The record fuel price hikes have dominated national discourse as motorists pay more than R15 per litre. This has a negative effect on disposable income and impacts all sectors of the economy.
Economists also predict that the situation can persist into July 2018, if not experience more price increases.
Here are 13 simple fuel-saving tips to help Millennials cope:
1. Combine all your daily errands into one big trip. It’s crucial to make fewer trips to save fuel and delay the need to refuel.
2. Do not over-rev the car but accelerate smoothly and travel at a constant speed, and in the highest gear. Be a patient driver.
3. Check your tyre pressure and alignment regularly. The lower the tyre pressure, the more fuel the car needs to move it down the road.
4. Don’t drive in the rush hour. Drive steadily at a slow speed rather than accelerating and braking if you find yourself stuck in traffic. Remember each time you stop and start the vehicle consumes more fuel to get moving again.
5. Close the windows and/sunroof when driving on the highway. Consider using the air vents. Whilst you cannot do much about the shape and aerodynamics of your car anything that makes wind noise as you drive is actually making your car more expensive to run.
6. Stick to the speed limit. You may think you are catching up on time. But to ignore the speed limit not only exposes you to traffic fines but also means you are using more fuel.
7. Remove the roof rack or cargo box as this is worse than leaving windows/ sunroof open. Even if the roof rack is empty, it increases drag and makes your car use more fuel. A big cargo box is like having another car strapped to your roof.
8. Turn the air-conditioning off as it also leads to increased fuel consumption. Consider using it only when it is absolutely necessary.
9. Avoid carrying around unnecessary weight, particularly in the boot of your car. Just like your body, your car needs more fuel to move around more weight.
10. Use public transport or engage in carpooling with trusted friends, neighbours and colleagues.
11. Take your car for regular service to ensure that all parts and components function optimally.
12. Always drive in the highest gear possible without straining your engine.
13. Avoid long warm-ups in the morning. They’re unnecessary and waste fuel.
| Remember |
Bad driving isn’t just unsafe. It’s expensive. Your driving habits have a direct impact on your car’s fuel consumption.
Planning your travel, following speed limits, maintaining safe following distances and paying attention to traffic, weather and road conditions will keep you safer, allow your vehicle to operate more efficiently, and ultimately, save you money.
