Sep 09 2006
Fuel Efficiency
Last Friday I attended a fuel efficiency clinic given by John and Helen Taylor. Just in case you do not know who are the Taylors, they are the recent Guiness World Record holder to drive around the world with the least fuel consumed.
LONDON, April 4 — After 78 days and 18,467 miles, John and Helen Taylor have set a Guinness World Record for Fuel Efficiency after successfully driving around the globe using only 24.4 tanks of Shell gasoline and averaging an impressive 52.1 miles per gallon. The Taylors’ challenge began on January 17 in London and ended this morning in the same city after driving across 25 countries using Shell FuelStretch driving principles to help them maximize their fuel efficiency.
Initial estimates had the Taylors setting the Guinness World Record in 50 fill-ups or less; however, the estimate was lowered several times along the journey as the Taylor’s fuel economy improved. The first of its kind, the new “Shell Fuel Economy Challenge” Guinness World Record marks the achievement of the lowest fuel consumption during a circumnavigation of the globe by an unmodified standard car. To achieve the record, the journey had to cover no less than 18,467 miles. Shell fuelled the journey and shares credit for the record with the Taylors.
[Source: http://www.theautochannel.com/]
For more info about them and the record challenge, visit here and here.
It is so exciting knowing that it is possible to do so. Come on! Fuel prices have gone up so much. If we can drive longer with the same amount of oil, wouldn’t it be great?
In fact, I’m not sure whether it is the new fuel from Shell, or is it because of the driving tips, I am getting a much better mileage now.
Before I delivered Isabel 3 months ago, my average fuel consumption was around 12km/l. After 2 weeks at work, my average fuel consumption is now 16km/l. At one point it even went up to 19km/l, but only on days when traffic was low.
Imagine! Additional 4km every litre! For 1 tank of 40L, I can stretch for additional 140km! I’ve just refilled my tank this morning, and will ‘report’ again 2 weeks later, how much I can go. 
I will write separately on the tips learnt in the clinic.
Disclaimer: This is based on my personal driving experience. I am not paid to write this, okay. This is not a commercial advertisement. 
If traffic is heavy, its quite impossible to do so I think.
Jason, you’re right. I did ask the Taylors about this and they confirmed it. There are 2 things suggested. First (a bit passive), is to avoid driving during peak hours. Second, when you’re caught in jam, shift to highest gear whenever possible (i.e. don’t drag your car for long distance with gear 1 or 2).
wah..i wan to learn wan to learn..relaly kenot tahan liao..I’m just driving to work & back home eja..oso use RM300 – 400 a month ler..
msau: hehe, please wait har… I’ve written but scheduled post it for tomorrow, I think… BTW, what’s your mileage with 1 tank oil? How many L per filling? That way you calculate your fuel efficiency, better to compare that way.