Tips to help your petrol go further
Updated | By Poelano Malema
South Africans are feeling the pinch from the rising petrol price. Here is how you can ensure you don't spend more than you have to.
The fuel price in South Africa sits at over R20 a litre. Experts have warned that this price might increase to R40 a litre soon.
This is devastating news for South Africans, especially judging by how many are already battling to make ends meet.
The high cost of fuel means that food prices and other services will go up. This includes public transport fees.
It also means people will have less to spend on other goods and services after having to fork out more on filling up their cars.
Scores of people have taken to social media to talk about how the petrol price has been crippling their pockets.
READ: Increase in new car sales in February compared to previous year
I don’t care how much you make or save! This is getting out of line pic.twitter.com/4cybMh7UAa
— Tbo Touch (@iamtbotouch) March 6, 2022
I went to put Petrol/Diesel today. This is exactly how it felt! pic.twitter.com/2UzEYzeRcB
— Kaylan Mawa (@KLM_Pace) March 6, 2022
Dear @PresidencyZA and @MondliGungubel_
— KingSol (@MLefito) March 7, 2022
This is just a small voice coming from the South.
Please cut off this petrol levy, so we can breath. As things stand oil prices is way too high with a possibility of increase by month end. We know you can't help us with Eskom.
South Africa and petrol price 😱😱 at this rate I might as well buy a 🚲.
— Keamogetswe M (@MY_REEDEMA) March 3, 2022
Although the petrol price is high, there are ways that you can ensure that you don't spend much more money than you should.
Look out for rewards programmes
Many petrol stations offer a fuel rewards programme where you get rewarded for filling up at their stations.
Some of the stations even give money back which you can later use to refill.
Some retail stores and banks have also partnered with petrol stations so that when you fill up, you can earn back money which you can use to shop.
Reduce speed
When you drive fast, your car uses more petrol. According to an article in The Guardian, you can use 10% more fuel when speeding.
Your fuel tank is depleted quicker when you accelerate rapidly, like when you speed up to beat a red robot, and when you brake suddenly.
READ: PICTURES: Woman skips on petrol bill and attendant must cover it
Don’t ride the clutch
Many people ride the clutch while stuck in traffic. Not only will riding your clutch cause unnecessary wear, but it can also waste petrol.
Find the shortest routes
Before going on a trip, look for the shortest/quickest routes so that you can save on petrol.
Get rid of the heavy load
Don't go around carrying a lot of stuff that you don't need in your car. That will cause your car's engine to burn more fuel in order to move more weight.
Turn off the air conditioner
Switching on your air conditioner means the engine has to work harder and this can have an impact on your petrol usage.
Maintain your car
To ensure that your car is performing at its best, it is very important to service it regularly. This will ensure that the engine and other components work as they should.
According to Business Tech, worn spark plugs can be a big trouble-maker, increasing fuel consumption by up to 30%.
So, go ahead and follow the above advice to ensure you don't have to spend more money than you need to on ever-increasing petrol.
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Image courtesy of iStock/ @chutarat sae-khow
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