Singapore drivers are often misled by fuel saving myths

A study released by Shell revealed that while majority of drivers in Singapore believe that they make fuel efficient choices, nine out of ten drivers practise habits that, on the contrary, harm fuel consumption.

The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report, which consolidated responses from 1,000 drivers in Singapore aged between 18 and 40, showed that while fuel efficiency is important to a 85 percent of drivers 85 percent, two-thirds admitted they do not know how to be fuel efficient.

Most of them practice habits, which they though could help them save fuel, but in fact are myths and are detrimental to fuel consumption. The top three myths include driving slowly all the time (92 percent of drivers), keeping the engine running to avoid frequent restarts (91 percent), and warming up the engine before beginning to drive (90 percent).

Findings from the report also shed light on the fact that drivers in Singapore are unable to discern between driving habits that actually help improve their fuel efficiency, and behaviours that could increase their fuel consumption. Other habits commonly practised in Singapore that have little or no impact on fuel efficiency include filling up at night when it's cooler, filling only half a tank of fuel to avoid excess weight or evaporation, adding more fuel even after the gauge is full and 'burping' or bouncing their car to release air pockets in the tank.

While the study showed that majority of local drivers also practise good fuel saving habits such as driving smoothly (98 percent), ensuring their vehicles are regularly serviced (97 percent), and checking to see that their tyres are properly inflated (96 percent), there is an evident need for greater education to help drivers in Singapore differentiate between fuel efficient and inefficient practices.

In order to bring the message to local drivers, Shell Singapore will be launching two webisodes at end-March to debunk some of the myths practiced by drivers through a series of demonstrations. Fronted by Shell Fuels Scientist Mae Ascan, the webisodes also feature students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) - one of three teams that represented Singapore recently at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia 2015, the world's biggest fuel efficiency competition.

Besides educating customers on how they can save more by achieving higher fuel efficiency, Shell Singapore will also be partnering Giant to bring bigger savings to their customers.  From now to 30^th April, customers can spend $50 on Shell fuels or at Giant Hypermarkets to get a coupon booklet of savings worth up to $30 for their driving and household needs.