Has this month’s fuel increase kicked in and your pocket is without a doubt feeling the effect of it? Not to even mention the speculation that another expected fuel increase is going to take effect by the end of October. Although you are confronted with uncertainty revolving increases and the economy, NOW is NOT the time to go sit in a corner. Instead, do something proactive about your travel-ways, and since it is National Transport Month, why not change the way you think about transport and become a frugal traveller instead.
Here are 10 considerations/tips to help you change the way you think about transport for the better:
- Driving quite a distance to get to work? Why not join a lift club? It not only takes the pressure off being the designated driver all the time, but it can also be more cost-effective as everybody shares costs to pay for the fuel.
- Don’t drive to different shopping centres to do your necessary shopping or when you need to buy your groceries. Choose the outlet or shopping centre/mall closest to your home or office so that you can try and lower your fuel usage. And, ever considered online shopping (that includes at your door delivery services)? This can ensure fewer trips and costs to worry about.
- If you are glued to your phone, why not try out and find a convenient phone app that works for you and help the way you think about transport and travel? Take a look at SA Fuel Price, FillApp, PitStops (diesel price) or Fuel Log 3 and find the user-friendly one to help you regulate your fuel usage or to help you better plan your next top up.
- If you have to travel during the upcoming December/Christmas holiday and friends or family members are also driving from your area to the same destination, consider carpooling and use fewer cars, for example.
- Check your wheel alignment (per year) to avoid ‘unexpected’ wear and tear on your tires.
- Make sure you also check your tyre pressure each month to improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
- Always in a rush? Rather avoid toll routes, where/if possible, and take alternative, scenic routes instead. When you come into the habit of things it becomes second nature to you and you deserve some ‘calm time’ on the road these days, don’t you think?
- Experts recommend that you will get the best fuel consumption by driving in the highest gear possible and maintaining a constant speed from point A (your home) to point B (your destination).
- Do note that if you drive at a very high speed your fuel consumption will also be higher. Thus, drive at a more reasonable (not-too-highish and below 100km/h) speed instead.
- Since it is spring and almost summertime – be aware that your air-con uses more fuel when you drive at a lower speed.
Let National Transport Month be the perfect encourager to change your way of travel-thinking for the better. It is the ideal time to financially improve your drive and to also be grateful that your country’s roads have so much to offer when you have a ‘frugal mindset’ towards it.
If you are finding yourself in a tight spot already and the above tips can do nothing for your over-indebted situation, get in contact with our team: