After several consecutive increases of fuel prices, motorists will be elated by the decrease in fuel prices next week by R1.10 per litre for ULP95 and 45c per litre for diesel. Waiting for the petrol price decrease is, however, not the only way motorists can reduce their fuel spend.
While price will see a considerable drop, does this mean motorists can relax when it comes to conserving fuel? The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert says, “It is imperative that motorists remain cognisant that fuel prices remain high. Despite the decrease, do not neglect economical driving to further reduce fuel costs.”
Vehicle selection
If you will be buying a new vehicle soon, consider vehicles that prioritise fuel efficiency through design and engineering. According to research from the International Energy Agency, the average fuel consumption of modern light-duty vehicles decreased on average by 1.3% per year between 2005 and 2019. Other research shows certain vehicles provide an average of 44% savings in fuel spend.
Driver training
Yet, purchasing a new car may not be an option for many. This is not the only way motorists can reduce their fuel spend. The use of defensive driving techniques can account for up to 20% savings in fuel spend.
Defensive driving not only reduces your chances of collisions on the road but can also save on fuel spend:
- Vehicle RPMs between 2 000 and 3 000, can reduce fuel spending by up to 20%
- Watching 12 seconds ahead helps anticipate traffic conditions to reduce unnecessary braking and acceleration
- Avoiding sudden lane changes and harsh acceleration reduces fuel consumption
- Reducing speed by 20km/h can help reduce fuel consumption by 20%
- Three-second following distances reduce the need to slow down and accelerate again
Ensuring drivers are sufficiently trained is essential to reduce overall fuel spend. “Individuals and organisations may not be able to control the fuel price fluctuations, however, one can adopt a range of fuel-saving strategies. By upskilling yourself and workforces with driver training, it results in both fuel saving and safer driving habits,” says Herbert.