Fuel seminars focus on firm savings
Darrell Bate, owner of Mag & Turbo Blenheim, says vehicle owners can shave a fifth off their fuel consumption with basic upkeep measures. Photo: Supplied.
Prices at the pump affect everyone whose vehicle relies on petrol. Most local drivers have one car or ute, maybe two. For business owners with three, four or a fleet, per-litre hikes multiply.
To address this pressing issue, Business Trust Marlborough organised a pair of sessions which present advice and alternatives.
The first – Reducing and Managing Fuel Costs – is this evening (10 June) featuring Darrell Bate from Mag & Turbo Blenheim and Tim McKendry from McKendry Advisors and Accountants.
The second – Changing to EVs – is slated for 1 July with Andrew McKendry of McKendry Motors.
“Fuel use had always been in the background,” Darrell observed. “It’s taken a crisis like this or a change like this for people to stand up and take notice.”
Darrell’s shop works a lot with fleet operators. Those firms evaluate consumption, looking for savings where they can find them. That concern has grown more widespread – so much so that interest in electric vehicles has grown as well.
“Since the fuel crisis, every single electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid has taken off,” Andrew noted. As such, EV makers have “a car for every market”.
Marlburians still driving petrol-fuelled vehicles need not feel devoid of options. Darrell will share tips at the seminar which, while aimed at businesses, also help individuals.
After his presentation, Tim will break down how fuel-cost calculations carry over to pricing.
Helpful hints
Unable to make the first session? Darrell’s part, at least, lends itself to a digest.
Small things that can add up to significant savings include:
· Choosing the right tyre for the vehicle – and checking both the tread and air pressure.
· Keeping wheels properly aligned and the suspension properly tuned.
· Changing the air filter regularly. (Would you run a marathon wearing a dirty mask?)
· In the same vein, servicing the vehicle routinely.
· Not carrying unnecessary weight in loads.
· Not causing extra drag with the roof rack and what is attached to it.
“There are a lot of ways to actually [affect efficiency],” Darrell summarised. “The numbers tell us you can effectively make your vehicle 15- to 20 percent more cost-effective with fuel consumption by just doing the basics.”