This is how you can increase your fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is important to most people. The type of car we drive, whether to choose a petrol or diesel model and how to drive our cars, are all crucial factors for motorists to take into consideration.
Petrol versus diesel
This is an age old discussion which appears to have no easy answer. It all depends on what kind of car you’ll be driving and what kind of driving you do.
Diesel is better suited to long drives while petrol is better for shorter distances. You will get more mileage from a diesel engine than petrol.
Diesel cars are usually more expensive but the initial outlay is made worthwhile because the cost of diesel is cheaper and these cars usually last longer than petrol cars.
Petrol cars do tend to get away with fewer services and infrequent oil top ups.
The consensus appears to be that larger cars and SUVs should be diesel while smaller cars should be petrol.
Which kind of car?
If you’re concerned about the fuel efficiency of your car, you are likely quite budget conscious. One car which consistently makes the list as one of the most affordable in South Africa is the Chevrolet Spark.
The Spark Lite was recently described as being able to “get you from A to B safely and in comfort… efficiently too”.
Fuel saving tips
The Automobile Association of South Africa recommends drivers adhere to these fuel saving tips:
*Check your tyre pressure. Under inflated tyres are dangerous and increase the amount of fuel used.
*Service your car regularly. A service will find issues which affect consumption like faulty filters.
*Reduce your drag. Roof racks and bicycle holders should be removed when not in use.
*Use high quality fuels. Tests have shown that different fuel types affect consumption by up to 35km extra per tank.
*Turn off your aircon. It uses power from your engine, requiring more fuel.
*Lighten your load. Your engine has to work harder and use more fuel when carrying additional weight.
*Avoid stop/start driving. Lifting off the accelerator earlier and slowing down gently saves fuel.
*Avoid excessive idling. During idling periods of several minutes or more, switch off completely.
*Ease off the accelerator. DOn’t accelerate hard or use high engine speeds. Rather change up a gear earlier.
*Avoid short journeys. Your engine will use more fuel when it is cold for the first few minutes of the journey.
*Change down a gear on an incline. Don’t labour up a hill in a high gear, rather change down and keep the engine speed higher.