Industry NewsMotoring

Get the most from what you have

The effects of the national lockdown will be with us for a long time.

It has, and still probably is teaching us to reevaluate our lives and how we do things. If you own a business, you are both trying to save money and recover your losses incurred during lockdown.

If you are a fleet owner, managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says, “Fleet managers need to adopt a mindset where they aim to get the most out of what they have”.

“Telematics data provides information on problematic braking, acceleration, coasting and cruising, which when rectified through training can result in savings as crashes are reduced and fuel efficiency increased.”

Speedometer and arrow on 220 (done in 3d)

This data, when correctly analysed and interpreted, will indicate problematic areas in terms of driver behaviour and vehicle usage.

Herbert points to the following areas of concern and attention.

Speed: Sudden increases and decreases in speed, consumes up to 20% more fuel.

Anticipation: Looking 12 seconds ahead will improve the driver’s ability to adapt to traffic conditions and possible hazardous situations.

Vehicle technology: Engaging cruise control on long-distance and highway driving, can assist with saving fuel.

RPM: It is always advise to keep your vehicle’s engine revolutions between 2 500 and 3 000. This is often referred to as the green band as it produces the best fuel consumption usage.

Idling: “Idling your car engine for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your car,” said Herbert. Reducing unnecessary engine idling, can produce significant savings.

Regular training will stop bad driving habits and improve cost-effectiveness within a fleet.

Source: Motorpress

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Matthys Ferreira

Served in SAPS for 22 years - specialised in forensic and crime scene investigation and forensic photography. A stint in photographic sales and management followed. Been the motoring editor at Lowveld Media since 2007. "A petrol head I am not but I am good at what I do".
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