Fuel prices are at an all-time high and are expected to rise further, making driving in Kenya more and more expensive. Making the most mileage out of each liter of fuel is not only prudent, but necessary in these hard times. The goal of this blog is to give Kenyan drivers practical advice on how to cut back on fuel use and lessen the effects of rising fuel prices.

Basic Maintenance for Fuel Efficiency

Regular Servicing

• Regular air filter replacements and oil changes can improve your car’s fuel economy.

Proper Tyre Pressure

• A 3% decrease in fuel efficiency can be attributed to incorrect tire pressure. Make it a routine to periodically check and adjust the pressure in your tires.

Smart Driving Techniques

Smooth Acceleration and Braking

• Accelerating and braking suddenly can increase fuel consumption by up to 60%. For increased mileage, switch to a smoother driving style.

Keep a Steady Speed

• When it is appropriate, use cruise control to keep your speed constant and cut down on fuel consumption.

Limit Idling

• Up to three liters of fuel can be used while idling every hour. If you think you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off your engine.

Route Planning

Avoid Traffic Jams

• In traffic, stopping and starting demands more fuel. Before you leave, use traffic apps like Google Maps to steer clear of clogged roads.

Combine Trips

• Try to run all of your errands in one trip whenever you can because cold starts consume more fuel.

Limit Use of AC and Electricals

• Fuel consumption can rise by as much as 10% when air conditioning is used. Use it sparingly and take into account ambient ventilation.

Carpooling and Public Transport

• Occasionally taking public transportation or sharing rides can help you save a lot of money on fuel.

Utilize Eco Mode

• ‘Eco’ mode maximizes the car’s performance in a number of areas to reduce fuel consumption is standard on a lot of contemporary vehicles. When engaged, Eco mode can modify the vehicle’s throttle response, shift points in the transmission, and occasionally even the climate control system’s behavior to increase fuel economy. By making use of this feature, you can considerably reduce your fuel expenses.
• It’s generally estimated that using Eco mode can improve fuel efficiency by up to 5-20%. These numbers might not seem like a lot in the short term, but they add up considerably over time, especially with the current high fuel prices in Kenya.
• For instance, even a 10% increase in fuel efficiency could result in monthly savings of 1,000 Kenyan Shillings, or 12,000 Shillings annually, if you spend roughly 10,000 Shillings on fuel each month. As you can see, maximizing your car’s Eco mode can have a significant impact on how much fuel you spend.

Lighten the Load

• Excess weight on the vehicle causes drag and decreases fuel efficiency, especially when it is on the roof. Take only what you require.

Although we have no control over fuel prices, we can modify our driving styles and auto maintenance routines to maximize each fuel drop. By putting these suggestions into practice, you can eventually save a lot of money and lessen the financial strain caused by Kenya’s rising fuel prices.

Every shilling counts during these hard times. Take up these fuel-saving habits now to pave the path to a more resource-conscious future.