Once you have rented your self-drive car in Tanzania, you become a manager of your trip and responsibility to ensure it is maintained to save you on fuel costs. You realize that, there are many simple things that you can do yourself to ensure fuel consumption rate of your rental car is reduced. In this article, we bring to you some of those important tips to help you improve your car rental fuel economy while on Tanzania safari.
Plan your day well
Normally, your rental car can achieve its maximum fuel consumption after the engine has been well-warmed up. A cold engine does consume a lot of fuel bit it petrol or diesel. This is why a warm engine is the best and have your day properly planned. It takes about an hour for the car engine to cool and in that short period, you can go do some shopping at the market or supermarket or even visit some areas but don’t forget about saving fuel. Alternatively, you can have your rental car parked and then you take a walk to closely located places at once.
Replace the filters
Most cars today have been enhanced with most of them allowing better airflow and a higher air to fuel ratio. This is how most automakers have enhanced the fuel consumption of cars currently. This can be attributed to one important element which is air filter. But daily driving can clog the air filter with dust and debris if you are driving in dusty routes in Tanzania. Once in a while ensure the air filter is taken out and keep inspecting it. In case of visible dust, rap it and for those of you who stay in more dusty places, this exercise should be done regularly.
You may also replace the fuel filter. Some of the filters keep impurities from entering the engine and they clog gradually. By continued clogging, the fuel consumption may reduce but should worry you especially if the fuel filter clogs completely something which may make the engine stop immediately. Inquire from experts on how often you should replace your fuel filter.
Avoid use of air conditioners
To most foreign travelers who are not used to Tanzania’s environment, driving without air conditioner can be challenging. While on a road trip, you will come across cars emitting smoke or you drive in dusty road and the windows can be closed. With such atmosphere, the best is to use your air conditioner sparingly. The other thing is avoid driving at higher speed while windows are down. You can put off your air conditioner and open the windows while at a speed of 15kph/60kph.
Maintain your car regularly
Maintaining a car is beyond changing oil and repairs. Each car has its own recommended regular maintenance schedule for instance belt changes. Regularly maintaining your car can save you from abrupt breakdown while on a road trip in Tanzania.
Your driving habits should change
To some people sudden acceleration is the best way to go yet this is the one factor behind high fuel consumption rate. Try as much as possible to maintain a good speed if you are to achieve your goal on fuel economy while on Tanzania road trip.