Stretch that liter
With petrol prices seeing an all time high, there is very little doubt in terming it "black gold". I'm coming across a lot of threads these days with the agenda being this unquestionable increase.
To the disappointment of many enthusiasts, there does not seem to be any respite from the oil honchos. However, we'll try to see the upshot of the hike too.
Not so long ago, diesel cars were the choice for the economy conscious and petrols were reserved for the self-driven. But, with advancement in diesel engines, that argument no longer holds. Apart from being light on your wallet, diesels are more driveable in everyday traffic; refinement and performance are getting close by the day. As an added bonus, price of diesel is tightly regulated by the government, making it almost half the price if my beloved fuel. What's more, the formulae which suggested that only a significant higher usage justified a diesel are a joke.
Still, is it time to sell that prized possession of yours? Something you bought because your heart told you so and put a smile on your face everytime you twisted the throttle? At the time of purchase, I guess we've all thought that we could afford that extra few bucks for all the fun. For all those who have these gas guzzlers in your garage, I hope these tips help.
1. Know your and your vehicle's limits. Not every car/bike returns the economy claimed in that ad you saw. Also, have your own style of maximizing the efficiency. What worked for one might not work for you due to numerous conditions like traffic, environment etc
2. Just the way you see the importance to keep yourself fit, its vital to care similarly for your car/bike. Visit the service station regularly and top up all the essentials as and when required.
3. Small things make a big difference. So, get your tyre pressure checked often to ensure you squeeze every drop of that fuel.
4. Travel light. Get rid of the junk that's been lying around in the boot. On a lighter note, losing weight might also help! ;)
5. Techniques like engine braking, maintaining a steady speed; go a long way in increasing your reducing your visits to the fuel station.
All said and done, do feel free to indulge yourself occasionally!
Now, as promised, the upshots of the hike. Rising prices mean more are taking to public transport thereby reducing congestion.
A decrease in overall number of users automatically reduces the number of lunatics who don't respect the traffic rules. As for who are daring the soaring prices and putting up a brave face, I can easily notice a more sedate and relaxed driving style; which is definitely welcome.
My major point however is that, as many shy away from the regular automobile, manufacturers will be forced to come up with ideas to make alternate fuels more affordable. Here in I think lies the key to our future. The more I'm avoiding public transport, the more pertinent I think are these points.
As I said earlier, we've come across these discussions lately and seems like it'll keep going on for quite sometime. I however would like to give my two cents. Life's always a struggle and you've got to live with the choices you make. A cheaper price maybe lucrative today but you may end up cursing when you realize that it's not what you wanted. The small point of reluctance will eventually frustrate you more everytime your ride goes wrong.
Apologies for the philosophical conclusion on what's supposed to be a very realistic post. It's just me!
To the disappointment of many enthusiasts, there does not seem to be any respite from the oil honchos. However, we'll try to see the upshot of the hike too.
Not so long ago, diesel cars were the choice for the economy conscious and petrols were reserved for the self-driven. But, with advancement in diesel engines, that argument no longer holds. Apart from being light on your wallet, diesels are more driveable in everyday traffic; refinement and performance are getting close by the day. As an added bonus, price of diesel is tightly regulated by the government, making it almost half the price if my beloved fuel. What's more, the formulae which suggested that only a significant higher usage justified a diesel are a joke.
Still, is it time to sell that prized possession of yours? Something you bought because your heart told you so and put a smile on your face everytime you twisted the throttle? At the time of purchase, I guess we've all thought that we could afford that extra few bucks for all the fun. For all those who have these gas guzzlers in your garage, I hope these tips help.
1. Know your and your vehicle's limits. Not every car/bike returns the economy claimed in that ad you saw. Also, have your own style of maximizing the efficiency. What worked for one might not work for you due to numerous conditions like traffic, environment etc
2. Just the way you see the importance to keep yourself fit, its vital to care similarly for your car/bike. Visit the service station regularly and top up all the essentials as and when required.
3. Small things make a big difference. So, get your tyre pressure checked often to ensure you squeeze every drop of that fuel.
4. Travel light. Get rid of the junk that's been lying around in the boot. On a lighter note, losing weight might also help! ;)
5. Techniques like engine braking, maintaining a steady speed; go a long way in increasing your reducing your visits to the fuel station.
All said and done, do feel free to indulge yourself occasionally!
Now, as promised, the upshots of the hike. Rising prices mean more are taking to public transport thereby reducing congestion.
A decrease in overall number of users automatically reduces the number of lunatics who don't respect the traffic rules. As for who are daring the soaring prices and putting up a brave face, I can easily notice a more sedate and relaxed driving style; which is definitely welcome.
My major point however is that, as many shy away from the regular automobile, manufacturers will be forced to come up with ideas to make alternate fuels more affordable. Here in I think lies the key to our future. The more I'm avoiding public transport, the more pertinent I think are these points.
As I said earlier, we've come across these discussions lately and seems like it'll keep going on for quite sometime. I however would like to give my two cents. Life's always a struggle and you've got to live with the choices you make. A cheaper price maybe lucrative today but you may end up cursing when you realize that it's not what you wanted. The small point of reluctance will eventually frustrate you more everytime your ride goes wrong.
Apologies for the philosophical conclusion on what's supposed to be a very realistic post. It's just me!
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