Dire predictions have the petrol price hovering
over R12 a litre this year. Such a high price will have less to do with the
economy than it has with sheikhs who know they have us over a barrel; and greedy
local taxes on all fuel. It also means you will pay over a rand a kilometer just
in fuel, using an average 2,0-litre engine — which makes that road trip to
Namibia rather dear.
Here’s how to save fuel and stick it to both the sheikh and the
taxman on the next holiday journey.
• Set the speed control
at 80 and the music at loud: Because wind resistance decreases exponentially
with every kilometre you go slower, you will improve your mileage exponentially
— just dropping 10 km from 120 km/h, (8,3%) will get you 15% more from every
litre.
• Explore the places in
between:
Why rush in record time
to some distant tourist trap when all you are going to do is sit there? Instead,
take the byways and sleep in the small towns in between. You will discover
enchanting people and places at virtually every turn-off close to home.
• Mix the wheels:
Booking well in advance makes for cheaper flying and car rental, which can add
up to less than fuel and tolls.
