Motorists are already suffering financially from the pandemic, and the recent fuel price increases exacerbate the situation. Yet, we need our holidays to catch our breath, which means long journeys by car. Read the following tips on how to save fuel while driving on holiday.1
What’s the hurry?1
It’s incredible how many motorists are caught up in a frantic speeding habit to get to their destination as soon as possible. Will arriving 1 hour later at the coast make such a crucial difference to our lives? So, slow down and enjoy the journey. So often we forget to take in the beautiful countryside and the cosmos flowers on the side of the road. Going slower means a car is experiencing much less air resistance and thus less fuel consumption. And you will be driving below the speed limit, which makes it safer for everyone.
Watch the rev counter1
With some modern cars, a light comes on the dashboard telling you to shift into a higher gear. In other words, you are always keeping the engine revs low, thus saving fuel. Avoid fast start-and-stop manoeuvres, which only wastes fuel. With an automatic car, accelerate slowly to allow the transmission to change into higher gears.
Copy the heavy-duty trucks1
Trucks travel at a steady pace which is much more economical than rapid acceleration and stopping experienced during a traffic rush. In addition, less acceleration and gear changing mean less fuel is wasted.
Be careful when buying new tyres1
It may look very sporty when you have your car fitted with extra-wide tyres, but unfortunately, it will cause a greater rolling resistance. This is due to the increased surface area touching the road surface, which in turn causes greater fuel consumption. So preferably stick to the standard tyres designed for driving long distances.
Do you really need that huge car? 1
Yes, you currently need a large car for your family, but circumstances do change with time. When you buy the next new car, even though you may be used to driving a large one, preferably choose a smaller car. Smaller cars use less fuel and still get you comfortably to your next destination.
Don’t forget to check the tyre pressure1
Underinflated tyres cause greater friction on the road compared to normally inflated ones. This is because the tyre’s surface area touching the road surface has increased considerably. As a result, the engine must now work harder to maintain the same speed, thus needing extra fuel. Buy a calibrated tyre gauge to test the tyre pressure regularly as the garage pumps vary in the pressure they deliver.
Air-conditioners require fuel1
Minimize the extra 10% of the fuel that an air conditioner consumes typically by using it sparingly. For example, driving with the windows open is only economical up to 80 km/hr, after which the air resistance is too great, costing more fuel.
In these rough economic times, every cent counts, and that’s why we should avoid wasting fuel. But do you currently have affordable car insurance? Are you sure you are not paying too much? Why not contact PMD for more information on their affordable car insurance products?
Source:
1https://germistoncitynews.co.za/108767/how-to-save-fuel-while-enjoying-your-holiday/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.