Nine Tips to Safe Fuel
Fuel prices have seen many increases in the last few months and with the economy so sluggish, interest rates high and VAT now at 15%, all indications are that inflation will continue on its upward spiral meaning all South Africans, rich and poor, are going to feel the pinch.
Follow these nine tips and you will definitely see consumption decrease.
- Skimping on regular services is false economy: A car that is not serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications is going to be sluggish and waste unnecessary fuel. A well serviced car runs efficiently and will lower running costs.
- Check your tyre pressures each time you refuel. Tyres lose pressure as a norm, leading to under inflation which increases the rolling resistance causing an increase in fuel consumption because the engine has to work harder to “roll” the wheels.
- Remove the pedal from the metal: First gear acceleration uses the most fuel and doing so harshly means you’re burning unnecessary fuel that is costly and strenuous on the engine. Drop your overall average speed by 10 – 15 km/h and measure the difference.
- Check your loads: the heavier the load, the more fuel your vehicle will use. Remove unnecessary, heavy items from the boot and the roof rack when not in use.
- Is that trip really necessary? Combine your trips, form lift clubs and plan your trips to avoid traffic snarl ups and getting lost, all of which wastes fuel, money and time.
- Ditch the car: and take a walk or ride a bike, or get a scooter. Taking a walk or riding a bike is an also much healthier option.
- Downsizing is cool: Today, you can get a fuel-efficient derivative in every motor car range. Choose carefully, and you can save on purchasing cost as well as running costs without giving up any creature comforts.
- “Hang with the trucks”: Stick behind a truck, who, because of their general slow speeds, seem to chug along at a happy, constant speed allowing you to save fuel behind them in the process.
Fresh air beats aircon: At speeds lower than 80km/h lowering the windows will save fuel.
