Essential Motoring 101

Now with the Malaysian general elections at the corner, we will never be prepared of what will happen after that. Surely, price of petrol may surge and when it does, we wont be caught off guard. With these tips, you wont feel that ‘hurt’ and maybe seriously start on using your car more efficiently and be more environmentally conscious. You could even save a lot of money too by putting into practice the recommended measures below.

Feed the pig, not the tank

Here’s how you add more money into the bank, rather than the petrol tank:

1. Always keep your vehicle in tip-top condition. This means that the car need to be checked and serviced according to schedule. The amount of money you spend on this is minimal compared to a major repair that would cost you, easily, about RM500 - RM1000. Like saying goes, prevention is better than cure!
2. When you feel like getting a new car, think again. The value of a new car drops significantly on the 1st year of usage but gradually depreciates as years go by. You might want to get a USED car that is about 1-2 years old, of course, previously owned by a careful driver. Be a smart consumer by comparing prices at all of the car dealers that you can find easily in Kepong, Selayang or Cheras.
3. Ensure that your tires are properly inflated with the right air pressure. It must not be over or under inflated as it causes high fuel consumption. Refer to the manufacturers manual on the desired amount of pressure for all tires. If you dont have the manual, the standard amount would be 30PSI, depending on the load.
4. Make sure your boot is clear of extra weight. Preferably, do not carry heavy objects if not necessary. More weight would consume more fuel to move the vehicle.
5. Your engine must also be properly tuned-up for better fuel combustion. The right amount of air and fuel would produce efficient burning in the engine therefore fuel is used to the optimum.
6. Try to use your car to the minimum. If possible, take public transportation or car pool with a friend when you go to work. You and your friend may take turns in car pooling so that one will not feel burdened. Walk, if you may, to the grocery shop if it is about 5 minutes away - you get to lose some weight along the way too .
7. There is an emerging trend for cars that uses diesel. The price of diesel in Malaysia is lower compared to petrol. Most cars/trucks that uses diesel come with ‘green engines’ that help economise the amount of fuel to burn i.e. the Ford Ranger, unlike the olden days where diesel-powered vehicles that emit alot of smoke. Diesel cars are the way to go!
8. Listen to soft music, not fast-paced, blasting music. Our minds work based on what we hear; the faster the music, the faster we tend to drive. Its weird but it is proven. When we listen to loud and fast tempo music, we will unconsciously do things faster. So, go easy on the pedal and turn down the volume - you will save alot of petrol as well.

Here are just a few pointers to save more bucks in your wallet. Let us all do our part to save the environment (and our hard-earned money) and same time live a healthy lifestyle by putting into practise the steps above. Stay tuned for more cost-saving methods especially for your vehicles.

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