Tips and myths about good fuel consumption
After yet another astronomical fuel price hike this week, South Africans will need to be very watchful of their fuel usage.
With the petrol price having gone up yet again, and with one rand this time, vehicle owners are truly feeling the pinch.
Every increase simply means more money goes towards fuel costs and less towards the maintenance of the vehicle. According to Dewald Ranft, chairperson of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), now is the time for vehicle owners to review their vehicle costs and look at cost-saving alternatives that won’t compromise their vehicle or safety.
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https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/277781/6-things-need-know-rising-petrol-prices/
“We know the natural tendency when consumers are cash-strapped is to spend less money on maintaining their car, but this actually makes things worse. A properly serviced and maintained car will not only cost you less on repairs in the long run but also keep fuel consumption at the optimum low level,” said Ranft.
In light of this, here are some tips that could save you money. We also bust a few myths:
• Dirty air filters kill fuel mileage – False
In modern engines the air filter has the smallest effect on fuel economy. Nowadays air flow sensors and computer software carefully manage the air/ fuel mix in your car’s engine, ensuring maximum fuel economy regardless of the quality of air.
• Use low-viscosity engine oil – True
Using a low-viscosity engine oil will give an improved fuel economy of about one per cent, compared to a new lower-grade oil. In comparison, old sludged-up oil can decrease fuel efficiency. The transmission oil has an even bigger effect of up to five per cent, especially in an automatic gearbox. Using old or the incorrect oil will cause slipping clutches and incorrect gear changes that result in increased fuel consumption.
• Tyre pressure matters? – True
Tyre pressure also has an influence of up to three per cent on fuel economy. Ranft recommends consumers keep their tyre pressure at 0,.3 – 0,5 bar above the recommended tyre pressure.
• Missing a service will save me money – False
Possibly the biggest fuel waster of all comes into effect once the vehicle is not running properly any more. Misfires, engine warning light, low performance, binding brakes and oil sludge are all things that can cause an increase in fuel consumption of more than 10 per cent, besides the long-term damage to your vehicle.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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