The first months of the year have already delivered steep increases in both petrol and diesel prices, and February promises little relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite a slightly stronger rand and lower oil prices, data from the Central Energy Fund highlights under-recoveries of up to 93 cents per litre for petrol and R1.10 per litre for diesel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With these challenges in mind, Cartrack has outlined eight practical strategies to help vehicle owners mitigate fuel costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fuel savings start with adopting efficient driving habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Driving at moderate speeds, <\/strong>typically between 65 and 90 km\/h, reduces drag on the vehicle and eases the engine’s workload, resulting in lower fuel consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, avoiding congested routes, maintaining a consistent engine speed of <\/strong>around 3000 rpm, and steering clear of frequent lane changes and abrupt stops in heavy traffic can significantly improve fuel efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another often-overlooked technique is engine braking<\/strong>, which involves lifting your foot off the accelerator to let the engine slow the vehicle down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This method is particularly useful when approaching traffic lights or stop signs, as it reduces reliance on the brake pedal and conserves fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pairing this approach with driving in higher gears can further enhance fuel efficiency, as lower engine revolutions per minute (RPM) demand less fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those considering a new vehicle purchase, opting for a fuel-efficient model<\/strong> is a long-term solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cars with smaller engines or hybrid technology are designed to deliver excellent performance while consuming less fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Key factors to consider when selecting a fuel-efficient vehicle include engine size, weight, and fuel consumption rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Smaller, lighter vehicles typically burn less fuel, offering sustained savings over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Maintaining optimal tyre pressure<\/strong> is another critical aspect of fuel efficiency. Tyres that are underinflated increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, overinflated tyres can negatively affect handling, cause uneven tread wear, and reduce road contact, which is particularly dangerous at high speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking tyre pressure at least once a month and adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations can help minimise fuel consumption and extend tyre life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When travelling at high speeds, it\u2019s best to keep windows closed<\/strong>. While the refreshing breeze of an open window might be tempting, it increases air resistance, especially at speeds above 80 km\/h. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the vehicle\u2019s ventilation system instead of open windows can improve aerodynamics and enhance fuel efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to save on fuel is to avoid heavy loads<\/strong>. Excess weight, whether from luggage or equipment, makes the engine work harder, leading to higher fuel consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Roof racks, in particular, increase air resistance and diminish a vehicle\u2019s aerodynamics. Packing light and removing unnecessary items, especially for long-distance trips, can contribute to smoother and more fuel-efficient journeys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those with vehicles equipped with cruise control<\/strong>, this feature can be a valuable tool for saving fuel on highways. Cruise control maintains a steady speed, eliminating the need for constant acceleration and deceleration, which are major contributors to fuel consumption. This results in a smoother and more fuel-efficient driving experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another effective strategy is to take advantage of loyalty programs<\/strong> offered by petrol stations, banks, and retailers. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n These programs reward drivers with points or discounts each time they refuel. Over time, accumulated points can be redeemed for fuel or other benefits, providing tangible savings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Selecting a loyalty program that aligns with your needs and preferred petrol station locations can make a noticeable difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As fuel prices continue to climb, adopting these ten strategies can help South African motorists mitigate the impact on their wallets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n From efficient driving techniques to regular vehicle maintenance and thoughtful planning, these practical steps can make a significant difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cartrack has outlined eight practical ways to help motorists reduce their fuel consumption. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":650983,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11119],"tags":[9150,20133,4743,21542],"class_list":["post-808579","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motoring","tag-cartrack","tag-central-energy-fund-cef","tag-fuel","tag-osuth-africa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/808579","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/92"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=808579"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/808579\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":808598,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/808579\/revisions\/808598"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/650983"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=808579"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=808579"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=808579"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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