Are you the Philippines Smartest Driver?

Three years ago, I invested in a new car. One thing I used to guide my decision as to what car to get was whether or not it was fuel efficient. As such, I opted for a 1.3 valve engine and a manual transmission. I also read reviews about the car I was planning to get and most raters did point out it’s fuel efficiency. However, I believe it is not just the vehicle that translates to fuel efficiency, but also how one maintains and uses the vehicle.

For me, the most important fuel saving tip is planning ahead. We have to be more cautious in planning our schedules, the routes we will take and the stops we make when driving a car. I noticed that since I’ve started monitoring my movements, I’ve saved quite a lot on gas costs. For example, if I know I have an event in Ortigas or Quezon City, I try to schedule appointments at my clinic in Cubao as well so I can hit two birds with one stone.

My mom also reminds me to lessen the junk I leave in my car. As a teacher, I tend to keep a box of papers and booklets in the trunk so it’s easy to access when necessary. She tells me, however, if I always fill my trunk, I not only damage my car but I also use more fuel.

Do you have a fuel saving tip? If so, Pilipinas Shell invites you to join the search for the Philippines Smartest Drivers. If you hold a valid Philippine drivers license, simply share your Fuel saving tips by shooting a video explaining how this can translate to fuel efficiency and upload it to www.topgear.com.ph/shellsmartestdrivers. Be sure to end your video by completing this phrase: “Ang Pinoy na matipid sa gasolina, ____________.” Entries can be as simple or as creative as you’d like it to be. Uploading period is from May 20 to June 20, 2010.

All contestants will take home premium items from Shell and the top ten finalists will take home Php 10,000 worth of Shell vouchers and will be invited to a fuel economy boot camp on June 26 where they will compete for the top honors of being hailed The Philippines Smartest Drivers.

These drivers will also get the chance to join Team Philippines from the Mapua Institute of Technology and the University of Sto. Tomas in the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia in Malaysia where they will compete with drivers from other Asian countries.

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