Sep 18 2006
Momentum
When I look at the Taylors’ fuel economy driving tips, I find that the difficult ones are really points 5 and 8, i.e. maximum use of momentum and use highest gear as fast as possible. These require skills and it makes you and me different from the Taylors.
As I am driving an auto car, point 8 is not relevant. So, what I have to do is really focusing on the max usage of momentum. What does it mean? Hoo-hoo, a lot!
First, I must look far ahead when I drive to anticipate the traffic condition in front. Well, this is one of the safety tips that my company always enforce anyway. Usually when you are having conversation, it is hard to achieve. We tend to be short sighted and only observe the car just in front.
Then, I must not be too closed to the car in front, so I don’t have to break hard - a waste of energy. At the same time, I must keep to a smooth and consistent speed, not too high.
When I need to slow down my car, I should start from a good distance away, by releasing my fuel pedal first, not hentam the brake pedal kao-kao when it is closed. If I have to use the brake too much, meaning I’ve been driving too fast earlier and/or slowinng too late.
When approaching traffic light from a distance, should release fuel pedal and let the car glide slowly with the hope that it will turn green by the time you reach. This is also for safety reason coz you don’t have to stop your car, especially late at night (can be quite dangerious as bad guy can approach you).
Bla, bla, bla… all about avoiding stop+go, all about not accelerate too much, all about avoid using too much brake (which means too much energy wasted), etc.
Seriously, I find it extremely difficult to do. That’s why there are people like the Taylors exist - to do this kind of world record challenge.
I am just hoping I can slowly make this as a habit - at least the part about look far and avoid stop/go, coz these are also about safety in driving.
I am telling myself I can do it. Brainwashing myself. 
Yes, I can, I can, I can. I am aiming for 15km/l only. Circa 2.5km from my usual record, i.e. driving additional 100km per tank. Ganbate Kudasai!
Related Posts
Ya ya… momentum is the key, i got my own way of making use of momentum too, read it here [http://www.fotop.net/siumai/pjournal?m=8&y=2006#13119].
For point 8, i guess it’s applicable to car’s with automatic gearbox too, be it CVT or the conventional type. Follow this simple rule: the more you depress the accelerator, the lower the gear will be used, and vice versa. So, as soon as your car is up to speed, feather the throttle, the car will shift to higher gear. Hope this helps… happy driving ;p
Hey! siumai, thanks for visiting my blog and leave a comment! Hehe, I heard DH mentioned it too on point 8, but… aiyah, I will blog about it later lah!