As the calendar turns to a new year, many South Africans set resolutions to improve their health, finances, or relationships. But what about resolutions for your driving habits?
Hear us out: Sustainable driving not only has the potential to save you money, but this approach to being behind the wheel can also keep you safer on the road, and benefit the environment, too. And in sunny South Africa, where fuel prices fluctuate and traffic congestion is a daily reality, adopting sustainable driving habits is more relevant than ever.
Here are a few practical resolutions you can make to drive smarter, reduce your carbon footprint, and embrace a greener future.
Plan Routes Efficiently
Avoid unnecessary mileage by planning your routes ahead of time. Use navigation apps to find the quickest, least congested paths and consider carpooling or ridesharing where possible. Fewer trips not only save fuel but also reduce vehicle wear and tear. That’s more money in your pocket and fewer emissions into the atmosphere.
Maintain Your Vehicle
A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Take advantage of the first month of the year to schedule regular services in your calendar so that you can have your engine, brakes, and exhaust system checked. Tyres should be properly inflated, as underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption, so rather make this a monthly habit to check when you fill up with fuel.
Drive Smoothly
Ever heard the expression, “Slow is smooth and smooth is fast?” That’s because when we rush or speed, whether it’s on the road or in life, we generally don’t actually get anywhere significantly faster. On the road, this faster approach tends to translate to aggressive driving, such as sudden acceleration and hard braking, which wastes fuel and increases emissions. Not to mention, putting your life at risk.
Rather commit to a smoother driving style by maintaining a steady speed, using cruise control on highways, and coasting to a stop whenever possible. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also prolongs the life of your brakes and tyres.
Avoid Excessive Idling
Many South Africans leave their cars idling during traffic jams or when waiting for passengers. Did you know that idling for more than 30 seconds wastes fuel and contributes to air pollution? When it’s safe to do so and if you anticipate being stationary for an extended period, rather turn off your engine.
Lighten Your Load
Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle increases fuel consumption. Aim to keep your car free from heavy items you don’t need by doing a daily clear out. If you have a roof rack, consider removing it when not in use to reduce drag.
Consider Alternative Transportation
For some South Africans walking is second nature, but for others it’s a rare choice. Make this year the year you opt to explore walking, cycling, or using public transport – especially for shorter trips. While South Africa doesn’t have the public transport system that much of Europe and America is home to, we are developing this infrastructure, and in the meantime, there are ride-hailing services which provide convenient alternatives to driving.
Drive Less By Combining Trips
Instead of making multiple trips throughout the week for groceries and household admin, consolidate your errands into one or two journeys. This reduces both the amount of time that you spend on the road and the amount you’ll spend on fuel. Planning ahead ensures you use your car more efficiently.
Adopt Eco-Friendly Habits
Small changes can collectively make a big difference. For example, driving less aggressively, carpooling, keeping your boot clear of heavy items, keeping your windows closed at high speeds to improve aerodynamics, and not using air conditioning excessively all comes together to impact your emissions and save on fuel.
The key is to remember that it’s all these little acts combined, routinely put into action that will have the desired result of spending less on fuel, maintaining your vehicle’s condition, and saving the environment.
Feeling informed?
We trust that as you make even a few of these resolutions, you can contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable South Africa. Start the new year on the right foot – or wheel – and make this year on the road smarter and greener.
Don’t forget that AA Inform is home to a range of useful financial tools and resources that can assist you along the way, including access to our Fuel Trip and Monthly Personal Budget Calculators.