Stop/start your way to driving more efficiently
This year, the seventh annual Automechanika trade fair returns to Johannesburg after a two-year break due to COVID-19. South Africa is only one stop on the international show’s calendar, with 17 other events held in 16 countries. It takes place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec and navigating through traffic to get there is typically a driver’s nightmare. Unless you meticulously plan your route, you will end up in one of Johannesburg’s notorious traffic jams.
The fuel price is also constantly increasing, making matters worse. While there isn’t an awful lot that you can do about traffic or the fuel price, there are ways to make your vehicle more fuel-efficient.
- A simple starting point is to go easy on the pedals. Rapid acceleration, excessive braking and speeding all contribute to petrol wastage.
- Stay within the speed limit, and where possible, try to maintain a driving speed of less than 80km/h. Driving faster than that negatively impacts your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
- Regularly check your tyre pressure, spark plugs and wheel alignment.
Modern vehicles are equipped with start/stop technology that is more fuel-efficient than other vehicles. The engine switches off automatically every time the vehicle stops in traffic. Then, when the traffic light turns green, and the clutch is depressed, the engine automatically starts again.
Vehicles with stop/start engines needs regular maintenance. The cost of replacing defective components can slowly chip away at the savings from driving more efficiently. An excellent solution is to install an optimized battery for stop/start and regenerative braking. It is imperative to have a battery to withstand the electrical current fluctuations.
To see the latest stop/start technology in action, First National Battery, is also excited to return to Automechanika Johannesburg, and continue its tradition of showcasing the latest automotive power sources.
The full range of automotive batteries will be on show, but the exhibit’s star is First National Battery’s power sources optimized for stop/start vehicles. “Our batteries are specially developed for stop/start technology, delivering an extra high starting current. This is extremely important for high compression ratio vehicles like diesel engines,” explains First National Battery’s Murray Long.
But the company’s dedication to efficiency doesn’t stop after you buy its battery. All its batteries are built with a “design for disassembly” principle, making for safe, easy disposal and recycling. This is handled through the company’s own recycling smelter, which includes a battery breaker and an effluent plant that treats the acid.
But the unrelenting drive to supply premium energy solutions, while looking after the environment, to a diverse range of sectors hasn’t materialised in just the last few years. Instead, it has been part of First National Battery’s ethos for over 90 years. The company’s storied history and motto, “we partner with you” will take centre stage at First National Battery’s exhibit at Automechanika Johannesburg. The stand’s immersive experience will take visitors through a 90-year journey of its heritage and strong market reputation in South Africa.
First National Battery will be at Automechanika Johannesburg from 7 – 10 June 2022, held at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec. The last show saw more than 12,000 visitors from 26 countries pour through the halls in 2019 to see exhibits from over 600 companies. If there’s one auto show not to be missed, its Automechanika 2022.