In the uncertain times in which we currently find ourselves, it’s no surprise to see that self-employed professionals, as well as small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs), are looking for cost-cutting and cost-avoidance measures with immediate and measurable results. The Top-3 of indirect costs are often headed by car fleet-related ones. So, how to cut back on these costs without having to take the radical step of switching to a new and more efficient vehicle? After all, initial costs for such a switch can be considerable. Here are the top 5 easy and effective actions you can take to save money on your fleet costs immediately.
1. Keep it clear and clean
A large roof rack or box can mean additional fuel spend of as much as 30%. So, when not in use, be sure to remove such a rack. Similarly, leaving your car or van cluttered with things you don’t really need, could be costing you as much as 10% towards additional fuel costs. That’s how much 50 kg of extra weight impacts your fuel efficiency!
And did you know that dirty vehicles are more likely to suffer from accelerated wear and tear or rust resulting in additional repairs? By simply keeping your vehicle free from dirt, dust or debris by cleaning it out regularly and washing the exterior, you not only save on repair costs, you’ll also boost safe driving.
2. Keep it in shape
Similar to the cost saving benefits of a clean car, a car that is regularly serviced is less likely to have to go to the garage for unexpected (expensive) repairs. And what about the many benefits of simply making sure routine checks are carried out? Think of such things as checking the oil level, your tyre pressure or coolant fluid levels. Besides saving you on unnecessary costs, such checks will help minimise vehicle downtime and maximise vehicle safety on the road. Remember to service your car every year! Even if you might not be driving the distances you usually do.
3. Keep your tyres healthy
Did you know that driving with under-inflated tyres can increase your fuel spend by as much as 10%? Being made from a natural material, air seeps out of rubber tyres over time. Slowly, but surely, loss of air impacts your fuel efficiency. Make it a habit to regularly checking the pressure in your tyres and make sure they are inflated in keeping with the recommended pressure. You’ll be surprised how less often you’ll have to refuel or recharge your vehicle!
4. Keep it efficient
Of course, every now and then, we’re all tempted to drive full throttle. But with the price of speeding tickets having increased significantly over the last couple of years, getting caught speeding is one sure fire way to incur costs.
What’s more, not only is driving at speed extremely fuel-inefficient, it’s been shown that speeding rarely saves you any significant time on a trip! Especially in urbanised areas with frequent stops, there’s no time gain. Even on the motorway the max time saved is a meagre 10 minutes per hour spent in the car.
5. Keep planning
Prices at fuel or charging stations fluctuate considerably. Nothing new under the sun, but when you’re in haste, it’s unlikely you’ll take the time to check out where you can refuel/recharge the cheapest.
Often special rates are offered on certain days of the week by stations. Check out for such special offers regularly near your home or office and make a point of dropping by to top up at a time when you’re not under pressure. Especially avoiding expensive motorway service stations can mean considerable cost savings.
Basically, what benefiting from these 5 cost savers boils down to is a matter of tweaking some less good, car- and driving-related habits. So, whether it regards you - or your drivers in your company’s fleet - increasing awareness can be the easy and effective way to achieving cost cuts.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further opportunities to save on your car costs, feel free to contact me.