If you are being squeezed between rising fuel prices and a fixed income, there are steps that you can take other than stop using your car to get better fuel mileage. These are: 1 Make sure that your car’s engine is properly tuned up, i.e. the spark plugs are cleaned or replaced as required, the engine timing and valve clearances are checked and adjusted at regular intervals (as mentioned in the car owners’ manual). These will help get you better combustion. 2 Check the wheel alignment. You can tell the wheels are not in alignment if you hear a squealing sound whenever making a turn. 3 You can increase the tyre pressure by two or three psi over what is recommended for your car. The ride will be slightly bumpier but the fuel saving will be worth it. 4 If you see that the light at the traffic signal has turned red, remove your foot from the accelerator to save on fuel rather than braking at the last minute. 5 Use good quality, multi-viscosity engine oil. This will help reduce friction in the engine. 6 Clean the air filter at regular intervals and replace when required. A dirty air filter will cause more fuel to be used. 7 The best mileage you get is when your car is running at 90 km an hour, i.e. 4th and 5th gears. You get poor mileage when driving in the first and second gears. 8 Last but not least, pray that the war on terror ends so that all those checkposts (where hardly any checking is done) are removed. These are bad for your fuel mileage, your car’s clutch, your time and temper. If you follow the above, you will save on fuel as well as protect the environment.
SYED HUSSEIN EL-EDROOS,
Islamabad, April 16.