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A simple driving trick doubles fuel efficiency?
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An Indian engineer says he's cracked the secret to more than doubling your car's fuel efficiency (and saving you trunkfuls of money). For high miles per gallon (MPG), forget speed--it's all about the revs.
When it comes to satisfying your desire for maximum fuel economy, it appears the slow and steady approach works best. Looks like the Pointer Sisters had it right all along--to not come and go in a heated rush is the key.
Indian entrepreneur Narayanan R Menon worked his magic maintaining a constant 1,500 rpm instead of focusing on vehicle speed. The results were record setting
His achievement has won him an entry into the Limca Book of World Records.
The citation of National Record 2011, credits him with having achieved fuel economy of 46.33 km per litre, the highest fuel efficiency for a diesel car as on May 25, 2010. He drove 73.2 km on the Coimbatore-Avanashi Road bypass on NH 47 using just 1.58 litres of diesel.
The Indian Book of Records has listed his achievement under "120 Best Talents of 2012". He also finds a place in Assist World Records, Asia Book of Records, and World's Amazing Records.
"You have a magic foot," said the automaker when Narayanan R Menon told them about his car's fuel economy. It was 46.33 km per litre of diesel. The car, in this case, is a Tata Indigo Manza Quadrajet. Not available in North America, he claims the secret is simple.
"There is no magic. It has to do with driving methodology, maintaining a steady rpm and disciplined driving as per road conditions is the key," smiles the entrepreneur. "People should always be aware of their engine RPM levels. We talk about speed at different gears such as 20 km for the first gear, 30 km for the second and so on. No one talks about maintaining acceleration at 1,500 rpm.
An engineer by trade, his technical background was a key factor in achieving the results. While driving, instead of keeping your eye just on the speedometer or system information gauges, he focused on the tachometer to monitor engine rpm.
"Initially, I was able to achieve 27 km per litre (manufacturers specs suggested a best of 21.1 km). This increased to 39 km per litre and eventually the magic figure of 46.33 km per litre. I tested the engine efficiency of different cars such as Toyota Innova, Chevrolet Spark (coming to Canada) and a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz as well, and discovered it was possible to achieve 1.5 times more mileage than the average at 1,500 rpm, irrespective of speed and fuel," he claims.
He says that on city roads, automobiles consume more fuel due primarily to idling in traffic, frequent gear changes for manual vehicles, lack of traffic discipline and poor road are all contributing factors. Small lifestyle changes help one to achieve this feat. If I can achieve it, so can you," smiles Narayanan.
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