Domestic refined oil prices are set to be adjusted at midnight on July 31. Halfway through the 10-working-day statistical cycle, a sharp rise in international oil prices today has pushed the crude oil change rate to 14.64%, with an expected increase of 780 yuan per ton. Based on the current projection, gasoline and diesel prices are anticipated to surge by another 0.59 yuan to 0.70 yuan per liter next week.
Oil prices are a concern for many, making the accuracy of fuel dispensers a key worry for car owners. "Over 480 gas stations and 7,500 fuel nozzles in the city undergo mandatory inspection every six months, currently achieving 100% coverage, with all inspected nozzles meeting measurement standards," stated Hu Peng, head of the Civil Metrology Department at the Wuhan Institute of Metrology, Standards, and Quality, offering reassuring data. Peng Hui, director of the Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment Department at Sinopec Wuhan Branch, affirmed on-site that the company strictly controls quality and measurement from the source, using dedicated transport vehicles, real-time DPS dynamic monitoring, and oil sample testing before sales. This is combined with monthly self-checks, quarterly quality audits, and semi-annual mandatory inspections to fully uphold measurement standards.
What should consumers watch for when refueling? Hu Peng offers tips: First, check the location and choose a compliant gas station. Second, look for the label—whether the dispenser displays a valid inspection certification mark. Third, ensure the meter resets to zero before starting. Finally, verify that the amount and fuel volume match. For any measurement concerns, consumers can call the 12315 hotline to file a complaint and seek resolution.
"Why does the dashboard's range display not match the actual distance driven?" Addressing this common confusion, Hu Peng explains that the range is calculated by the onboard computer based on average fuel consumption and remaining fuel. Average fuel consumption varies with driving conditions, and remaining fuel calculations have slight deviations, so the range is for reference only. Additionally, fuel price fluctuations, driving habits, and road condition differences can all cause actual mileage to differ from expectations.
Six Fuel-Saving Tips to Keep in Mind
Driving Habits: The Core Switch for Fuel Efficiency
Aggressive acceleration and frequent hard braking can spike fuel consumption by up to 30%! Start gently, allowing the engine RPM to rise smoothly to avoid high loads. Maintain a steady speed, keeping to 60-80 km/h in urban areas and under 120 km/h on highways, as most vehicles achieve optimal fuel efficiency in this range. When approaching red lights or traffic, coast early rather than braking hard at the last moment. This reduces brake wear and saves significant fuel.
Lighten the Load: Don't Let Your Car "Carry Extra Weight"
Long-term clutter in the trunk, roof racks, and external storage boxes increase wind resistance and vehicle weight. Tests show that every 100 kg of added weight raises fuel consumption by 5-8%. Regularly clear out unnecessary items from the trunk and remove unused external equipment to help your car "travel light," naturally lowering fuel consumption.
Air Conditioning Use: Choosing the Right Mode Saves More Than "Not Using It"
Many believe using AC wastes fuel, but opening windows can actually be worse! Below 60 km/h, window ventilation is more efficient than AC. However, above 80 km/h, the drag from open windows consumes more fuel than the AC compressor's energy. When using AC, first open windows for two minutes to expel hot air, then close them and cool down. Set the temperature to 24-26°C and use the recirculation mode to reduce the AC system's load, further saving fuel.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the Engine "Working Efficiently"
The engine is a vehicle's "heart," and poor maintenance directly increases fuel consumption. Change oil on schedule using the manufacturer's recommended grade; overly thick oil increases engine resistance. Regularly clean the air filter; a clogged filter reduces air intake, leading to incomplete combustion. Check tire pressure; underinflated tires increase contact area and rolling resistance. A drop of 0.3 bar can raise fuel consumption by about 1%.
Route Planning: Avoiding Congestion Saves Fuel
Traffic jams cause idling, which only increases fuel consumption! Use a navigation app to check real-time traffic before heading out, avoiding congested roads and peak hours. Choose routes with fewer traffic lights and smoother flow to reduce frequent stops and starts. For the same distance, a smooth route can save over 20% in fuel compared to a congested one, while also saving travel time.
Detail Awareness: Small Habits That Also Save Fuel
When idling for over three minutes, such as at long red lights or while waiting, turn off the engine to avoid unnecessary fuel waste. Refueling in the morning or evening is more economical due to thermal expansion and contraction, as cooler temperatures increase fuel density, giving you more fuel for the same volume. Don't always fill the tank; for short city trips, filling half a tank reduces weight. Reserve full tanks for long journeys to avoid detours to gas stations. Reduce rapid acceleration for overtaking, as high RPM surges spike fuel consumption. Avoid unnecessary lane changes and overtaking unless essential.
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*Source: Xinhua News Agency, Hubei Daily, Latest Oil Price Inquiry
*This article is from Sina Finance APP
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