THE recent rise in petrol prices has come as a jolt to everyone. You can do nothing about the price except make sure you tank-up outside Chandigarh.But if you are a local runner, there is something you can do about beating the price hike.

Keep your engine perfectly tuned. The new breed of cars have sensors, chips and computers on board. These make sure that the car is in perfect running condition. This has been made possible by the electronically controlled fuel-injected engines. After almost 100 years of reliable service, the carburettor has finally been surpassed, but it will never be laid to rest.

In a naturally-aspirated engine, as engines with carburettor are referred to, the carburettor setting is crucial. The mixture has to be just right to give maximum fuel efficiency. The fuel line filter has to be clean to allow the fuel to flow freely. The plugs have to be in the optimum functioning mode. It would not be a bad idea to get a complete tuning done.

New oil in the engine, which is sticky and slippery at the same time, allows all moving parts like the pistons, crank, cam, valves to move easier. Less resistance and, consequently, less friction will lessen the fuel consumption, giving more kilometres per litre.

Another crucial factor that decides the optimum mileage is tyre pressure. In this the tyre size is also a critical factor. Stay within the manufacturer’s specified limits. A slightly wider tyre doesn’t hurt, but make sure the aspect ratio doesn’t suffer. This could change the height of the car and that in turn affects the centre of gravity (COG) of the car. And any change in the COG will definitely change the handling characteristics of the car, maybe for the worse. The car won’t be stable on corners, even on a straight strip, the car could misbehave. The wrong size of tyre will also cost you extra fuel.

Even if the tyre size is as per manufacturer’s specifications, the tyre pressure has to be just the recommended one.

Many times I have been asked, "If the manufacturer says 24 psi. can I keep 25 psi?" Why? The manufacturer knows more than you.Heed his advice. Gauges today are very accurate, keep your tyre pressure dead on. It will give you better fuel efficiency.

An under-inflated tyre offers a flatter surface on the road and so offers more rolling resistance and friction. The added rolling resistance will give you less kilometres per litre and the added friction will heat the tyre and reduce its life. Your loss is double.

An over-inflated tyre will bounce the car all over the road; especially at some of the roundabouts we have in Chandigarh. Uneven tyre wear is another fallout, plus it could lead to inaccurate handling, which can be dangerous. Braking will be adversely affected as will be the fuel consumption. You’ve lost on all counts.

Hence, it is imperative to keep the tyre pressure as per the manufacturer’s recommendations to get the best fuel consumption and longer tyre life.

If you have an airconditioner in your car, the engine idles at different RPMs without or with the A/C on. Again to operate at the optimum performance, the F.I.C.D. (fast idle control device) is necessary. It controls the idle speed under separate conditions with or without the A/C. Make sure this is operating properly.

Happy motoring!