel efficiency over time.
The ongoing rise in petrol prices in Singapore underscores the direct link between global energy markets and daily consumer costs. While external factors are largely beyond individual control, the emphasis on proactive measures such as adopting efficient driving habits and diligent vehicle maintenance empowers motorists to exert some influence over their personal fuel expenditure.