Isuzu Botswana Tips On Saving Fuel
It’s no secret that the price of fuel rises like a rocket and falls like a feather. The cost for a litre of Diesel at the time of writing is P13.90.
Since petrol and diesel prices fluctuate and tend to increase rather than decrease. It’s difficult to know when prices will come down. You’ll need to be smart about saving fuel and how to save on fuel costs before you reach the pump. Fortunately for you, there are many ways to significantly save on fuel and fuel costs – without much effort, we might add.
Here are Isuzu Botswana's tips on saving fuel;
Your Driving Habits:
- Try Driving Less:
With rising fuel costs, there are several reasons why people are choosing to walk or bicycle to their destinations. It’s not so hard to do either.
A good tip on saving fuel is to combine your errand runs into one trip, meaning fewer trips into town. Use your bicycle to ride to work, of course, that’s if you have one. Get your cardio in by walking to shops if they are nearby. Forming a carpool system is another fantastic way you can save on fuel.
- Try Keeping Your Warm-Ups To Under A Minute:
Cold mornings in Botswana are fortunately few and in the past engines would need to “warm up” before setting off. Warming your car for longer than a minute wastes fuel and emits large amounts of Greenhouse Gases. Modern engines like Isuzu’s petrol and diesel varieties don’t require an extended length of time to warm up.
- The Time Of Day To Buy Fuel
Try purchasing your fuel early in the morning or late in the day when it cools down. Fuel is cooler earlier in the day, and denser. When temperatures rise, petrol density falls and you get less out when you’re pumping.
Diesel engines, on the other hand, are more efficient the warmer the weather gets.
- Slow Down!
Driving fast can be fun, but it also increases drag, which increases fuel consumption. Driving just below the speed limit and not accelerating quickly uses petrol more efficiently. This could help you fill up a lot less often on fuel.
- Monitor Your Braking
Excessive braking wastes gas and causes your brake pads to wear out quicker. Always maintain a safe distance from yourself and the car in front of you. Especially if there’s heavy traffic – that way, you won’t need to brake as often as if you were tailgating.
Keeping a safe distance allows you to start braking earlier, avoiding the need to slam on the brakes. Slamming your brakes decreases the efficiency of your car and wastes fuel.
- Turn The Engine Off
If you’re waiting around for a while, turn your engine off. Idling your car wastes a large amount of fuel and contributes to pollutants in the atmosphere.
- Eliminate Wind Resistance
Your open windows increase drag. This, in the long run, costs you fuel. So try keeping your windows closed whenever possible. Also, remove any sort of rack you may have attached to your car when not in use. Removing racks will increase the aerodynamics of your car, thus saving you fuel.
- Don’t Get Caught Without Petrol
If you wait until your tank is almost empty, you may find yourself stuck far from a petrol station. Driving on an empty tank causes damage to your fuel pump. Always make sure you’ve filled up before driving off.
Car Maintenance:
- Keep An Eye On Those Tyres
Under-inflation causes tyres to wear out faster which causes you to waste fuel. Properly inflated tyres reduce friction and offer better fuel mileage.
However, temperature changes can cause tyre pressure to fluctuate by as much as 0.908 kg- 1,36 kg, so be sure to check the psi regularly – especially during seasons when the weather shifts drastically. Contact your local garage and ask if they perform tyre checks or go to your local petrol station.
- Service Your Engine Regularly
Your engine needs to be serviced regularly. A regularly serviced engine uses less petrol. Can’t remember the last time you had your engine serviced? We think it’s time you gave us a call to book a service.
Also, keep an eye on your air filter. Air filters are changed during service but if you drive on dusty roads these filters may need changing more regularly. It is a relatively inexpensive procedure and the increase in fuel efficiency may cover the cost and more.
- Use the Correct Motor Oil For Your Engine
Be sure to use the proper motor oil for your engine. If you’re not sure which type your car requires, check the owner’s manual or Isuzu owners can contact us. Using the wrong motor oil can cause damage to the engine causing it to work harder and waste petrol.
- Time To Turn Off the A/C
As much as you may love your air conditioning, it turns your car into a petrol guzzler. Keep it turned off as much as possible. Keep your car cooler by parking in the shade and rolling down the windows a crack to circulate air.
Transmissions & Fuel Efficiency:
- Drive A Manual Transmission
Manual transmission cars are more fuel-efficient than automatic transmission. If you drive a manual, shift up early and shift down late to save on fuel. Also, shift into neutral when the car is standing still to reduce the strain on your transmission.
- Manage Your Speed
If your car is automatic, use the cruise control button to manage your speed and conserve fuel.
Planning Ahead:
- Download a Fuel App
Using a smartphone app can help save you money at the petrol station. There are multiple apps which are not only available for iPhone, but also Android, Blackberry, Windows phones, and many others.
- Choose the Quickest And Easiest Route
Whenever possible, take the route with the least stops. The shortest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient way...
Finally
The cost of fuel has fluctuated wildly over the last decade, but chances are that we won’t be seeing low fuel prices again for a long while. However, instead of simply waiting for fuel prices to fall, try to focus on finding clever and simple ways to save money. Invest in an economical vehicle with a high MPG when you make your next purchase. Continue to take care of your current vehicle, and try to carpool to work. And if possible, walk or ride a bike whenever the opportunity presents itself, rather than driving. It’s good for the environment and even greater for your health.
Need some more Isuzu Botswana tips on car safety, fuel-saving and car maintenance? We have you covered with all the latest tips and tricks for your vehicle and you.
