Managing the fuel prices with your car
Fuel prices have failed to come down. Blame the government, the fuel companies, whoever cares to listen but in this liberalised economy, demand and supply rules. And although demand for several fuel-sipping cars like the Vitz, Raum and Spacio have mushroomed in the market over the last few years, they still account for a very small percentage of cars on the road. For many people times are getting tough at the pump. Even owners of small cars are feeling the pinch.
But let us face it, you cannot just walk away from your car, even if it does use more fuel than you would like. Furthermore, many people simply need a particular car for their family, a pickup for their work, or an SUV for its versatility and show. Fortunately, there is a way for you to increase your fuel mileage, no matter what kind of car you own.
The idea is to maximize your mileage by driving efficiently, and contrary to what you may think, this doesn’t mean you have to crawl around at Sunday-drive speeds. Fuel efficient driving is combining smooth driving techniques with basic car maintenance.
It turns out, though, that “fuel efficient” driving in Kampala is often hard to practice. Too many uncertainties and uncoordinated traffic officers with good intentions of proper flow of traffic but with poor execution. You’re continuously stopping and starting (increasing the load on the engine) but as they say practice makes perfect.
Now, here are some other techniques that you can employ to reduce your car’s fuel consumption:
Reduce engine load
A key factor in reducing fuel consumption is the load placed on your car’s engine. Reduce the load, and you will reduce the fuel it requires. In practice, this means adopting a smooth and even driving style.
Rapid acceleration uses considerably more fuel while moderate acceleration uses less fuel. In short accelerate smoothly, brake in good time, and try to maintain an even speed en route. Only use the AC if you really have to as it increases the engine load hence fuel consumption. Reduce unnecessary weight in or on your car. For example, remove unnecessary items from the boot. Simply change your driving style.
Relax behind the wheel and don’t pull away from the lights aggressively. Smoothly accelerate like you have eggs in the back and you’ll get better mileage.
Travel off peak
Get up earlier to skip stop-and-go traffic. You’re getting terrible mileage when you’re stuck bumper to bumper traffic.
Avoid unnecessary idling
Except when driving in traffic, turn off your car when waiting for extended periods of time, turn up the music and chill to music rather than the air conditioner. Remember when idling you mileage is zero.
Maintain proper tyre pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase the engine load thus higher fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressure monthly and set them to the factory recommended pressure. Note that the correct pressure for your car is not the maximum pressure identified on the tyre.
Engine condition and air filter
Keep your car’s engine in good condition. A key component is the air filter, an inexpensive part that can increase fuel consumption if clogged. It’s a simple fix.
Car pool or use public means
You may car pool with your neighbour or use public means at least twice a week. You’ll be surprised how much savings you make.
Have the right car.
If you are struggling with fuel with that Harrier just to impress your buddies, it’s time to think again. Sometimes we forget that the fundamental purpose of a car is to move you from A to B and the how is secondary. Simply get a fuel efficient car.
