Keema Knowledge

Improve Your Fuel Consumption and Reduce Your Emissions!

Conserving fuel and reducing emissions isn't as hard as you think. There are many small things you can do to ensure your vehicle runs at its optimum level, saving you money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, you can improve fuel-efficiency by as much as 30% just by maintaining your vehicle and driving responsibly.

1. Slow down!

Driving at high speeds significantly increases fuel consumption. Obey the speed limit – not only is it safer, but fuel efficiency drops significantly over speeds of approximately 95km/h. Use cruise control to maintain a constant speed and enhance fuel-efficiency on the highway.

2. Combine trips.

Vehicles use more fuel at the start of trips, and on short trips. Try to do a number of things in one trip, saving time and fuel. Replace short vehicle trips with walking or cycling – this saves greenhouse gas emissions per km and gives you exercise too.

3. Lose weight.

Don’t carry unnecessary weight in your vehicle. Remove roof racks and heavy items like sports equipment when you’re not using them. The more weight a vehicle carries, the more fuel it uses.

4. Regular servicing.

Regular servicing helps keep the engine at its best efficiency. Check your manufacturer’s handbook to see how often you should service your car.

For more benefits of servicing your car, click here.

5. Drive smoothly.

Driving at a constant speed is more efficient than stop/start driving. Accelerate smoothly - more revs means more petrol use. Drive a good distance from the vehicle in front, to avoid unnecessary acceleration and frequent repetitive braking (both waste more fuel). If you have cruise control, use it on long journey to maintain a smooth speed.

6. Use air-conditioning sparingly.

Running air-conditioning continuously increases fuel consumption. However, at speeds of over 80km/h, air-conditioning is better for fuel consumption than an open window (see aerodynamic drag). If your car is very hot when you start a trip, keep the windows down for a few minutes to cool the car down before starting the air-conditioning.

7. Turn your car off!

When a car is idling it uses more fuel than that required to turn it on. If you are going to be stopped for more a minute, turn off the engine.

8. Use the correct grade of motor oil.

If you use the wrong grade of motor oil, it can increase the friction in your engine, meaning it gets hotter and uses more fuel.

9. Use the right fuel.

Make sure you use the octane fuel your vehicle was designed for, and replace your fuel filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

10. Diesel engines.

If you are going to buy a diesel, ensure it is a ‘common rail’ type, as these are approximately 10% more efficient than older diesels.

11. Check your fuel consumption!

This will help you get the most from your vehicle. Changes in overall fuel consumption may indicate a fault.

12. Check your air filter.

Check the filter regularly to ensure that it is clean. A dirty intake filter reduces the amount of air entering the cylinders of the engine, resulting in incomplete combustion.

13. Drive in the right gear.

Driving in a gear that is lower than you need, or when the engine labours in top gear on hills both waste fuel. If you drive a manual, change up gears as soon as the car is comfortable with the higher gear. If you drive an automatic, easy back slightly on the accelerator once the car gathers momentum, to allow the transmission to shift up more quickly and smoothly. Avoid the use of power options that drop the car into a lower gear, therefore using more fuel.

14. Minimise aerodynamic drag.

Remove roof racks and bike racks when not in use, and shut the windows – as these increase air resistance and fuel consumption, particularly at high speeds. When using roof racks, load them carefully to minimise wind resistance.

15. Carpool.

Make the most of carpool lanes and cut down on fuel bills by sharing rides, when possible.

Tips for Driving Safely

It's important to always practice safe driving, particularly during the festive season and school holidays, when the number of people on the roads and rate of accidents and deaths nearly always increases. Below are some simple tips to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe.

1. Don’t speed

Speed is a major factor in road accidents. Drive within the speed limit at all times. Make sure you drive at a speed that is safe for the conditions – if it is raining heavily, the road is badly made, make sure you drive safely. The faster you drive, the less time have you to react.

2. Don’t drink and drive

Driving and alcohol don’t mix. If you think you are going to have a few drinks, find a designated driver or alternative transport method. The legal limit for probationer drivers is 0.00 blood alcohol concentration, and 0.05 for those with an open licence.

3. Say no to mobiles

Don’t talk or SMS while you are driving – this takes your concentration away from the road, and, even for a split second, can make a big difference to the outcome of … It is an offence. Pull over to the side of the road when it is safe, before answering or making a call or reading an SMS.

4. Don’t drive tired

Try not to drive when you are tired or very stressed. Driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while drunk or on drugs. To avoid fatigue, take a 10 minute break every two hours, making sure you get out and stretch your legs.

5. Wear a seatbelt!

In the case of an accident, a seatbelt provides substantial protection against injury and or fatalities. Not wearing a seatbelt endangers yourself and other passengers in the car, and carries substantial fines. Make sure you and all your passengers have seatbelts.

6. Obey the road rules

Road rules are there to protect you and everyone else on the road. Make sure you obey the road rules at all times, and do safe driving practices. There are courses you can do if you want to brush up on your defensive driving skills.

7. Stay alert, pay attention

Driving requires your full attention. Be alert and pay attention to traffic at all times. Try not to be distracted by eating, drinking or other passengers.

8. Indicate early

Indicate with plenty of time before you intend to turn. Be aware of other road users, and always signal your intentions.

9. Anticipate

Anticipate the traffic flow – be alert to what is going on ahead. Make sure you are in the correct lane in plenty of time. Drive smoothly, avoiding sharp braking and accelerating, which can leave little time for cars around you to react.

10. Car maintenance

Have your vehicle checked over by a qualified mechanic on a regular basis. A vehicle that is in sound mechanical order is a safe vehicle. Ensure all child safety restraints are appropriate, and make sure that airbags, seatbelts, head restraints, and Anti-Lock Braking Systems are working.

11. Be courteous

Be courteous and considerate with other road users. Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists and erratic drivers. Make sure you know the rules of the road, and your driving capabilities.

12. Keep left

Keep left, unless you are overtaking.

Guide to Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car can be an uncertain business, particularly if you’re buying for the first time. However, whether you’re buying a privately owned car or one from a licensed dealer, there are things you can do to ensure that you end up with a good deal for your money, and not a lemon!

1. General hints

As a general rule, try to buy the newest car with the lowest kilometres that you can afford.

If you know the type of car you’re thinking of buying, do some research so you’re award of the basic facts of what you should be getting with the car.

2. Private buyers: paperwork

Make sure that the person selling you the car is the owner, as they are the best person to tell you about the cars history and features
Check the sellers drivers licence against the registration papers to make sure that their name matches the name on the papers. Compare the vehicle identification number (VIN), date of manufacture, engine number, and number plates with the registration papers (the VIN can be found between the engine area and inside of the car) to guard against buying a stolen car. If any information doesnt match, ask for an explanation
Check with your state transport authority to see if the car has been reported stolen, written off, if there is money still owing on it, or if the registration has been cancelled due to unpaid fines any debts that are owing on the car could be transferred to you
There are some questions you should ask private sellers to establish the type of history the car has had. Knowing a cars history is important as it can give you an idea of the problems it might experience in the future. Questions include

How long has the seller owned the car?
How many owners has the car had?
Does the seller own the car?
Why is the car being sold?
How many kilometres has it done?
Is there a full service history and log book?
Has it ever been in a crash? If so, how serious was it and what repairs were done?
Has it been kept in a garage or under cover?

3. Licensed dealer: paperwork

When buying a car from a licensed dealer, they are obliged to guarantee that no money is owing on the car, it has not been deregistered due to parking fines, or previously declared a wreck. If a car does turn out to be stolen, the purchase price must be refunded by the dealer, or the Motor Dealer Compensation Fund. If a car has travelled less than 160,000km and is less than 10 years old, car dealers in Qld have to provide a 3-month, 5000 km statutory warranty. If it has travelled more than 160,000km and is more than 10 years old, it should come with a 1-month, 1000 km warranty.

4. Safety Certificate

Both private sellers and licensed dealers have to provide you with a safety certificate (formerly a roadworthy certificate). Look for a certificate that is no more than 30 days old. If you buy your used car from a dealer, they are obliged to stand by that roadworthy certificate for 30 days.

5. The Inspection

There are two ways to inspect a car - yourself, or employing someone to do it for you. A vehicle inspection can really help - various motoring clubs offer mobile inspections, which can save you thousands in repairs. If you decide to go to inspect the car, it's a good idea to take someone along who knows what to look for. Make sure you go during the day, on a sunny day, so you don't miss anything.

Look for the following:

Outside

Check the paintwork for bubbles and differences in colour - this can be a sign of an accident or rust. Use a fridge magnet to check suspicious areas for body filler - the magnet won't stick to the filler.
Check panels and doors to see if they fit properly, and check the boot, bonnet lids, and windows to see if they open and close properly (if not, these can indicate that the car has been in an accident)
Check the tyres, including the spare, for sufficient tread (at least 3-4mm) and uneven wear (which can show a problem with steering or suspension)
Check under the car for oil leaks
Check the petrol cap to make sure it shuts properly

Under the bonnet

Take out the dipstick and look at the oil level and quality - grey or milky oil may indicate serious engine problems
Take off the radiator cap and check the coolant - it should be brightly coloured and clean - oil in the coolant may indicate serious engine problems

Inside

Inspect the upholstery, trim and carpets for wear, tears and stains
Make sure the seatbelts work and are in good condition
Check whether the seats are comfortable enough
Make sure all lights, equipment, and accessories work properly, including: air conditioning, windscreen wipers, windows, side mirrors, central and normal locking, car stereo, petrol gauge, indicators (internal signal and external lights), brake lights
Look for signs of rust under the carpet and mats (if possible) - don't forget the boot!
Check that the jack, spare tyre and toolkit are in place and in good condition

6. The Test Drive

Start the engine

Open the bonnet, start the engine, and let it idle
Watch for exhaust fumes when you start the engine and during idling (blue smoke can be caused by oil being burnt, which could indicate a serious problem)
Excessive noise from the exhaust can indicate rust and the need for a new muffler
Listen for any irregular running noises, knocking, or rattling in the engine
Look for any signs of leaks
Open the oil filler cap - fumes may indicate a problem

On the road

Take the car for a test drive, on a quiet road where you can concentrate on the car (make sure it's adequately insured before you go, and take your time!)
Pay attention to the engine while you accelerate, decelerating, and cruise, on flat and uphills, to make sure it runs smoothly
All gears should change smoothly and up and down
Watch the dashboard for warning lights and keep an eye on the temperature gauge
Listen for rattling or other noises (driving over a speed bump is a good way to check!)
Watch the exhaust for smoke
Check the steering wheel - it shouldn't have more than 5cm of play
On a straight road, ease your grip on the steering wheel to see if it pulls to one side - this can indicate worn suspension or misaligned steering
On a straight road, and when there's no traffic, test the brakes out - the car shouldn't pull to one side, listen for noises (such as squealing, which can indicate the brake pads need replacing), and the brakes should respond swiftly but not jerkily to your foot. The brake pedal should feel firm

7. Ready to buy?

There's not much left to do once you've decided to buy your used car. Before you do, don't forget the following:

There's a one day cooling off period once you've signed the purchase agreement. If you want to cancel the contract, you have to do so in writing, and pay the dealer $100.
Make sure you organise insurance before you drive away, and notify the appropriate authorities as soon as you can that you are the new owner of the vehicle
Consider the additional cost of stamp duty or transfer fees when buying, to reflect the real overall price

Once you've done these few tasks, you're ready to take the keys and drive off!

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