Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for fleet managers, and with prices constantly fluctuating, it can be challenging to manage fuel costs effectively. Fuel monitoring can help you track costs.
In Kenya, the price of fuel has been on the rise and there seems to be no end in sight as the Energy and Petroleum ministry indicated that the price of fuel will remain high for the next two months.
However, there are several tips and tricks that can help you save money on fuel and reduce your overall expenses.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to save money on fuel for car owners and fleet managers.
Plan your trips efficientlyPlanning your trips more effectively is among the simplest methods to reduce your fuel costs. This entails traveling the shortest distance possible, avoiding busy areas during rush hour, and condensing several tasks into a single journey. You’ll accomplish this and not only save time but also use less fuel.
Maintain your vehicleProper vehicle maintenance is crucial when it comes to fuel efficiency. Make sure your car or fleet is in good condition by regularly changing the oil, replacing air filters, checking tire pressure, and keeping your engine tuned. A well-maintained vehicle can save up to 25% on fuel consumption.
Drive smart - avoid overspeeding & idlingHow you drive can have a significant impact on fuel consumption. Avoid accelerating or braking abruptly, and maintain a steady speed. Also, avoid idling your engine for long periods and turn off your engine when you’re parked. By driving smart, you can save up to 20% on fuel costs.
Keep your tires properly inflated
Underinflated tires can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 3%. Make sure to check your tire pressure regularly and keep them at the recommended level.
Use fuel-efficient vehiclesPurchasing fuel-efficient cars is a great way to save money on fuel. When buying a new car, consider buying a car with high fuel efficiency such as a hybrid car. Hybrid vehicles use an internal combustion engine with a battery pack and electric motor. The motor relieves some strain from the petrol engine and improves fuel efficiency.
Use a fuel cardFuel cards are a great way to save money on fuel for fleet managers. With a fuel card, you can take advantage of discounts and rewards programs offered by fuel providers. This can help you save up to 10% on fuel costs. Different fuel companies such as TotalEnergies, Rubis, and Ola Energy, offer various discounts and rewards to customers.
Monitor fuel consumptionMonitoring fuel consumption is an excellent way to track your fuel expenses and identify areas for improvement. Use fuel tracking software to monitor your fuel consumption and identify trends over time. Tracking Hub Limited‘s fuel monitoring solution can help you keep tabs on your fuel consumption. This can help you identify inefficiencies and make adjustments to reduce fuel costs.
Encourage fuel-efficient driving habitsEncouraging fuel-efficient driving habits among your drivers can go a long way in reducing fuel costs. The best way would be to provide training on how to drive efficiently and reward drivers who demonstrate good driving habits. This can help create a culture of fuel efficiency within your fleet and lead to significant savings over time.
conclusionFuel is a significant expense for car owners and fleet managers. However, by planning your trips efficiently, maintaining your vehicles, driving smart, using fuel-efficient vehicles, monitoring fuel consumption, and encouraging fuel-efficient driving habits, you can significantly reduce your fuel costs and save money in the long run.
