Study shows most Singapore drivers are not fuel efficient

A study released by Shell revealed that while 76% of drivers in Singapore believe they make fuel-efficient choices, nine in 10 actually practice habits that can be detrimental to fuel consumption. The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Report, which consolidated responses from 1,000 drivers in Singapore aged 18-40, showed that while fuel efficiency is important to a large majority of drivers (85%), two-thirds (66%) admitted they do not know how to be fuel efficient. The study showed that the top three fuel-saving myths practiced by most drivers include driving slowly all the time (92%), keeping the engine running to avoid frequent restarts (91%), and warming up the engine before beginning to drive (90%).

OneShift Editorial Team

20 Mar 2015

Findings from the report 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 (86%)
Filling only half a tank of fuel to avoid excess weight or evaporation (77%)
Adding fuel even after the gauge is full (65%)
‘Burping’ or bouncing their car to release air pockets in the tank (64%)

While many local drivers also practice good fuel-saving habits like driving smoothly (98%), ensuring their vehicles are regularly serviced (97%), and checking to see that their tyres are properly inflated (96%), there is an evident need for greater education to help drivers in Singapore differentiate between fuel-efficient and inefficient practices.

Commenting on the findings, Samuel De Guzman, General Manager, Retail Sales and Operations for Shell Singapore, said, “As drivers ourselves, we understand the importance of getting the most out of every tank of fuel. That’s why every tank of Shell FuelSave fuel is designed to last longer to help consumers go further. To date, Shell has educated more than 800,000 drivers on how to be more fuel-efficient2. We are committed to empowering our customers with the knowledge they need to optimize their fuel consumption.”

To this end, Shell Singapore will be launching two webisodes in 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 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.

Credits: Oneshift News Team