How to keep fuel costs down
As the cost of fuel continues to rise one can follow these six tips and to ease the burden ...
South Africans motorists recently had a number of rapid fuel increases to deal with and are feeling the pinch.
This has caused some to leave the comfort of their own vehicles and opt for other means of transport to ease the burden of fuel costs. However, there are those of us who need our vehicles every day to perform our duties.
Also Read: We compare fuel prices from 2007 to 2017
According to Arnoux Maré, Innovative Staffing Solutions managing director, motorists can keep their fuel costs down by following these tips:
• Regular vehicle check-ups
Vehicles need to be checked on a regular basis as many factors can lead to increased fuel consumption.
Maré says at Innovative Staffing Solutions, drivers are required to conduct pre-route checks of tyres, brakes, leaks and lights, among others.
“These are in addition to the trucks having been through the truck depot for fuel top-ups, tyre checks, mechanical checks and washing. I cannot stress this enough. Checking and re-checking are vital. Not only does it saves fuel, it ensures greater safety on the country’s roads.”
• Steady does it
Adhering to steady speeds and driving on our roads consistently are crucial.
“Constant accelerating and braking result in high fuel consumption, as does consistently driving at high speed. While there are obviously times when these actions are necessary, evenly maintained speeds are the hallmark of an excellent driver and lower fuel consumption,” notes Maré.
• Tyre savvy
Keeping tyres inflated at the correct pressure results in less resistance on the road surface and less fuel usage.
“Keeping wheels aligned and tyres at the right pressure not only reduces fuel consumption, it also reduces wear and tear on tyres. A good rule of thumb for transport companies is to frequently check tyres and wheels alignment or after incidents such as hitting a pothole or curb,” adds Maré.
• Gearing up to save fuel
Driving in higher gears, where applicable, also reduces fuel consumption. This should not be done at the cost of placing lives in danger, straining the engine or allowing the revs to drop too much.
• Aircon circumspection
To use – or not to use – the fuel-guzzling aircon? This is a tricky one. Truck drivers on South African roads often have to travel in the heat of the day, which can lead to drowsiness.
Maré says drivers need to be cognisant of changes in temperature and make sure they switch their aircons off when they don’t need them. “Also, when they’re travelling at slower speeds, they can open a window instead of using the aircon.”
• The road less travelled
Most transport companies pre-plan their routes. Sometimes, however, avoiding main highways during highly congested periods – or when an accident has caused a major bottleneck – can lead to significant fuel savings, even if the trip is slightly longer. These days, technology in the form of convenient traffic apps allow drivers to check for alternative routes when roads are chocked up.
Maré says the impact of driving habits on fuel consumption is often underestimated, but a few adjustments to driving behaviour can go a long way towards saving costs at the fuel pump.
“By ensuring their drivers adopt smart driving habits, transport companies can decrease their fuel usage significantly,” Maré concludes.
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