The recent hike in fuel has left many motorists upset. They said the extra 82 cents petrol and 85 cents for diesel will burn a hole in their pockets.
“It is really frustrating because the cost of living is too high, and obviously when fuel increases food will become more expensive. Things are very bad and we cannot afford this increase,” said Lindiwe Mnguni. She said is already paying more than R800 to fill up her car’s tank.
Rashid Hamna said: “I do no always feel the impact, but this time around I think I will. I fill up with R600. Luckily, I do not drive everyday.
Kobus Labuschagne said no one is happy with the fuel hike. “We have no choice, we must pay. It costs me R722 to fill up my small bakkie,” he said.
According to Budget Insurance, people can rely on the following ten tips to save fuel:
• Align and inflate – Incorrect wheel alignment and under-inflated tyres lead to increased resistance between the tyres and the road, which in turn leads to higher fuel consumption, as well as increased wear-and-tear on tyres. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Alignment should be checked at least once a year, but a check every six months, or after incidents like hitting a pothole or curb, is advisable.
• Smooth and steady – Every harsh brake and acceleration guzzles fuel. Keep a safe following distance and avoid speeding off from a green traffic light. Your fuel tank, and pocket, will thank you.
• Squash the need for speed – High speeds result in high fuel consumption. It’s as simple as that. At 110km/h your car uses up to 25 per cent more fuel than it would cruising at a more moderate 90km/h.
• Hike it up a gear – as a rule of thumb; the higher the gear, the lower the petrol consumption, so always drive in the highest gear possible, without straining the engine by letting the revs drop too low.
• Don’t be a drag – there are many things that cause or increase drag, including driving with the windows open and attaching carriers or bikes to the roof. To decrease drag, keep the windows closed, especially at high speeds, and attach additional weight to the rear of the car instead of the roof.
• Air-con control – did you know that your car uses more fuel powering your air-con when you’re travelling at low speed and less at a higher speed? This is because the higher the revs, the more power the engine produces, allowing it to run the air-con more efficiently. If you’re driving a short distance, and travelling at a lower speed (under 80km/h), open the window instead of switching on the air-con.
• Have that health check – many components in your car impact fuel consumption and if they’re not working properly, you could be paying a hefty price. Everything from dirty oil and dirty air filters to dirty injectors, a faulty exhaust, worn spark
plugs and low coolant levels can contribute to bad fuel efficiency, so make sure they all get a regular check-up.
• Practice patience – if you can avoid major congestion, do. It will end up saving you time, frustration and of course, fuel. If you can’t wait, use the technology at your fingertips by checking alternative, less congested routes, on traffic apps like Waze.
• Team up and tap out – joining a lift club is not only a great way to save fuel and reduce wear-and-tear on your car, it can also be a great stress reliever, giving you the freedom to relax while someone else is driving.
• Switch on and go – there’s nothing like a warm car on a cold winter morning but that time spent idling while your car warms up is costing you money. Don’t let your car idle for much longer than a minute.
In a press statement released by the Motor Industry Workshop Association, Dewald Ranft said: “Regular maintenance of a vehicle is the only way to ensure it remains roadworthy but is also a money-saving exercise in the long run because major breakages on a vehicle are very expensive. Regular servicing can prevent that. It’s also the best way to ensure you keep your vehicle longer. A car in good condition will run longer and possibly be more fuel-efficient.”
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