We know you’re fed up with the incessant fuel price hikes. (Join the club). Add to that the electricity price jump, rolling blackouts and the cost of a 2-litre bottle of cooking oil, and most people would be in for a whinge-fest of note. Could the situation get any more gloomy? (Let’s hope not!). Despite these frustrations of modern life, we as South Africans are overcomers – ever-innovative and hopeful. We are also problem-solvers who possess an intrinsic positive Mzansi mindset. (“’n Boer maak a plan”). When you wonder how you will manage with the petrol-price increases, there is no need to panic. Buying a more fuel-efficient car may be just the savvy solution to prevent your budget from plunging into the red.
If you are seriously thinking about selling your gas guzzler, here are a few top tips to help you find the most fuel-efficient car:
#1 Opt for a smaller ride
It is generally true that smaller cars boast more fuel-efficient results. A hot new Fiat 500 has a fuel consumption of 3.8l per 100km, while a hefty older Nissan Patrol glugs 17.7l per 100kms. However, squeezing your family of 5 into a two-seater Smart car might not be a practical solution to your petrol price woes but it is ‘smarter’ to buy a more economical option that meets your needs instead of travelling in an unnecessarily large vehicle. (Opt to downsize).
#2 Opt for an extra gear
Whoever said “less is more” was clearly not a car engineer. Keep your engine running at its most frugal on fuel by changing to a higher gear to avoid too much revving (which may sound cool but generally only gets heads turning).
#3 Opt for a newer model
Manufacturers are constantly evolving their designs to find new ways of improving fuel efficiency in cars because they realise that it’s a priority for buyers. A few years can end up making a big difference. Vehicles are being built lighter and laws have become harsher for less environmentally-friendly cars, which often has the offset of affecting fuel efficiency. (Selling your older model might be a wise solution).
If you’re browsing the new car showrooms you’ll hear the term ‘turbocharged’ a whole lot. A turbocharger is a pump pushing more air into the air-fuel mixture of the engine bringing more oxygen which often results in better fuel consumption. But there’s a catch. Turbocharging a small engine can optimise fuel efficiency, but turbocharging a standard size engine can end up costing more.
#4 Opt to avoid unnecessary features
Extra features often end up increasing the vehicle’s overall weight, increasing aerodynamic drag and drawing extra power from the engine.
A remote car starter, for example, might seem like a nice add-on while you wait for the kids to collect every last forgotten item before hitting the road, but it actually wastes fuel by starting the car before you are ready to drive.
Permanent roof racks are also a no-no when not in use since they increase the aerodynamic drag and weight of the car.
While it would be silly to opt for a car without air conditioning in the modern era (particularly in our summer South African climate), it is wise to remember that keeping on an aircon can increase fuel consumption by over 20%. Rather drop your windows while driving in the city (perhaps not in Jozi) or buy a car with a sunroof and tilt function to boost ventilation without increasing drag.
#5 Opt for fuel-efficient add-ons
When deciding which new car to buy, bear in mind the following points that will assist in making your car more fuel-efficient:
- Aluminium wheels – these are lighter than normal wheels and cars use less energy to move them.
- Block heater – this heats the car’s engine which means you begin with a semi-warm engine and increased fuel efficiency in winter.
- Cruise control – keep your speed consistent on longer trips by avoiding unnecessary slow downs and acceleration which directly impact fuel consumption.
- Navigation system – avoid detours by driving the most direct route to your destination.
- Tachometer – this lets you know when it would be best to shift gears in a manual transmission.
- Tinted windows – help block the sun’s heat and reduce the need for air conditioning.
Opt to sell your car to a reputable online marketplace
When you find the most fuel-efficient new car to buy, make sure you optimise your returns on your old vehicle by selling it for the best cash price on an innovative and reputable online platform.