To all those envying the priuses and other hybrids on the road – heave a sigh of relief after reading this article, and you will breath-in cleaner air too, if you follow these tips.

According to an article in TOI,

“At a time when oil is the most precious commodity in our planet, fuel worth Rs 1,000 crore is wasted every year in Delhi by vehicles idling at its 600 traffic signals. If all drivers were to switch off their engines wherever the stoppage time exceeds 14 seconds – which would hold for, perhaps, all signals – the country would be richer by that amount, not to speak of cleaner air in the city.”

The article cites a study by the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), an Indian govt. affiliated research body, that points to the fact that each car owner can save about Rs 3,100/- by turning of the engine at a traffic light if they need to stop for more than 14 seconds. While, I’m sure that readers will be skeptical of the benefits versus not being able to restart the vehicles in time – something common with the much older vehicles. We looked around to see other resources out of the des that could shed some light.

CNN has a report here, dated May 2007, that somewhat concurs with the TOI report.

“Restart your engines

It’s probably a myth that goes back to the days when cars were equipped with carburetors, but many drivers believe that starting up and turning off your car repeatedly is a fast way to drain your gas tank.

But because of modern fuel-injection technology, drivers actually save gas by turning off their engine than letting their car needlessly idle, says Consumer Reports’ Paul.

Granted it’s probably not sensible shutting down the engine every time you get stuck in traffic, but if it looks like you might be at the drive-thru for more than 30 seconds to a minute, it’s worth turning off your car, says Paul.”

There are other important tips too. Also Edmunds.com has a few proven methods of saving gas, because they actually tested the myths for evidence, and they come up with some strong recommendations.

“Test #1 Aggressive Driving vs. Moderate Driving

Result: Major savings potential

The Cold Hard Facts: Up to 37 percent savings, average savings of 31 percent

Recommendation: Stop driving like a maniac.”

And finally To A/C or not to A/C. [CNN]

There’s no question air-conditioning makes extra work for the engine, increasing fuel use. But car air conditioners are much more efficient today than they used to be. In around-town driving, using the A/C will drop fuel economy by about a mile a gallon.

Meanwhile, driving at higher speeds with the windows down greatly increases aerodynamic drag. As speed increases, drag becomes more of an issue, making A/C use the more efficient choice at high speeds.

What do readers think? Are the suggestions practical, effective and relatively well known? Or, are you a step ahead and do you get 50 mpg or more through the controversial and possibly risky technique known as hypermiling?

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