MOTORING NEWS - The National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa) reported a 9% year-on-year drop, with passenger car sales of the total market making up a 13,2% fall year-on-year.
Motorists are holding onto their vehicles for longer, so the need to maintain your car and get as much value out of it as possible is becoming increasingly important.
Aftermarket Solutions have offered some tips of driving your car at optimal performance and ensuring that it will last longer and save in the long run:
Frequent, sometimes unnecessary driving not only consumes fuel, but also adds to congested roads and highways. Save time and fuel by tackling several errands in one trip.
Open windows add drag to a vehicle, which contributes to higher petrol bills. Keep windows up and the air conditioner on helps improve the aerodynamics of a vehicle and saves fuel.
Many newer vehicles come with this environmentally friendly, fuel-saving on-off system. For older vehicles, switch your vehicle off when waiting for someone and put it into neutral at red traffic lights to reduce load on the engine.
Keep tyres properly inflated
Read the vehicle owner's manual to understand what the correct pressure should be, but also when to reduce or increase it, depending on the load of the vehicle or the surface of the road.Check tyre pressure
Do this at least twice a month, and replace tyres when necessary at a vehicle servicing workshop.Avoid hard braking and acceleration
This aggressive way of driving wastes fuel, is bad for the planet and wears out brake pads faster. Replace brake pads when necessary - at a Midas store or visit the nearest CBS Workshop.
A well-maintained vehicle that is regularly checked for the correct oil and cooling-system levels and disposables like tyres and lights will give better, longer service and ensure a better resale price.
Driving fast forces your engine to work harder by pumping out and consuming more fuel. The optimal cruising speed is 80 to 90km/h.
To avoid damaging expensive parts, drivers of manual cars should drive in the right gear and change gears smoothly.
Use the highways
Stop-start driving on smaller, more congested streets consumes more fuel. Get onto a highway and maintain a more regular, consistent speed.
A new vehicle isn't an investment - the moment it is driven off the showroom floor, the asset begins depreciating in value. For city dwellers, buying a cheaper, smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicle will help with greater savings in the long run.
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