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Gone are the days when fuel cost between sh3,000 and sh4,000. The change happened within a very short time, about two years ago, and settled somewhere between sh5,000 and sh6,000.

For the best experience and peace of mind, fuel economy is an area you cannot afford to ignore. Here are some tips on how to: 

Accelerate gently

Some motorists find stepping hard on the accelerator very thrilling and quite an experience. However, it comes with a cost. When you press the accelerator harder, the combustion chamber operates at a faster pace, prompting the fuel injector to release more fuel to match your adrenaline-fueled acceleration.

Some motorists find stepping hard on the accelerator very thrilling and quite an experience. However, it comes with a cost. (Photo by Ahmad Muto)

According to Arthur Tamayo of Victoria Motors, gentle acceleration reduces fuel consumption as sensors gauge the required amount of fuel at a specific speed. “At high revs, you burn more fuel. Get a full tank and drive 60–80 km/h to Mbarara. Then get your full tank again and do 120–160 km/h; you will see the difference,” he says.

Regularly check tyre pressure

The tyre is a vehicle’s primary shock absorber because it supports its whole weight and receives impact first. It has direct contact with the ground. A certain amount of pressure has to be maintained for a tyre to be effective.

Over-inflating and under-inflating the tyre have an impact. Motorists practice both, hoping for specific benefits. Charles Semukuutu, an automotive technician, says there is something called rolling resistance; it is high when the tyre pressure is low and less when the tyre pressure is high. To cut down on rolling resistance, maintain the right tyre pressure, which reduces the demand for force from the engine to push the car forward. As a result, fuel is conserved.

Wheel alignment

This is the fixing of a vehicle’s suspension to give the wheels a proper angle and direction with which they have contact with the ground; it has got to be straight. The suspension undergoes alignment because it bears the brunt of the impact.

A wheel being aligned. (Photo by Ahmad Muto)

Misaligned wheels put a strain on the vehicle, demanding more fuel to be able to move, which is not the case when properly aligned. Wheel misalignment can happen to any car as a result of aggressive driving, hitting speed bumps, and potholes. Because it struggles to move forward, it increases consumption.

Service your car

Derrick Lwanga, a mechanic, says this is important. Spark plugs, the air cleaner, and oil changes are three key areas motorists should not ignore. Less engine oil, he says, makes the engine lose compression. The end result is a loss of power, forcing the motorist to press the accelerator pedal harder. This will summon more fuel, and therefore little or none will be saved. Un-serviced vehicles, he also says, end up with defective spark plugs, increasing the amount of fuel burned per kilometre.

Remove the roof rack

Roof racks increase the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle as it cuts through the wind while on the road. The vehicle consumes more fuel as it pushes through. David Nyoike of Motorcare Uganda, however, argues that it depends on the design of the roof rack. “Many roof racks have spaces to allow for airflow dynamics.

The roof rack increases fuel consumption. (Photo by Ahmad Muto)

Weight is not so much because most of the racks are feather-weight; they are manufacturer-compliant. They are built so they do not affect fuel economy.” And generally, just don’t carry unnecessary cargo or weight.

Turn off the AC

The car's AC, according to Saeed Bilali Lali of Yuasa Car Bond, consumes quite a sizable amount of fuel. To illustrate this, he used the ride-hailing services operating locally, reasoning that the drivers turn off the AC after picking up clients to save fuel. If the client requests the AC to remain on, the drivers charge an additional fee. A car that gives 10km on a litre of fuel can only do 7km with the AC on, he says. Online sources suggest the AC consumes up to 10% of fuel. However, it is far more effective than driving with an open window. So, also keep the windows not fully open to save fuel.

Avoid traffic jams

Avoid the jam to save fuel. (Photo by Ahmad Muto)

This is an area that is not easy to beat for motorists, especially in the city. According to Patrick Kajuma, formerly of Cooper Motor Corporation, motorists burn a lot of fuel in the city’s endless traffic jams because they are always engaging the biggest gears—one and two—for short distances. He recommends turning off the engine.