Reducing emissions easier than you think

JAKARTA (JP): Want to take part in reducing the city's air pollution while at the same time saving money? It's not difficult. All you have to do is choose the right vehicle, perform regular maintenance and drive properly.

By doing those three things you will cut down emissions, ensure good engine performance, save fuel and you will not have to spend unnecessary money on replacing damaged spare parts.

Interested? The following are practical tips compiled from various sources for those wanting to breathe clean air and who don't want to waste money on unnecessary things.

Car choice

* Buy a car that really suits your need. Take into account the number of your family members and whether you travel more in town or out of town. A small family traveling in a city should buy a car with a low cylinder capacity, not necessarily a station wagon or large sedan. Smaller engines save fuel by six percent. Unless really needed, avoid buying a four-wheel-drive car.

* Examine the vehicle's specifications, particularly its fuel consumption.

* Pay attention to exhaust pipe emissions. If it is clear gray, the vehicle has good engine combustion. If it is black, there is something wrong with the engine.

* Use environmentally friendly fuel.

* A front wheel engine system saves more fuel.

* When buying a used car, make sure it is not more than five years old to assure its engine still works properly.

Maintenance

* Maintain your car regularly. Exhausted components must be replaced to ensure a vehicle's durability and to save fuel by 10 percent or more. The maintenance costs can be offset by fuel costs.

* Clean the lower part of your vehicle regularly. Prevent any leakage of gasoline, lubricant oil and other liquid that will waste fuel.

* Clean gasoline and air filters, while fixing valves properly to guarantee prime engine performance and optimal fuel combustion. Replace filters if it is difficult to clean.

* Spark plugs must be cleaned regularly as it will waste fuel by 20 percent to 25 percent even if it is just one of them that does not work properly.

* The carburetor and contact points must also be kept clean to lower engine heat.

* Use lubricant that is compatible with your vehicle engine to avoid internal friction. The lubricant should be regularly replaced after about 2,000 km.

* A vehicle's engine should be regularly tuned, especially when the engine stalls or has difficulty starting. This will help save fuel by one to four percent.

* The clutch must be stable, otherwise fuel will be wasted.

* Tire air pressure must be sufficient, according to the relevant type of vehicle. Low air pressure might slow down driving power. Good tires might help save fuel by three percent.

* Use tires that suit your vehicle's size. Big tires will waste more fuel.

* Tire balancing and adjustment will avoid friction, which causes tire damage and fuel waste.

* If you cannot handle your vehicle's problems, consult an authorized auto repair shop.

How to start

* If it is not necessary to use your private vehicle, use public transport.

* Plan your trip and destination in detail to anticipate traffic congestion.

* Avoid warming up your vehicle too long as you can do it while driving.

* Avoid carrying too much luggage. Fuel consumption increases by 2 percent with every 50 kg.

* Use fuel with an octane rate that matches your vehicle's engine.

How to drive

* Concentrate in case there is any leakage or strange sounds, vibrations indicating there is something wrong with your engine.

* If the weather is fine, turn off your air conditioner and open your window. An air conditioner increases fuel consumption by eight percent.

* Stop the engine if you are stationary for a long time.

* Drive at the ideal speed of around 50-80 km per hour. A higher speed will waste more fuel as it will increase air resistance and engine pressure. For instance, driving at 110 km per hour uses up 25 percent more fuel than driving at 90 km per hour.

* On toll-roads, drive at the ideal speed of 80 km per hour.

* Avoid sudden acceleration as it will raise fuel consumption by 50 percent of the normal speed.

* Avoid speeding unless really necessary because it means you have to brake very hard when making a sudden stop. Such things will cause brake exhaustion and waste fuel.

* Use gears according to engine types. When changing gears, step on the clutch pedal firmly and then release it slowly. Engaging in a low gear at high speed will waste fuel.

* If possible, stop and rest every 10 km while driving long distances to save on fuel. (Danis Purwono)