POLOKWANE – Although motorists will enjoy a slight drop in fuel prices from Wednesday, every litre still counts. By adopting smarter driving habits, you can stretch your fuel budget even further.

Review Online spoke to Wilma van der Merwe of Synchro Auto Pty Ltd, who shared practical ways to reduce fuel consumption while also extending the life of your vehicle.

“By following these tips, you can reduce your fuel consumption, make your tyres last longer and extend the life of your vehicle,” she said.

Here are her top fuel-saving tips:

Keep your vehicle in top condition

• Check your tyre pressure regularly. Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, causing your vehicle to use more fuel.
• Service your vehicle on schedule. Replace the air, oil and fuel filters according to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.
• Use the recommended engine oil. The correct oil helps the engine run more efficiently.
• Maintain proper wheel alignment and balance. Incorrect alignment creates additional resistance and accelerates tyre wear.

Drive smarter to use less fuel

• Drive smoothly. Avoid sudden acceleration and harsh braking. Gentle acceleration uses less fuel.
• Stick to the speed limit. Higher speeds significantly increase fuel consumption.
• Use the correct gear. Driving at lower engine revs, without placing the engine under strain, helps improve fuel efficiency.
• Avoid unnecessary idling. Switch off the engine if you expect to be stationary for longer than a minute.
• Limit air conditioning use. Only use it when necessary, as it increases fuel consumption.
• Keep windows closed at higher speeds. Open windows create drag, increasing fuel consumption.

Plan ahead for extra savings

• Lighten the load. Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle, as extra weight increases fuel usage.
• Plan your journeys. Combine errands into a single trip to reduce unnecessary driving.

Following these simple habits can help motorists save on fuel costs while reducing wear and tear on their vehicles.