Keeping your car properly tuned, your tire pressures checked, and turning down the air conditioning are some of the ways to make your driving more efficient and cut your fuel consumption, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI).

“You will not only save money, you will also cut your carbon footprint by driving your car more efficiently,” said Elizabeth H. Lee, CAMPI president and chief operating officer of Universal Motors Corporation.

In line with the theme of its much-awaited 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) “Drive the Green Road,” and its environmental protection awareness campaign called “My Ride+Earth” that support its ongoing advocacy on the issue of climate change, CAMPI produced seven viral video clips that contain helpful tips on what people can do to reduce their fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and help stop pollution.

Some of the personalities who contributed their time and talent to the “My Ride+Earth” viral video campaign of CAMPI include: comedian/Indie filmmaker/social entrepreneur and DJ Ramon Bautista, who talked about the importance of having a car tune-up; Ifugao congressman and environmental activist Teodoro Baguilat, Jr.; and personal finance blogger and business journalist Salve Duplito.

The video clips can be viewed on YouTube (simply search ‘CAMPI’ and ‘green motoring tips’) and on the official site of the 3rd PIMS, www.campiauto.org/motorshow. More eco-friendly motoring tips will also be contained in the “Green Motoring Guide” that CAMPI will give out free to all those who will flock to the motor show at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City on Aug. 19-22.

“In our own small way, we can spread awareness, help raise our understanding on what we as individuals can do to help mitigate climate change through healthier daily habits that not only help save the environment, but help save money as well,” added Ms. Lee.

These eco-driving tips are the motoring equivalent of using low-energy light bulbs, turning off your PC’s monitor, and avoiding the use of a water heater – simple, common-sense tips that will bring down your fuel bills and really make a difference on the planet.

Maintenance
• Regular Servicing: Get the car serviced regularly (according to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule) to maintain engine efficiency. A regular tune-up can improve your gas mileage by as much as 4%. That’s about P1.50 per liter of savings on your fuel bill.

• Engine oil: Make sure you use the correct specification of engine oil (refer to your vehicle owner’s manual).

• Tire pressures: Check your tire pressure regularly and before long journeys. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance and thus use more fuel. Getting tire pressures right is important for safety, too. Your car’s mileage can improve up to 3% if your tires have the proper pressures.

Before you go
• Lose weight: Unless you are driving a van or an SUV/AUV that’s designed for heavy load, extra weight easily translates to extra fuel. So better unload unnecessary stuff you don't need on the journey and take them out and leave them at home. For every 100 pounds of weight you add on to your car’s load, you automatically add 2% to your fuel bill.

• Plan ahead: When going out on errands, plan all your stops ahead of time to avoid unnecessary driving. Check out road maps when taking unfamiliar journeys to reduce the chance of getting lost. Check the traffic news before you go and avoid driving during the rush hours. Constant driving, starting and stopping will eat into your fuel bills.

On the road
• Leave promptly: Don't start the engine until you're ready to go. This avoids fuel wastage due to unnecessary idling and ensures that the engine warms up as quickly as possible.

• Keep your cool: Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and read the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking. Speeding, accelerating and braking hard could raise your fuel bill by as much as 33% or P15 per liter.

• Avoid revving: Revving up the engine wastes fuel. Let the engine naturally warm up. No need to rev up before turning off the engine.

• Decelerate smoothly: When you have to slow down or to stop, decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in time, leaving the car in gear. Change gears as soon as possible.

• Cut down on the air-con: Don't leave the aircon on all the time. When you get in the car, roll your windows down to let the trapped heat inside escape to the windows. This will lessen the workload of your air-conditioning.

• Stick to the limits: Drive at or within the speed limit. The faster you go, the greater the fuel consumption and the greater the pollution, too.

For more green motoring tips and information on the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show, visit www.campiauto.org/motorshow or follow the 3rd PIMS on Twitter at http://twitter.com/pims3 and ‘CAMPI Philippine International Motor Show’ on Facebook.