[Fuel-Efficient Cars Guide] Hong Kong 10 Driving Tips to Save Fuel + 5 Most Fuel-Efficient Cars

Petrol prices in Hong Kong have long been among the highest in the world, recently breaking the HK$30 per litre mark. Many petrol car owners are understandably feeling the pain at the pump. To help ease the burden, Kwiksure shares 10 practical driving tips to improve fuel efficiency and highlights 5 of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars currently available in Hong Kong.

1. Do not floor it; maintain a constant speed.

According to research data from multiple international institutions (including...)Japan JAF、U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) andHong Kong Environmental Protection DepartmentExcessive acceleration (floor gas) causes the engine to burn a large amount of gasoline instantly, increasing fuel consumption by up to 33%, which is definitely one of the major reasons for high fuel consumption. Adopting a constant speed (stable speed) and avoiding unnecessary acceleration, deceleration and braking (such as frequently following too closely) allows the engine to operate at its highest efficiency.For urban areas of Hong Kong, a speed of 40-50 km/h is the most fuel-efficient. Once the speed exceeds 60 km/h, fuel efficiency decreases by 7% every 5 kilometers.If you speed on the highway, or suddenly accelerate or brake, fuel efficiency can drop by 10% to 40%.

However, isn’t the slower the better? In fact, the same waste of fuel, because when the car low gear low speed driving, the friction from the ground as well as the resistance of the air are smaller, the engine load rate is relatively low, the gasoline consumed is not used to move forward, but spent on the loss or heat dissipation inside the car.

2. Avoid sloping air waves.

The statement that "shifting into neutral can save fuel" is true to some extent, as the driver doesn't supply fuel when in neutral, resulting in near-zero fuel consumption. However, since the driver relies entirely on the foot brake to control speed, without the traction of the engine, the brake pads will overheat over time, leading to surface oxidation, reduced friction, and ultimately, significantly reduced braking performance. Therefore,When descending a slope, you should switch to a lower gear to utilize the engine's resistance and reduce reliance on the foot brake.。

3. Reduce the load on the carriages.

Reducing the number of unnecessary items in train carriages can save fuel; this is a long-standing principle. Studies have shown that...For every 100 pounds a car loses, it can save 1% to 2% on fuel.Therefore, it is recommended that car owners clean up the clutter in their car whenever they have time.

In an effort to reduce weight and achieve better fuel economy, many new cars in recent years no longer come equipped with a spare tire, instead offering emergency supplies such as tire sealant. However, for older vehicles, it's worth considering whether a spare tire is necessary. There are now many lightweight tire repair and inflation tools available on the market, making it easy to call a tow truck even if you don't know how to use tire sealant, should you unfortunately experience a flat tire.

4. Filling the tank halfway with fuel offers limited help.

When it comes to reducing weight, many people naturally think of reducing fuel consumption, because less weight means less fuel. However, in reality, a full tank of gas in a typical private car only adds about 40 kilograms to the weight of the fuel. Even filling the tank halfway only saves about 20 kilograms. The fuel-saving effect of such a small difference is negligible. Furthermore, drivers may end up having to make more trips to the gas station, which could be counterproductive.

5. Maintain proper tire pressure.

As for tires, some car owners modify their car wheels (bells) to attract attention, such as changing 16-inch to 18-inch. However, the problem is that 18-inch or larger bells are only suitable for cars with high horsepower and high torque. Using them on ordinary family cars will make starting and acceleration more sluggish, indirectly increasing fuel consumption, or even increasing the burden on the transmission, thus causing more wear and tear.

In addition, evenIf you're using a tire that meets the original manufacturer's specifications, remember to inflate the tires regularly.Otherwise, insufficient tire pressure will increase the tire contact area and thus increase resistance, which will also increase fuel consumption.

6. Avoid modifying vehicles.

Modifying a vehicle may not directly increase fuel consumption, but it will change driving habits!For example, some models that claim to be fuel-efficient have had their exhaust systems replaced, aerodynamic kits installed, or even the on-board computer modified because owners are pursuing higher horsepower or better handling. As a result, the improved vehicle performance leads owners to unconsciously drive faster or accelerate rapidly and floor the accelerator, which in turn increases fuel consumption.

In addition, some modifications that seem unrelated to fuel consumption, such as adding interior lights, will increase fuel consumption as the electric current in the car is actually converted from gasoline, and may even shorten battery life.

7. Turn off the key when parking.

The government has implemented a policy of turning off the engine when parking for many years. Besides being environmentally friendly, turning off the engine also prevents it from idling. Because...When a car engine is idling, it burns approximately 0.2 to 0.5 liters of gasoline per minute.In other words, the fuel consumption every 5 minutes is equivalent to driving about one kilometer. Small amounts add up, and in the long run, it can save a lot of gasoline.

8. Regular maintenance and repair

Whether you check it yourself or take it to a car repair shop for the annual inspection, regular maintenance and repairs are very important, especially as the age of the car and the total mileage increase, the probability of problems will also increase.Maintenance and repair help keep all car components, including the engine, in optimal working condition and maintain fuel efficiency.This reduces the possibility of accidents.

9. Regularly remove carbon deposits.

Carbon deposits are impurities in gasoline that slowly accumulate in an engine over the years. This is especially true if the car is frequently driven in the city at a slow speed, keeping the engine speed low for extended periods. This makes it easier for carbon deposits to form, causing the engine to run poorly and requiring more gasoline to keep running.

To reduce carbon buildup, drivers should avoid prolonged slow driving and occasionally accelerate for short periods when it is safe to do so, increasing engine RPM.In addition, some car care service companies on the market also offer hydrogen decarbonization services.

10. Make good use of apps to avoid peak traffic hours.

Traffic jams and busy road conditions mean vehicles are often idling or constantly stopping and starting, wasting time and causing fuel consumption to skyrocket. Therefore, before driving, get into the habit of using a mobile app to check road conditions and plan a suitable driving route, for example...Google MapReal-time traffic information functionHKeMobilityHong Kong offers convenient travel options. Additionally, you can adjust your departure time to avoid peak traffic hours, especially commuting times, making driving smoother.

5 fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles

If you want to reduce driving costs but don't want to switch to an electric car, a hybrid vehicle that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor is the best choice. Here are 5 hybrid models available in Hong Kong.

Honda JAZZ RS e:HEV | Fuel Consumption: 34.1 km/L

Among the many hybrid vehicles, Honda's e:HEV boasts the most outstanding fuel economy.JAZZ RS e:HEV It uses a 1.5-liter engine paired with a hybrid system, which allows for pure electric driving and energy recovery, resulting in an astonishing fuel consumption of 34.1 km/L. The engine provides 106 ps of horsepower and 127 Nm of torque, while the motor delivers 122 ps of horsepower and 253 Nm of torque, offering ample power while maintaining fuel efficiency.

As the RS version, in addition to RS-exclusive exterior components such as the body kit, the cabin is also equipped with an RS-specific three-point steering wheel and energy recovery paddle shifters, while the center console features a 9-inch touchscreen. In terms of space, the rear seats can be folded flat or lifted, greatly increasing usability.