A new study reveals the extraordinary lengths to which Indians are willing to go to in order to save fuel and cut their driving costs. The Shell Fuel Economy Fact or Fiction Report analyses the behaviour of 1,000 Indian drivers aged 18 to 40 and the findings reveals that while 83% see being fuel efficient as important, 68% admit they don’t know how. This causes 54% of those who are unsure to feel anxious about fuel efficiency, leading many to believe and practice a collection of peculiar fuel saving myths.
The research shows 95% of drivers turn on the air conditioning instead of winding down their windows to avoid wind resistance. Whilst 92% warm up the engine before they drive, more than two thirds (69%) believe this same myth will save them fuel. More shockingly almost half (49%) also believe ‘burping’ their cars to release air pockets in the tank does the same trick.
Drivers are looking to scientists (81%) and engineers (82%) to help them save fuel and energy in the future, and Shell is calling on the next generation of Indian’s science and engineering talent to lead the way. Students from M.N.M Jain Engineering College, K.J. Somaiya College Of Engineering, Government Engineering College Barton Hill, Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, RV College of Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), VIT University, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University competed in Shell Eco-marathon Asia 2015 and busted some of the prevalent myths through their experiences at the mileage challenge.
The Shell Fuel Economy Fact or Fiction Report also reveals that the confusion on the road is in stark contrast to what goes on inside the nation’s homes. Indeed, whilst 86% of people say they frequently turn off the lights to save energy when leaving the house, only 59% would frequently remove excess weight from the boot of the vehicle to help save fuel.
Click here to learn more about Shell Eco-marathon and discover top tips on how to make your fuel last longer. Do share your views and opinions about the importance of fuel efficiency in today’s times.
Note: All images are for representation purpose only
How does winding down the window increase the FE as it increases resistance to air flow as the car passes through a steady flow of air ?