Easy Driver

Does driving get any easier?

Nope.

Down here in Melbourne, I have noticed over the past 10 years that the standard of driving seems to be getting worse despite advances in vehicle design, road infrastructure, education and policing.

As a courier, I would often see accidents and events on the road which would make most people shake their head in disbelief and think WTF? Did that just happen?

Hybrid vs Diesel

There is little doubt as to the direction car manufacturers are headed when it comes to cars of the future.

As oil prices continue to rise, the race is on amongst car manufacturers to mass produce an electric car that is affordable to buy, service and maintain. Zero fuel, zero emissions.

Fuel efficient cars come in various sizes, fuel types and engine configurations.

If you are chasing just pure numbers when it comes to best fuel economy and long range mileage, you can't go past a diesel car. Most modern diesels are fitted with turbo chargers which not only boost fuel efficiency, but also increase horsepower and torque.

Regular or premium?

Today's cars can often run on both regular and premium fuel. Some manufacturers recommend that their cars only use fuel with an octane level of 95 or higher. Note that recommend does not mean "must".

Most modern cars have sensors which can detect the type of fuel you use and will adjust the settings in the car's computer to control how your car runs on that particular type of fuel.

Using premium fuel decreases the chances of an engine knocking (pinging). To my ears, knocking sounds like marbles being rattled around in a plastic box. You can try to make your car knock by accelerating lightly uphill in a higher gear (3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th). Have the windows up and any other noisey accessories switched off to help listen out for it.

Is knocking bad for your engine? YES!!

Improving fuel economy

There are several basic simple tips anyone can do which can improve the fuel economy of your car. I am almost always asked this question repeatedly by people when they find out that I drive a V8.

"How do you afford the fuel bill?" they always ask. Not surprisingly, the truth is, simple and uncomplicated. It is not rocket science. 

I budget and plan my trips. Ta da!! Who would have thought? :)

Below I have listed 8 methods I have used to lower my fuel costs and to save money.