Busting myths on saving gas amid oil crisis

Motorists are finding ways to save on gas amid the mega oil price hike. But can you really save up when you refuel depending on the hour? Is it advisable to fuel up a few liters at a time?

In Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, some motorists share how they try to save on their fuel.

“Ang ginagawa kong diskarte ay matulog sa MRT o kaya sa mga mall para makakuha ng pasahero. Kasi kung tatakbo ka nang tatakbo, pati baon ng anak mo di mo mapo-provide,” said taxi driver Marlon Loremia.

(The strategy I use is to take a nap near the MRT or the malls while waiting to get a passenger. Because if you keep driving around, you won't even be able to provide for your child's school lunch.)

“Dati nagpi-pick-up kami ng 1.8 to 2 kilometers mahigit, kinukuha namin ‘yan. Pero ngayon hindi na kaya,” said motorcycle hailing service rider Julius Lopez.

(Before, we used to pick up passengers from over 1.8 to 2 kilometers away; we would take those. But now, we can't afford to do that anymore.)

In one taxi lane, taxi drivers open their windows while waiting for passengers.

“Ito ngayon patay makina ko. Ngayon ‘pag sumakay lang saka lang i-start para tipid sa gasolina ganun ginagawa namin. ‘Pag mag-isa ka lang patayin mo pag traffic para makatipid ka,” said taxi driver Bernie Fabon.

(Right now, my engine is off. I'll only start it once someone hops in to save on gas; that's what we do. When you're alone, turn it off during traffic so you can save.)

Some tricycle drivers are also trying to save on fuel by manually pushing forward their vehicles instead of turning on their engine. The fuel crisis has also led them to slow down during their trips.

“Yung dating takbo ko na kwarenta binabagalan ko na po para medyo mababa,” said Rolando Capulong.

(I've slowed down from my usual speed of 40 [kph] so my consumption stays a bit lower.)

But how can you really save on your gas?

An automobile expert suggested that you need to refuel at the right time. It’s advisable to gas up in the morning to get a solid fuel and not full of fumes.

Full tank

It’s also better to fill up your whole tank instead of refueling little by little.

“As much as possible full. Yung zero mo one half kasi yung space na ‘yon nage-evaporate ang gasolina,” said Joe Ferreria of the Automobile Association of the Philippines.

(As much as possible, keep it full. If your gauge is at half instead of zero, [you avoid waste] because gasoline evaporates in that empty space.)

Accelerator control

When it comes to driving, take it easy on the accelerator. Also avoid sudden braking and rapid acceleration.

“Kasi over-acceleration and then over-braking consumes fuel. ‘Yun yung issue doon. So dapat yung acceleration mo banayad lang. Do you know you save 30% pag ganun ka magmaneho,” said Ferreira.

(Because over-acceleration and then over-braking consumes fuel. That’s the issue there. So, your acceleration should be gentle. Do you know you save 30% when you drive like that?)

On freewheeling

Further, freewheeling does not help you save on your gas.

“Alam mo ba kapag fini-free wheeling mo lagi yung sasakyan mo, e sinisira mo lang transmission mo?” said Ferreira.

(Did you know that if you always freewheel your vehicle, you're just destroying your transmission?)

“Yung iba pagnaka-stop nilalagay nila sa ‘Neutral’. Hindi po tama ‘yun, masama po sa transmission ‘yun. Huwag niyo nalang alisin sa [Drive]. Kung matagal talaga ititigil niyo ilagay niyo nalang sa ‘Park.’”

(Others put it in 'Neutral' when stopped. That isn't right; it's bad for the transmission. Just don't take it out of [Drive]. If you’re going to be stopped for a long time, just put it in 'Park.')

Airconditioning, tune up

As for the air conditioning, just 22 to 25 degrees is enough, and you can save while keeping the compressor safe.

It’s also important to always keep the vehicle in good condition, from having the correct tire pressure to regular tune-ups and oil changes.

“Lalo na yung tune up iniiwasan natin yang tune up. ‘Kaya pa yan’, ‘Hindi pa naman mukhang putik ang langis’, huwag niyo po gagawin ‘yun. Dalawa sinisira niyo roon, kumukunat yung pag ikot ng makina, lumalakas ang konsumo,” said Ferreira.

(We especially tend to avoid tune-ups. [We say] 'It can still handle it,' or 'The oil doesn't look like mud yet' — don't do that. You're ruining two things there. The engine's rotation becomes sluggish, and your fuel consumption increases.)

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said it will soon release a fuel-saving guide from the experts. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News