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Cape Town - Earlier this month, Wheels24 reported that South African motorists will have to fork out more for petrol and diesel as a fuel price hike is expected at the end of August 2017.
Petrol, diesel to rise
The Automobile Association's mid-month fuel outlook prediction shows that petrol is expected to climb by 63 cents a litre and diesel by 57 cents.
READ: 'Hefty' fuel price hike for South Africa - AA
With the rising petrol and diesel prices set to affect all motorists and commuters, we list a few ways you can save fuel
1. Run your errands strategically
Make the most out of your trips. A visit to your local mall should be used as an opportunity to get all the goods you need until the next time you are required to use your car. Plans your trips ahead of time and you'll find that your fuel consumption will drop.
2. Be kind to your throttle
Unless the situation demands it, there's really no need to speed, especially from robot-to-robot as is so often the case in SA. The faster you go, the more fuel you'll burn, so be patient and ease the throttle. Jamming your foot down on the accelerator and slamming on the brakes will increase your fuel consumption.
3. Keep your vehicle in good shape
If you take care of your vehicle, it will take care of you. Performing regular oil and water checks and making sure to test your tyre pressure will ensure your car is running optimally. Be vigilant for any unusual sounds or smells that could spell disaster for your motor. A vehicle that's running smoothly is much more frugal than a car in poor condition.
4. Plan your route effectively
Rush hour traffic has no mercy on your tank; Constantly accelerating and braking results in poor fuel economy. This can be avoided by leaving for work slightly earlier (or much later) to avoid traffic.
5. Make use of public transport
Using public transport has become one of the preferred options among many commuters amidst the ever-increase price of fuel. While paying considerably less when travelling via public transport to work, you could save yourself the worry of how far your tank will take you.
READ: Fuel-efficiency in SA: debunking the myths
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