When it comes to Asia’s most popular fuel efficiency myths, it turns out Malaysians (64%) are the biggest believers in filling up at night to save fuel, followed by Filipinos (57%) and Indians (54%). On average, almost half (49%) of drivers in Asia believe it is best to fill up at night when it is cooler. This was revealed by the Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Study recently at the Shell Eco-marathon Asia in Manila, Philippines.
Commenting on the said myth, Mike Evans, Shell Fuels Scientist, explained: “Although liquids expand and contract as they heat up and cool down, fuel at forecourts is stored underground in bulk volumes of 10,000 litres or more. Therefore, the impact of fluctuations in the outside temperature during the day has minimal impact on the volume of the fuel. Therefore, filling up at night definitely won’t help you save fuel.”
The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Study analysed the behaviour of 7,000 drivers aged 18 to 40 from seven countries across Asia (India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) on their fuel efficiency beliefs and behaviours.
The research also shows that on average, 7 out of 10 drivers warm up their engines, nearly half (47%) turn on their air conditioning to avoid wind resistance and 34% believe burping their cars will improve fuel efficiency.
In Malaysia, what fuel saving myths are most believed?
Some Malaysians have been going to extraordinary lengths to save fuel and cut driving costs. For example, 68% of drivers believe warming up their engine before setting off will make them more fuel efficient, while 64% think filling up at night when it is cooler does the same trick.
Similarly, many drivers think they conserve fuel when they keep the engine running to avoid restarts (53%), frequently change gears up and down (53%), and drive slowly all the time (42%). Shockingly, over a third (35%) even believe ‘burping’ their cars to release air pockets in the tank will help them save fuel.
Commenting on the local findings, Azman Ismail, Managing Director of Shell Malaysia Trading Sdn Bhd, said: “The Shell FuelSave Fact or Fiction Study, as part of our programme on smarter mobility, shows just how important saving fuel is to motorists, along with the incredible ways they try to be more fuel efficient. Some of the beliefs revealed through the study were actually wasting fuel rather than helping to conserve it, which is where Shell can help Malaysians.”
To help sort fact from fiction, Shell is out to turn the nation’s myth-followers into fuel efficiency pros by demonstrating more effective ways to drive smartly. They are also encouraged to use Shell FuelSave 95 and Diesel, fuels that are designed to last longer¹ – the ideal choice for those who are conscious about fuel economy. These fuels are accompanied by Shell V-Power 97 and Shell V-Power Racing, designed for improved performance.
To find out more about the science behind Shell FuelSave and discover simple tips to help manage motoring costs, please visit www.shell.com.my/targetonemillion.
