The most effective fuel saving tip

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WITH analysts predicting yet another sharp rise in the petrol price, sharing the load may just be the key to staying on the road without breaking the bank.

So said Budget Insurance, and whether you like it or not it makes sense. A lot of sense.

‘Just a few weeks into the New Year and already experts have predicted hefty petrol price hikes.

‘Petrol is showing a potential climb of between 28 cents and 32 cents per litre, with 15 cents per litre for diesel and 9 cents per litre for illuminating paraffin,’ said Martin Janse van Rensburg of Budget Insurance.

‘Not the type of news we want to hear at the start of the year because for some, it is already unaffordable.’

Janse van Rensburg said that car-pooling was by far the best, yet often overlooked, way to manage rising transport costs.

At the same time, he points out that you get to reduce the amount of time you spend behind the wheel, and decrease wear and tear on your car.

Here are some additional fuel-saving tips:

* Plan your outings and errands so that you can do all of those which are in the same vicinity at the same time rather than taking your car out to travel the same route on different days.

* Don’t speed.

* Avoid stop-start driving.

* Accelerate steadily, rather than ‘flooring it’.

* Use your vehicle’s air-conditioner sparingly as it increases fuel consumption.

* Make sure your car’s exhaust system is in a good condition.

* Use cruise control, if possible.

* Don’t ride the clutch or brakes.

* Keep a manual transmission in the highest gear possible without straining the engine.

* Close the car’s windows when driving. An open window creates drag that increases fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.

* Do not carry unnecessary weight in your car, because the heavier the load, the more petrol your car uses.

* Optimise the efficiency of your car by carrying out regular services and ensuring that the tyres are appropriately inflated.