Energy Month – making smart choices as a Taxipreneur

 

May is Energy Month in South Africa – a timely opportunity to spread awareness about energy consumption, energy efficiency and renewable energy. With the sector being in the news for loadshedding and cable theft updates, we believe that it is important for the people of Mzansi to understand the engery sector holisticaly and the role that they play in it.

 

The transport sector is a rapidly growing source of greenhouse gas emissions both locally and internationally. This has a negative impact on biodiversity, air quality, land resources and water quality. While vehicle manufacturers are producing more ecofriendly vehicles, there are many good energy practices that drivers can proactively follow that can make a positive impact to sustainable energy usage.

 

Here are a few simple ways to improve fuel consumption when ever you are driving your vehicle:

 

• Lighten the loads in the vehicle, every 25kg over the reccomended carry weight increases fuel consumption by 1%.
• Plan your trips to avoid unnecessary detours or dellays – use traffic apps or listen to traffic reports on the radio.
• Maintaining a steady speed is more fuel efficient than sudden speeding and braking. Keeping a safe following distance will make a big difference.
• Reduce idling time – switch off the engine in severe traffic jams, or while waiting at pick-up points.
• Resolve car service issues – use your log book or a mobile app to remind you when your next service is due.
• Keeps tyres inflated to the correct pressure – under inflated tyres increase fuel consumption, and reduce the tyre life span.
• Use the recommended grade of motor oil for your car or minibus taxi. Speaking to your mechanic or petrol attendant will help you make the right choice.
• Change gears according to speed, and try to keep revs low.
• Avoid high speeds – above the speed zone of 50-80km per hour, vehicles use more fuel the faster they go.

 

Efficient driving practices can reduce fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions and lower the risk of vehicle wear and tear. This will have a positive impact in South Africa’s long term enegry outlook.