By traveling on normal roads, at realistic speeds and in a variety of weather and traffic conditions in an unmodified car, Helen offered the following tips and guidance on how motorists can obtain the best possible fuel efficiency from their vehicle.
Drive Smoothly
Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel compared to conservative driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard, and try to keep the steering action as smooth as possible.
Use Higher Gears
The higher the gear, the lower the engine speed. This can improve fuel efficiency, so use the highest gear appropriate, without causing the engine to labour at an ultra-low rpm. Automatic transmission vehicles will upshift through the gears more quickly and smoothly if the driver eases back slightly on the accelerator when the car has gathered sufficient momentum.
Tune and Service the Engine
A well tuned engine can improve fuel economy by up to four percent. Change the oil and always follow the car manufacturer’s recommendation on servicing.
Keep the Tyres at the Correct Pressure
Correctly inflated tyres are safer and last longer, and they also reduce the amount of energy required to keep the vehicle rolling. A tyre that is under inflated by one psi can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as three percent.
Avoid Carrying Excess Weight
For every extra 45 kilograms (100 pounds) carried in a vehicle, the fuel efficiency can drop by two percent, so keep the trunk and rear seat clear of any unnecessary items that just add weight to the vehicle.
Take the Roof Rack Off
If the roof rack or roof bars are not being used, then remove them. They adversely affect the aerodynamic efficiency of the vehicle and create drag, reducing fuel economy by as much as five percent.
Use the Correct Engine Oil
Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency by one or two percent. Higher quality motor oils can also help your engine operate more efficiently.
Avoid Excess Idling
Idling gets a vehicle nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re in a queue, or waiting for someone, until you need to drive.
Avoid High Speeds
The faster you travel, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel your vehicle will consume just to maintain speed. Driving just eight km/h (five mph) over the speed limit can affect fuel economy by up to 23 percent.
Maintain the Distance
Leaving a sensible distance between your car and the vehicle in front gives the driver ample time to anticipate obstacles and to brake evenly.
Use Air Conditioning Sparingly
Air conditioning puts added strain on the engine and uses additional fuel when operating, so limit its use to particularly hot days. On temperate days, use the fan instead of air conditioning.
Check the Air Filter
The air filter keeps impurities from damaging your engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by as much as 10 percent while helping to protect your engine.
Avoid Rush Hour or Traffic Jam Hotspots
If you can travel outside of peak times and avoid known areas of heavy traffic, you’ll spend less time stuck in queues and slow-moving traffic, thus consuming less fuel.
Conserve Momentum
Think ahead when driving. For example, slow down early to let red traffic lights change to green, rather than stopping completely. Also, speed up a little before reaching the start of a hill and then allow the vehicle’s momentum to carry the vehicle up the hill without working the engine harder.
Keep Calm
When drivers are not calm, they are more likely to make judgement errors. Fuel efficiency is all about smoothness. Judgement and keeping calm is absolutely crucial to achieving fuel economy.
Use Handbrakes on Slopes
Some motorists do not use the handbrake when stopping their vehicle on a slope. Instead, they either partially disengage the clutch (on manual transmission vehicles), or use the accelerator (on automatic vehicles), to keep the vehicles from rolling back. Both actions use fuel unnecessarily.
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Fuel Saver Tips from Helen Taylor
PRO-ACTIVE ATTITUDE CAN SLASH FUEL COSTS
A couple holding the world record for fuel efficiency driving say that having a pro-active stance can go a long way to help reduce fuel costs."You don’t need rocket science to achieve fuel efficiency," says Helen Taylor, who together with her husband, John, is now in Malaysia to impart their knowledge on fuel savings."Stop complaining about higher fuel prices, think and do something constructive by being proactive, save fuel and give the money back to the Malaysian community," she told Bernama after a demonstration on "fuel economy simulator" organised by Shell Malaysia at Wisma Bernama lobby here Tuesday."We hope our lessons will help all drivers reduce fuel consumption by at least 10 percent, resulting in much lower carbon emissions and more money in the people's pockets," said Helen.John and Helen set the Guinness World Record for fuel efficiency in 2006 for using less of 40 tanks of fuel to drive 28,970 kilometres around the world in 78 days.They are officially the world’s most economical drivers. In recent years they have dedicated their lives to proving it and have notched up an impressive list of 35 fuel economy records.Their next goal is fuel economy endurance drive across 48 states in the mainland of the United States to break another record as "records are meant to be broken," said John.He also revealed that an under-inflated tyre at just one pound per square inch or psi lower can negate fuel efficiency by three percent."Check tyres regularly to keep all of them at the right pressure," said John.The fuel economy simulator, which has been designed to show the effect of a cars acceleration on the mileage and fuel usage, is timely as it comes when most Malaysians are griping about the price of fuel, which was raised by 40 percent in June this year.John and Helen will also conduct similar demonstrations at the Sunway Pyramid in Petaling Jaya this weekend and later across the country.By implementing one or two recommended tips, they said motorists could already save 10 percent and "when millions of motorists do it, the results can be highly significant".The Taylors, who have driven in over 20 countries, have also established a Fuel Academy to take this message directly to the motoring public, which contains a list of tips to improve fuel efficiency.According to their website at www.fuelacademy.com, they have laid down some 30 "Taylor’s Tips” such as getting the car into higher gear quickly as this would help save fuel.In urging motorists to drive smoothly, they also advised motorists to avoid carrying excess weight, remove the roof rack when not in use, use the correct lubrication and fuel, ensure a clean air filter and avoid excess idling, which means turning the engine off when one is stationary.Motorists should plan trips carefully to avoid rush hour driving and over revving.One should keep also use air-conditioning sparingly, conserve momentum, ensure that the fuel cap is airtight, be calm while driving and moderate the speed when driving against a headwind.John and Helen said motorists of manual transmission cars should also use the handbrake when stopping on a slope rather than riding their clutch to balance.They also advocate -- travelling light, preparing to ensure a relaxed journey, planning the route, avoid using a handphone while driving and accelerating gradually.The couple emphasised that the driver was by far the most important factor in fuel consumption, adding that the rule should be to drive slightly below the speed limit."There is no need to stomp the accelerator into the carpet to the next red traffic light. It is (still) possible to achieve the same speed using far less fuel by simply being patient. If you’re using your brakes unnecessarily, you’re essentially wasting energy," added Helen
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Life is too Short for the Wrong Job
"Life's too short for the Wrong Job !"
This is a very straight forward slogan from http://www.jobsintown.de/ . Align with their creative and humor advertisement pictures in public machine as showing below, their commercial effect is really injecting.
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Monday, August 4, 2008
Even The Mummy Can't beat The Dark Knight
"The Dark Knight" hauled in $43.8 million to rank as Hollywood's top movie for the third-straight weekend, fending off "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," which opened a close second with $42.5 million.
"The Dark Knight" has soared to a $394.9 million haul in just 17 days, according to studio estimates Sunday. The Warner Bros. release should sail past the $400 million mark by Monday or Tuesday, said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner.
That would be on the film's 18th or 19th day of release, another record for "The Dark Knight," which had an all-time high opening weekend of $158.4 million. The previous $400 million record-holder was "Shrek 2," which hit that mark in 43 days.
"It's a film that is just rewriting the record books every day and redefining our notions of what a blockbuster can be," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
"The Dark Knight" will top $500 million, predicted Fellman, who would not speculate on whether it could approach the all-time domestic revenue record of "Titanic" at $600.8 million.
Even if it edged past that mark, "The Dark Knight" would lag behind "Titanic" in terms of actual tickets sold. Admission prices are up more than 50 percent since "Titanic" came out in 1997, according to Media By Numbers. "The Dark Knight" would have to take in about $900 million to match the number of tickets that "Titanic" sold.
In terms of revenue alone, however, "The Dark Knight" will pass the original "Star Wars," which is No. 2 behind "Titanic" with $461 million, and such hits as "Shrek 2" ($436.5 million), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" ($434.9 million) and "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" ($431.1 million).
Early anticipation over Heath Ledger's diabolical performance as Batman foe the Joker built to a frenzy in the months after the actor's death from an accidental prescription drug overdose in January.
A huge opening weekend was guaranteed, but the movie has sustained its audience from stellar reviews and audience buzz.
"The movie has grown in terms of its base audience from primarily what was conceived as a young male movie to a movie for everybody, from 8 to 80," Fellman said. "They're going to see it because of the reviews, they're going to see it because of the word of mouth. They're going just to see what it's all about, and they all like it."
"The Dark Knight" also has taken in $202.5 million overseas, opening in six more markets in August, among them Japan, France and Russia.
Universal's third "Mummy" flick sends Brendan Fraser's adventurer and his wife, played this time by Maria Bello, to China, where they battle a resurrected ancient ruler, played by Jet Li, and his undead minions.
Though it put up strong numbers, the new installment had the smallest opening of the three movies. "The Mummy" debuted with $43.4 million in 1999 and "The Mummy Returns" did $68.1 million in 2001.
Along with its $42.5 million domestic haul, the new "Mummy" tale pulled in $59.5 million in 28 countries overseas.
"The Dark Knight" almost certainly took away some business from the "The Mummy," since both movies competed for the same action crowds.
"It looked like we could do somewhere between $45 and $50 million, but no one could have foreseen the juggernaut `The Dark Knight' has become," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal.
Disney's "Swing Vote," about a presidential election that hinges on the lone ballot of an over-the-hill slacker played by Kevin Costner, opened weakly with $6.3 million, coming in at No. 6.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Dark Knight," $43.8 million.
2. "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," $42.5 million.
3. "Step Brothers," $16.3 million.
4. "Mamma Mia!", $13.1 million.
5. "Journey to the Center of the Earth," $6.9 million.
6. "Swing Vote," $6.3 million.
7. "Hancock," $5.2 million.
8. "WALL-E," $4.7 million.
9. "The X-Files: I Want to Believe," $3.4 million.
10. "Space Chimps," $2.8 million.
"The Dark Knight" has soared to a $394.9 million haul in just 17 days, according to studio estimates Sunday. The Warner Bros. release should sail past the $400 million mark by Monday or Tuesday, said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner.
That would be on the film's 18th or 19th day of release, another record for "The Dark Knight," which had an all-time high opening weekend of $158.4 million. The previous $400 million record-holder was "Shrek 2," which hit that mark in 43 days.
"It's a film that is just rewriting the record books every day and redefining our notions of what a blockbuster can be," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
"The Dark Knight" will top $500 million, predicted Fellman, who would not speculate on whether it could approach the all-time domestic revenue record of "Titanic" at $600.8 million.
Even if it edged past that mark, "The Dark Knight" would lag behind "Titanic" in terms of actual tickets sold. Admission prices are up more than 50 percent since "Titanic" came out in 1997, according to Media By Numbers. "The Dark Knight" would have to take in about $900 million to match the number of tickets that "Titanic" sold.
In terms of revenue alone, however, "The Dark Knight" will pass the original "Star Wars," which is No. 2 behind "Titanic" with $461 million, and such hits as "Shrek 2" ($436.5 million), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" ($434.9 million) and "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace" ($431.1 million).
Early anticipation over Heath Ledger's diabolical performance as Batman foe the Joker built to a frenzy in the months after the actor's death from an accidental prescription drug overdose in January.
A huge opening weekend was guaranteed, but the movie has sustained its audience from stellar reviews and audience buzz.
"The movie has grown in terms of its base audience from primarily what was conceived as a young male movie to a movie for everybody, from 8 to 80," Fellman said. "They're going to see it because of the reviews, they're going to see it because of the word of mouth. They're going just to see what it's all about, and they all like it."
"The Dark Knight" also has taken in $202.5 million overseas, opening in six more markets in August, among them Japan, France and Russia.
Universal's third "Mummy" flick sends Brendan Fraser's adventurer and his wife, played this time by Maria Bello, to China, where they battle a resurrected ancient ruler, played by Jet Li, and his undead minions.
Though it put up strong numbers, the new installment had the smallest opening of the three movies. "The Mummy" debuted with $43.4 million in 1999 and "The Mummy Returns" did $68.1 million in 2001.
Along with its $42.5 million domestic haul, the new "Mummy" tale pulled in $59.5 million in 28 countries overseas.
"The Dark Knight" almost certainly took away some business from the "The Mummy," since both movies competed for the same action crowds.
"It looked like we could do somewhere between $45 and $50 million, but no one could have foreseen the juggernaut `The Dark Knight' has become," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal.
Disney's "Swing Vote," about a presidential election that hinges on the lone ballot of an over-the-hill slacker played by Kevin Costner, opened weakly with $6.3 million, coming in at No. 6.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Dark Knight," $43.8 million.
2. "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," $42.5 million.
3. "Step Brothers," $16.3 million.
4. "Mamma Mia!", $13.1 million.
5. "Journey to the Center of the Earth," $6.9 million.
6. "Swing Vote," $6.3 million.
7. "Hancock," $5.2 million.
8. "WALL-E," $4.7 million.
9. "The X-Files: I Want to Believe," $3.4 million.
10. "Space Chimps," $2.8 million.
Twins from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
They are just 3 weeks old, but twins Knox Léon and Vivienne Marcheline are about to take the world by storm. In an exclusive interview and photos, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie offer PEOPLE an intimate look at their growing family. "It is chaos, but we are managing it and having a wonderful time," Jolie tells PEOPLE of daily life at the Château Miraval in Provence, France, where the couple's four older children – Maddox, 6, Pax, 4, Zahara, 3, and Shiloh, 2 – have been enjoying a summer of outdoor play (hide-and-seek is a favorite) on the château's sprawling grounds.Adds Pitt: "[It's] still a cuckoo's nest." Fortunately, they already have some household helpers. "[Shiloh] and Z pick out [the twins'] clothes and help change and hold them," says Jolie. "It's sweet – they are little mommies."
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Will Malaysia's Fuel Price Cut Soon ?
Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Friday the Malaysian government was set to announce a cut in fuel prices, following a 41-percent hike in June that stirred protests.
The government hiked petrol prices to ease the burden of spiralling energy subsidies, but crude oil costs have fallen around 23 dollars from record highs above 147 dollars per barrel hit earlier in July.
"If possible, I want to reduce the fuel price right now. Be patient, the government will announce it later," Abdullah was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.
"The government is studying several matters before making the announcement."
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the government wanted to cut fuel prices.
"I think if the trend of oil prices continues downwards, it is only right that it is reflected in domestic prices. There is a desire for us to reflect the current market situation," he told reporters.
A senior finance ministry official told AFP Thursday that Malaysia may reduce fuel prices in the weeks ahead if global oil prices continue to fall.
The official said "if oil prices remain between 120 dollars a barrel and 125 dollars a barrel for two weeks," then Abdullah could announce a cut in fuel costs.
Oil was trading at around 123 dollars on Friday after being pushed lower on fears of easing energy demand. But prices are still much higher than in recent history, having traded at under 10 dollars in the late 1990s.
Abdullah's decision to hike fuel prices sparked angry street protests and triggered calls for the premier to stand down, compounding his woes after disastrous results in March elections.
Malaysia's annual inflation rate soared to a 26-year high of nearly eight percent in June due to the rise in fuel costs, echoing a surge in inflation across Asia that has stoked fears of slower regional economic growth.
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Toyota's Stand-Up-and-Ride Segway
Toyota has developed a motorized stand-up-and-ride Segway lookalike designed to help people scoot around at malls and airports.
But the "Winglet," shown Friday in Tokyo, takes some getting used to. A demonstrator was visibly worried about its safety while accompanying a reporter who cautiously tried it on a short course in a Toyota showroom.
Toyota officials insist anyone can learn to ride it with some practice, including the elderly — its major target buyer.
Still, Toyota Motor Corp. has no plans yet to turn the Winglet into a commercial product. The Japanese automaker will start testing the two-wheeler this year at an airport and resort complex and next year at a shopping mall, all in Japan, to get user feedback. Overseas test plans are undecided.
The Winglet goes up to 3.7 mph, about the same speed as pedestrians, far slower than 12.5-mph Segway, which costs $5,000. The Winglet can go about 3 miles before needing to be recharged.
It is designed to stop easily with little pressure, pivot full-circle and go smoothly over bumps on roads. And it is designed to respond almost intuitively — moving forward when you lean to the front, and turning when you sway to the right or left, similar to skiing. One of three models shown comes with a protruding handle that can be grabbed and used like a steering wheel.
Toyota executive Takeshi Uchiyamada, who zipped around on a Winglet as though he was on a skateboard, said the company is experimenting with new ways of mobility as part of a company strategy to spread robotics.
"We hope to create friendly robots that can exist side by side with people," Uchiyamada said. "Winglet will help everyone move around safely and stay active."
Winglet evolved out of Toyota's takeover of parts of Sony Corp.'s robotics division last year. Sony, reshaping itself under Chief Executive Howard Stringer, decided to focus on electronics and wipe out its Aibo pet robot and other peripheral businesses.
Toyota envisions a future in which Winglet will be packed with wireless technology so it relays shopping information at stores. Or it may move on its own, Uchiyamada said. So it might go recharge its batteries itself, or come pick you up when you beckon it, toting your luggage.
Toyota officials insist anyone can learn to ride it with some practice, including the elderly — its major target buyer.
Still, Toyota Motor Corp. has no plans yet to turn the Winglet into a commercial product. The Japanese automaker will start testing the two-wheeler this year at an airport and resort complex and next year at a shopping mall, all in Japan, to get user feedback. Overseas test plans are undecided.
The Winglet goes up to 3.7 mph, about the same speed as pedestrians, far slower than 12.5-mph Segway, which costs $5,000. The Winglet can go about 3 miles before needing to be recharged.
It is designed to stop easily with little pressure, pivot full-circle and go smoothly over bumps on roads. And it is designed to respond almost intuitively — moving forward when you lean to the front, and turning when you sway to the right or left, similar to skiing. One of three models shown comes with a protruding handle that can be grabbed and used like a steering wheel.
Toyota executive Takeshi Uchiyamada, who zipped around on a Winglet as though he was on a skateboard, said the company is experimenting with new ways of mobility as part of a company strategy to spread robotics.
"We hope to create friendly robots that can exist side by side with people," Uchiyamada said. "Winglet will help everyone move around safely and stay active."
Winglet evolved out of Toyota's takeover of parts of Sony Corp.'s robotics division last year. Sony, reshaping itself under Chief Executive Howard Stringer, decided to focus on electronics and wipe out its Aibo pet robot and other peripheral businesses.
Toyota envisions a future in which Winglet will be packed with wireless technology so it relays shopping information at stores. Or it may move on its own, Uchiyamada said. So it might go recharge its batteries itself, or come pick you up when you beckon it, toting your luggage.
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