So the petrol prices have gone up again? Ouch that's not such good news to our wallets.
But dont despair. The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (NAAMSA) has some sage advice for you.
The association on Tuesday said as demand for energy rises, its cost as a precious resource also rises.
"This is exactly what motorists have experienced in South Africa as a result of the rising price of crude oil, compounded by exchange rate depreciation resulting in record prices of fuel at the pump," it said.
Petrol prices reach record highs this week, as the Department of Energy on Monday announced that the price of petrol will rise by between 99 cents and R 1 a litre.
The association had these tips for motorists to improve their vehicle fuel efficiency:
- Measure the fuel consumption of your vehicle and consider replacing your vehicle with a more modern, high technology, fuel-efficient product.
- Avoid unnecessary journeys/ Plan your journey.
- Service your car according to the manufacturers recommended schedule.
- Poor maintenance can significantly increase fuel consumption.
- Check tyre pressure regularly.
- Low tyre pressures increase vehicle "drag" and hence fuel consumption.
- Drive smoothly.
- In the case of manual transmission, vehicles change up as soon as engine speed and conditions allow.
- Moderate your speed.
- Fuel consumption increases significantly when driving at speeds over 100 km/hr.
- Reduce weight in the car by removing heavy items if you are not using them, e.g. roof-rack, etc.
- Use only quality, clean fuels.
- Use of contaminated fuels can result in fuel injection equipment deterioration and increased fuel consumption.
- Avoid travelling during peak hours.
- Optimum fuel economy is achieved during steady constant speed driving. Stop-start driving significantly increases fuel consumption.
- Use air conditioning sparingly.
The association represents the collective, non-competitive interests of the new motor vehicle manufacturing industry in South Africa and comprises 22 companies involved in the production of cars and commercial vehicles which businesses collectively employ about 30 000 persons.