Fuel-saving advice from over-qualified experts

In your wood-burning stove Scott Salveson, executive director, US National Firewood Association u “Moisture content is the most important aspect in choosing your wood. An armload of green wood can have as much as a litre of water in it. That moisture cools the firebox and flue, making complete combustion impossible. Test for dryness by banging two wood pieces together. It should sound like hitting drumsticks. u “Smaller pieces burn thoroughly, rather than smouldering. Resplit anything with a dimension more than 15 cm in any direction.” In your outdoor power equipment Marv Klowak, vice president of research and development, Briggs & Stratton u “Clean your gear. Depending on your engine, an annual tune-up can reduce fuel consumption up to 30 per cent and emissions by up to 50 per cent.” In your car Russ O’blenes, senior manager of performance and racing, GM u “Instead of getting up to speed between traffic lights, slowly accelerate. This limits your transient fuelling, the extra amount of fuel needed during heavy acceleration. u “Don’t keep things you don’t need in your boot. Over a year, carrying even a few extra kilos can cost you a tank of fuel. u “Use your cruise control – one of the easiest things a driver can do.” In your boat Jason Eckman, global product manager, Evinrude Outboard Engines u “Adjust your trim. On takeoff, you want the engines to be trimmed in or down (the propellers are closer to the stern) to hold the bow down. As you gain speed and the boat begins to plane, trim up or out (the propellers move away from the stern) to bring the bow higher. Listen to the engine to know when to stop. When you hear the revs increase, stop adjusting. u “Get your boat up to plane – where it rides on the water as opposed to pushing through it – as quickly as you can. With more of the hull out of the water, you experience less resistance and can cut fuel consumption by as much as 80 per cent. u Don’t speed up after you reach plane. The increase in speed uses a disproportionate amount of fuel.