Ensuring that your vehicle is well maintained can lead to anywhere from a 4% to a 40% improvement in fuel consumption depending on the severity of the issue, according to MotorHappy.
To help you ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently at all times, the company has provided a set of easy maintenance tips that any vehicle owner can regularly perform.
As fuel prices in South Africa continue to climb at frightening rates, every action taken to improve fuel consumption can assist in prolonging the trips to the filling station and saving you money in the long run.
Car maintenance anyone can do
MotorHappy’s first tip for car owners is to check that the vehicle’s tyres are properly inflated at regular intervals.
Wheels inflated to the correct pressure will result in better weight distribution, in turn improving fuel efficiency as well as prolonging the life of the tyres.
If they are not inflated correctly, it will create more friction and rolling resistance in addition to uneven weight distribution across each wheel, leading to poorer vehicle performance and more wear-and-tear.
It can also mean you’ll have to replace the tyres earlier than you would have had to if they were properly inflated.
The correct pressure for a particular vehicle’s tyres can usually be located on a sticker found inside the driver’s door lining, or in the user manual.
Another way to improve efficiency is to check the engine oil levels.
Sufficient lubricant can extend the lifespan of various mechanical components and will also result in better fuel consumption as the powertrain is running smoother.
Energy efficient oil can also be bought to further enhance this effect, said MotorHappy.
Replacing clogged air filters is an additional measure that can be taken to reduce inefficiencies, as a clogged filter limits the amount of air getting into the motor leading to it having to work harder to achieve the same results, and therefore burning more fuel.
Finally, it is recommended that you always double-check that your fuel cap is properly secured to avoid the fuel inside slowly vaporizing and escaping, said MotorHappy.
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