Another petrol price increase
On August 7, the petrol price is expected to increase by 61c, according to national media.
This means that motorists will be paying nearly R14 per litre of petrol.
Based on the fuel levy and tax increase announced by Finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, in February, on the July petrol increase, motorists are paying R3.69 in tax on every litre of 95 unleaded petrol.
If a motorist fills up a 60 litre petrol tank, they will pay R221.41 in tax to the government.
Tips to save petrol
Poor fuel consumption could be due to many reasons. These may include a number of things, such as:
* The engine may need a good tune-up. If it pulls strongly, idles smoothly at the correct speed and starts easily, then there cannot be much wrong with it. On the other hand, if it misbehaves in any way, this will usually show up in a worsening fuel consumption and a good service should set matters right.
* The brakes may be binding. This can be checked by stopping on a slight incline and seeing if the car will run forward when you release the brakes. If it does not run forward, the most likely reason is a binding handbrake or rear drum brakes. Disc brakes often make a slight scraping sound when coasting, which is normal.
* The wheel alignment may be out and, on modern front-wheel drive cars, the rear wheels also have to be set, in many cases. This can be checked by inspecting the tyres for abnormal wear patterns.
* The tyres may be running soft — the pressures are too low. This will show up as an unworn strip in the centre of the tread area.
* Other drag-inducing elements are roof carriers, even when they are unladen and spoilers.
* There may be a fuel leak in the line, either underneath the car or under the bonnet. Look at your garage floor after you have pulled out to spot such leaks.
* Examine your driving style. One of the oil companies has found that, in its own fleet, the difference between the worst driver and the best, in terms of fuel consumption on similar models, is something like 15 per cent.
* Habits that waste fuel include frequent full-throttle acceleration, keeping the choke operative after the engine no longer needs it, frequent braking in traffic because of bad planning and driving at high speeds.
* The engine may be running too cold, because the thermostat has the wrong heat value or has been removed. This will also increase engine wear.
