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12 Crucial Driving Tips That Could Combat The Ever Increasing Fuel Prices In SA

South Africans have been hit with another price hike on fuel prices. Diesel and petrol increased by R1.48 and R1.21 per litre, respectively, bringing the cost per litre to under R20 – and over R20 per litre in central parts of the country. This will not be easy on South Africans’ budgets as it will have a damning effect on things we need to see to our basic needs

The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “This is one of the most significant fuel price increases South Africa has faced in some time. Whether you’re an individual or a company, it is bound to affect your pocket. For companies, it increases the price of delivery which then trickles down to the consumer. Now consumers are paying more for both goods and petrol.”

To counter the latest price increases’ financial stresses on South African households, Budget Insurance shares vital tips that could see motorists get the most mileage from a full tank of fuel.

Fuel-saving tips

1. Service smart

A car can burn up to 30% more fuel if proper maintenance is not performed on a regular schedule, so make sure that your vehicle is serviced regularly. Things like worn spark plugs, worn rings, faulty injectors, sticky brakes, low coolant levels, dirty oil, and dirty filters all lead to inefficiency and higher fuel consumption

2. Wheel wise

Check your car’s wheel alignment. Bad wheel alignment causes more friction, which takes more power to overcome and results in higher fuel consumption.

3. Pressure check

Check for underinflated tyres, as these, too, increase resistance.

4. Air con costs a cool buck

Use the air conditioning only when necessary, as it places additional load on the engine.

5. Deadweight

Reduce the vehicle’s weight by removing unnecessary items from it and, if you mostly do city driving, consider driving with only half a tank of fuel.

6. Nice and slow

Don’t speed. The gas-guzzling effects of “stepping on it” are well-known.

7. Don’t stop-start

Maintain momentum by looking and planning ahead, flowing with traffic, and better time your approaches to hills, traffic lights, and crossings. Also, avoid idling for longer than 30 seconds.

8. Easy on the engine

Keeping your revs between 2 500rpm and 3 500rpm can reduce your petrol consumption by up to 20%. In diesel vehicles, the rpm can be as low as 2 000.

9. Geared for efficiency

Drive at the lowest speed in the highest gear that the road and traffic conditions allow, without labouring the engine.

10. Tech-savvy

Many vehicles have economy settings to optimise performance, throttle response, ride height etc., for maximum fuel efficiency. Use them to your advantage.

11. Plan ahead

Use your GPS to check for traffic and avoid problem areas. Do several tasks on one round trip, as opposed to many shorter ones. This eliminates unnecessary mileage and saves time.

12. Wait out the rush

Battling through traffic not only increases fuel consumption, but also causes wear and tear, especially on your vehicle’s transmission and brakes.