Saving tips from Bakwena to beat the petrol increase
Changing your driving style can save fuel. High speeds can translate into higher fuel consumption.
With the price of petrol breaking the R16 per litre barrier in August and likely to stay there for the foreseeable future, South Africans are feeling the pinch. The average price of fuel increased by between 23 and 26 cents per litre of petrol, and between 24 and 26 cents per litre of diesel.
The commercial manager at the Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concessionaire (Bakwena), Liam Clarke, said while the increase in fuel prices is a blow for South Africans, there are ways they can reduce the impact of the higher prices. “Our driving habits are a large determinant to the amount of fuel consumed. If we can find ways to adapt our driving behaviour, we can reduce our fuel costs significantly.”
According to the Department of Energy in the United States, smart driving can increase fuel economy by as much as 40 per cent. This means a vehicle that normally gets 650km per tank of fuel could get more than 900km per tank, translating into meaningful savings for consumers.
So, how can the average motorist reduce his or her fuel consumption? Clarke has identified several fuel-saving tips to ensure motorists spend less money at the fuel pump and – as a bonus – enjoy a considerably safer driving experience.
Reduce speed
Clarke said small changes in driving style can save fuel. “High speeds can translate into higher fuel consumption. Motorists can save up to 25 per cent on fuel if they travel at more moderate speeds. Speeding can also lead to abrupt lane changing or accelerating and braking harshly.
“Not only is this a more dangerous way to drive, it increases fuel consumption and wear-and-tear on the vehicle. Drivers should drive more cautiously, keep safe following distances and only accelerate or brake suddenly to get out of potentially dangerous situations”.
Get wheel-savvy
If tyres are not inflated properly or wheels are out of alignment, this can lead to greater fuel consumption as well as increased wear-and-tear on tyres. Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month and wheel alignment once a year – or more should the car bump a curb or pothole.
Check vehicle’s vital signs
Keeping a car regularly maintained ensures that all of its parts work in unison and it runs more efficiently. Clarke said keeping vehicles in ‘good health’ not only helps reduce fuel costs, it can also save on maintenance costs. “Identifying issues upfront can stop them from becoming a major problem – and therefore a major cost – in the future.”
Limit aircon use
Aircons are notorious fuel-guzzlers. In winter, it’s obviously easier to avoid using the aircon and save on fuel costs. This is harder to do when temperatures are unbearably high;however, it is important to note that aircons use more fuel when the car is travelling at lower speeds than at high speeds. So, not using the aircon in start-stop traffic or on suburban roads is a smart move.
Reduce drag
Clarke said the more streamlined a vehicle, the less fuel it uses. “This doesn’t mean we all have buy low-slung sports cars, but we can do things like keep windows closed – especially when driving at higher speeds – and remove roof boxes or bicycle racks when not in use.”
Gear up
It’s commonly known that the higher the gear, the lower the petrol consumption. This means driving the car in the highest gear possible without straining the engine.
There are options
Clarke said South Africans can also be more fuel-savvy by considering alternatives to using their cars every time they go somewhere. “Walking to a nearby shop is a cheaper and healthier option than driving. Starting a car-pool at work is also a viable option, as is using public transport from time to time.”
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