Survey shows 9 truths about fuel efficient driving

Maximizing fuel efficiency is a skill that most Filipino drivers claim they are aware of – that’s what Ford Motor Company’s survey revealed. However, which of these drivers have been doing it wrong all this time?

To quantify the claim, Ford Motor Company commissioned a survey about fuel-efficiency across 11 Asia Pacific markets, which includes 783 respondents from the Philippines. Among them, 94% claimed that they know how to maximize fuel efficiency, while 98% said that they are doing an effort to save fuel when driving.

However, Ford found out that a lot of these Filipino drivers were misinformed about burning cash for fuel. Luckily, they shared the numbers and the myths that these driver know to serve as an example so everyone will be informed of the proper way to save fuel.

34% didn’t know that harsh accelerating and braking costs more fuel

FACT: Aggressive driving, like taking off too quickly or braking harshly, wastes too much fuel. The key here is to go easy on the pedals.

Almost 20% (1 out of 5) believed that engine idling will save more fuel

FACT: Keeping your car running while parked will consume more fuel than turning it off and restarting when needed. If you’ll be waiting by the sidewalk for a few minutes, it’s better to find a shade and park your car so you could turn the engine off while waiting.

84% were unaware of the fuel-saving benefits of cruise control

FACT: Modern cars with cruise control removes unnecessary braking and accelerating, especially when driving at a constant speed. This saves up fuel and quite handy when driving on a highway, which also prevents over speeding.

Only 27% knew how to use GPS to find the quickest route

FACT: The longer you drive, the more fuel you consume. With the technology nowadays, apps and navigational services on mobile phones and vehicles can calculate the shortest routes before driving. You’ll save both time and money by using these routes.

57% didn’t know that driving in hilly areas affects fuel consumption

FACT: Long drives across hilly areas and mountains cost more fuel as the engine works harder due to gravity.

Many weren’t aware that cold weather (82%) and hot weather (58%) affect fuel efficiency

FACT: Short trips when it’s cold can consume more fuel as the engine will take more time to reach its efficient temperature. On the other hand, using the air conditioning system during hot weather should be dependent on speed due to wind resistance. Highway speeds is better with the A/C on, while slower drives are more fuel-efficient with the windows down.

Only 37% knew that excessive weight will consume more gas

FACT: Excess weight on your vehicle greatly affects fuel economy, as the vehicle will exert more effort to make the car move. Next time you’re in for a long (or short) drive, pack lightly so your wallet will shed less too.

85% didn’t know that adding sports tires or body kits can affect fuel efficiency

FACT: You might gain some street cred by adding sports tires and body kits, however, the increased rolling resistance and drag also mean higher fuel consumption.

41% were unaware that proper maintenance and servicing save fuel, while 59% didn’t know that proper tire pressure can also affect fuel efficiency

FACT: A properly maintained vehicle will likely consume less fuel as its engine is at its optimal condition, while proper tire pressure decreases rolling resistance, thus, saving fuel as well.

The online survey was conducted by GlobalWebIndex on behalf of Ford Motor Company. 9,509 consumers were surveyed across 11 markets: Australia (1,026 respondents), China (1,011 respondents), Hong Kong (784 respondents), India (1,023 respondents), Malaysia (786 respondents), New Zealand (774 respondents), Philippines (783 respondents), South Korea (760 respondents), Taiwan (762 respondents), Thailand (1,026 respondents) and Vietnam (774 respondents). Fieldwork was concluded in June 2016.

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