Raymond M. Wright, Contributor
Dr. Raymond Wright, group managing director of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
IN JAMAICA, the transportation industry accounts for some 28 per cent of our energy use. Energy consumption in transportation is increasing by an average growth rate of about four per cent since 1995. Fuel economy and efficiency are concerns for all of us who drive.
There are practices that help in maximising fuel use which every driver should know.
SPEED
A vehicle loses about 0.5 per cent in fuel economy for each one kilometre per hour driven above 80 k.p.h (50 m.p.h.)
Driving fast significantly increases fuel consumption.
AIR CONDITIONERS
One of the major factors affecting vehicle fuel efficiency is the use of air conditioners. Its use during a hot day can actually decrease mileage by about 15 per cent. Be aware, however, that having open windows while driving on the highway can create a wind drag that will lower mileage.
IDLING
Idling is sometimes necessary in traffic jams, but while waiting at drive-in windows, or waiting for someone, it is more economical to cut the engine if the wait is longer than 30 seconds. Starting up your car again actually uses less gasolene.
GASOLENE AND OIL
A fuel's octane is the measure of its anti-knock quality only, and is not an indicator of its power. Most vehicles are engineered to use regular unleaded gasolene, but, unfortunately, many people believe that using a premium grade will improve their vehicle's performance.
The Owner Manual for your vehicle should state the correct grade of gasolene to use for optimum performance. Use regular 87 gasolene, if possible, to save money. It also takes more crude oil to refine a gallon of premium gasolene than to refine regular gasolene. If all Jamaican drivers bought the fuel with the appropriate octane content, many thousands of litres of gasolene could be saved each year.
Your choice of engine oil also affects fuel economy and the best type will be recommended in your Owner's Manual. The correct oil will be based on the lowest temperatures expected for the period that the oil is in the engine. Higher quality oils perform better. If you change your vehicle's engine oil yourself, be sure to dispose of the used oil in the appropriate manner.
GENERAL DRIVING TIPS
There are good driving practices that make a significant difference in fuel efficiency:
Gentle and steady acceleration can improve mileage up to 10 per cent.
A steady travel speed saves fuel.
A tuned engine is important for proper functioning of spark plugs, fuel system and emission control. An engine out of tune can result in wasted fuel costs of 15 per cent or more.
Under-inflated tyres of approximately 8 pounds (quite common) increases rolling resistance of the tyres by 5 per cent. This can waste gasolene.
Unbalanced wheels which are only 1/4" out of alignment cause rolling resistance of another 2 per cent, thus wasting fuel and increasing tyre wear.
Cooling system thermostats can be stuck in the open position. This causes an engine to run too cold and will reduce engine efficiency by about 7 per cent.
All of these factors may add up to increased monthly costs of operating a vehicle in the range of $1,000-1,500. These costs are significant on a yearly basis.
We need to promote fuel economy practices in the face of increasing fuel prices. It is a national imperative.
Dr. Raymond M. Wright is group managing director of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica.
