Drive Smart, Save Money

THERE is nothing like a petrol price hike to increase the urban myths on how to save fuel. Check out these claims and asks the experts.

Myth 1 : Petrol expands in hot weather, so fill up in the cooler early morning

Finding : False

A spokesman for chevron, which operate a gas station, says there is no difference in the amount of petrol you get whether you refuel in the day or night. This is because there is not much temperature variation in the air or in the fuel being dispensed.

Any vaporization that might occur would be a very small amount and the effect on the amount of petrol pumped would be negligible.

Myth 2 : When filling up. do not squeeze the trigger fully and pump in "fast" mode.

Finding : True

If you are pumping at a faster rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tanks becomes vapour, which is sucked back into the underground storage tank, giving you less fuel.

This is a concern if the service stations are installed with vapour recovery stations which prevent petrol vapours from escaping to the air.

No matter the speed of the pumps, there is always vapour loss to the surroundings.

However, the carbon canister in the fuel tank is able to capture some of the vapour during dispensing or normal operation, and it will be burnt off in the engine.

Myth 3 : Fill up when your tank is half-full. The larger space in a near-empty tank could lead to higher petrol fume loss.

Finding : False

Again, the carbon canister located in the fuel tank is able to capture some of this vapour.

Myth 4 : Overfilling your tank will result in the petrol flowing back into the pump.

Finding : False

The mechanism that allows petrol to flow back is call a return valve and they prevent harmful gas vapours from being released into the air.

The are installed in some countries such as the United States.

Regardless of what car you drive, good driving habits will help keep fuel consumption (and petrol bills) down. Here are some suggestions :

It's not a competition:

Don't weave in and out of traffic. Driving aggressively often means sudden acceleration and braking, which waste petrol and will make you unpopular with other road users.

Too fast, bill furious:

Keep to the speed limit. While different cars have different speeds at which they are the most fuel-efficient, it is a good idea not to drive too fast. It will be safer too.

Get in tune:

Check the engine and air filters regularly. A properly tuned engine and clean air filters will leave you and your car purring with delight.

Pump them up:

Make sure the tyres are properly inflated. This also includes checking for both under-inflation and over-inflation

Don't idle:

Waiting for someone? Consider turning off the engine if it is going to be more than a five-minute wait.

Lose weight:

Are you carting junk around in your boot? Lose it. Carrying extra weight just means you burn more petrol lugging it around.