Driving to achieve maximum efficiency is more crucial than it has ever been before as a result of the persistent rise in the price of fuel. There are many things you can do, whether you’re driving on or off the road, to further decrease your fuel usage and save some of your hard-earned rands.
As we get ready to travel for the holidays in December, here are a few driving safety and fuel-saving tips from Ford to assist you in getting the most out of your trip:
Regularly Maintenance Your Car
Maintaining your vehicle in pristine condition is of the utmost importance. Take it to any Ford dealer (or a specific service station) in the country to guarantee that it receives routine maintenance. You can reduce the likelihood of unforeseen problems developing in a vehicle by ensuring that it receives routine maintenance. This, in turn, enables the automobile to operate at its highest level of capability while also reducing the amount of fuel it uses.
Changing the oil and the filter, as well as the lights, wipers, tyres, belts, and brakes, are all examples of important service parts. If they are not functioning at their best, they could be causing your vehicle to exert more effort and consume more electricity.
Always Make Sure to Check Your Tyres
If your tyres are worn or deflated, either of these factors can significantly raise their rolling resistance, which means that your car will have to work harder to travel at the same speed. This indicates that the car will have a difficult time reaching certain speeds, which will result in increased petrol consumption. Be very careful when selecting replacement tyres, as installing non-standard aftermarket tyres on your vehicle can have a significant negative impact on its fuel economy.
As a driver, you should make it a habit to regularly check the pressure in your tyres. Make sure that your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation (this information will usually be on a placard that is located on the inside of a door sill), which will normally include both the laden and unladen numbers.
Get Rid of the Excess Baggage
When your vehicle is carrying a heavier load, it will require a greater quantity of fuel. When you’re going on a road trip and want to save money on petrol or diesel, one of the most important things you can do is get rid of any excess weight. A refrigerator, tool kits, spades, driving lights, bicycle racks, and a great number of other accessories all add extra weight to the vehicle and may cause additional drag, both of which contribute to the vehicle’s overall increase in fuel consumption.
Please Drive Cautiously
The use of harsh acceleration and braking can result in a significant increase in the amount of fuel consumed. Keep a good lookout on the road and the traffic around you, and make an effort to respond to changes as soon as they occur. This will allow you to accelerate more slowly, coast earlier, and brake more gently.
Always use the active cruise control feature of more modern vehicles whenever possible, and make sure that the fuel consumption display is on so that you can keep records of how much petrol you are using.
Towing
Towing a trailer will cause you to consume more petrol than normal, although there are still stuff you can do to maximize fuel efficiency, such as maintaining a slower speed than normal. It is possible to reduce drag and, as a result, save fuel by traveling 10-15 km/h slower than the speed limit. This is important not only because it means you will waste less time braking and regaining lost speed through acceleration, but also because it means you will spend less time braking.
Forecasts of Hot Weather
Due to the warmer weather in December, you will find yourself automatically reaching for the air conditioner. A car’s fuel consumption may increase by as much as 20% if it is equipped with air conditioning. You should only use the circulation air conditioning system with the windows up on the highway. Open the windows when you’re driving in the city, but keep them closed when you’re on the highway. If you must use the air conditioner, make sure the recirculate setting is selected. It will reduce the amount of effort that is required for the system to function.
Advice for the Chilly Climate
During the colder months, if you have access to a garage where you can park your vehicle overnight, you will have a jumpstart when it comes to heating your car. Also, turning on your car’s heater before starting the engine and letting it run for several minutes is not a good idea because it will cause you to use more fuel than if you did not do either of these things. The engines of most modern vehicles are developed to be driven from the moment they are started. They also warm up more effectively when they are being driven, which improves the performance of the heater and helps reduce petrol consumption.
This information is especially useful for drivers in South Africa because it will assist you in getting ready for the December holidays. The Automobile Association of America (AA) has stated that there will be an increase in the cost of fuel during the holiday season, so following these pointers could result in significant cost savings. Put yourself to the test this holiday season and see how much money you can save.