Tips to manage the fuel price surge
· The South African
South Africans were hit hard by the April 1 fuel price hike, so we’ve compiled a practical list of tips to manage the fuel price surge.
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While the cost to fill up the tank of your car with petrol or diesel is an immediate worry if you travel to work and school daily, the bigger picture may be even more concerning. The war in the Middle East and the resulting surge in global oil prices pose a substantial threat to the South African economy and will no doubt have a ripple effect on our lifestyles.
For now, it’s best to handle the complex situation with some practicality and prudence. Driving more efficiently, taking better care of our vehicles and purchasing fuel in smarter, more beneficial ways can lower our expenses and hopefully anxiety.
Smooth mover
Avoid driving at rapid speeds and hard braking. The more smoothly your vehicle moves, the more efficient it will be. Stop-and-go traffic is best avoided, so plan trips accordingly.
Steady
Use highways as far as possible, as they offer the opportunity to maintain a steady speed. If you can, use cruise control. Fuel economy is said to peak around 50 to 65 mph, although the exact sweet spot varies from one car to another.
Idle
Don’t idle unnecessarily. If you’re one of those parents who get in the car early and has the engine running with the hope it will get your partner or kids into the car sooner, now would be the time to stop – idling wastes fuel.
Trips
We’re at ‘month-end’, when many families go out for groceries. Create a comprehensive list of what you might need to avoid making too many trips.
Mileage
Combine errands to avoid unnecessary trips and reduce your mileage overall. No more special trips to the store just to get an ice-cream, loaf of bread or milk, try to do this on the way to work to minimise trips.
Speed
It goes without saying that you should obey the rules of the road as always, and this means observing the speed limit. A fast driver is simply not a frugal one; increasing wind speed will increase fuel consumption.
Pressure
Check your car. Ensure your tyre pressure is correct as this will improve fuel efficiency. Use the recommended motor oil and ensure your engine is tuned and air filters are clean.
Drag
Don’t overload your car. Extra cargo is extra drag. Remove unnecessary items you are driving around with; these may be roof racks you only use on holidays or items you mean to donate or drop off.
Carpooling
Reduce overall driving by carpooling, using public transport or working from home if that is possible.
Windows
Air conditioners are fabulous in our humid climate, but they will use more fuel. If and when it is safe to do so, open your windows and cool down the natural way. However, avoid opening windows when you are travelling at high speed as this would be counterproductive.
Rewards
We may be talking a few percentages on each little tip, but it will all add up. The same is true for rewards. You should be a part of some rewards programme that earns you points when you fuel up, which may amount to extra cash and money saved in the long run.