Petrol has never been so precious
JOBURG – Use your petrol wisely by following tips from professionals in the motor industry.
The latest round of fuel price increases, implemented on 6 April, continues to hit consumers hard. Fuel prices form a significant portion of living expenses but there are ways to ensure that you maximise your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
According to Aftermarket Solutions, Africa’s largest replacement automotive parts company, it’s more important than ever to ensure that your vehicle is properly serviced and maintained. This will ensure that your car is operating optimally, which will reduce fuel consumption and overall running costs. Aside from looking after your car properly, the way you drive also plays a crucial role in fuel consumption.
“The combination of challenging economic conditions, rising inflation, and a general increase in the price of fuel, hits consumers hard. The latest round of fuel price hikes is a bitter pill to swallow, but there are ways to manage your fuel costs and improve efficiency,” said Louis Bles, Battery Hub and Auto-Care and Diagnostics national franchise manager. Auto-Care and Diagnostics and Battery Hub are part of Aftermarket Solutions and specialise in vehicle services, maintenance, repairs and the battery market respectively.
These vehicle maintenance and driving tips from Aftermarket Solutions can help to minimise fuel costs:
Vehicle Maintenance:
• Regular services – It’s important to have your vehicle serviced according to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals. If you don’t reach that mileage in one year, a service should be done annually. The service parts replaced generally include engine oil, air, fuel and oil filters as well as spark plugs, which directly impact on performance and fuel efficiency.
Tyre pressure:
• Check your tyre pressure regularly. Driving on tyres below the ideal pressure creates more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption.
Driving tips:
• High gears = low engine speed – Change gears when the engine reaches approximately 2 500 r/min. The higher your engine speed, the more fuel is used. Engage the highest gear as soon as possible
• Anticipate obstacles – Avoid unnecessary accelerating, braking and wasting fuel while idling at traffic lights
• Stick to speed limits – Consumption increases dramatically as speed rises
• Stay in gear – Modern fuel injection systems are highly sophisticated, and only use fuel when required. If you cruise downhill with your foot off the accelerator and the car in gear, no fuel is used.
• Do not idle – Turn off the engine if the car is stationary for longer than 30 seconds.
Details: Aftermarket Solutions, 011 879 6000.
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