How to be More Fuel Efficient on the Roads

By Tokkie Ferreira       Last updated Sept. 29, 2017

We are always looking for ways to be more fuel efficient while driving. Money doesn’t go as far as it used to and we want new ways to save whenever possible. With rising fuel prices, it is costing more and more to drive our vehicles the same distances.

Fuel efficiency is encouraged and it is needed to help us stay within our personal budget. But how can we be fuel efficient while driving on South African roads? Are there tips and tricks that we should know to help save on fuel in our economy?

Below is a list to help you do just that. Use them to see how much fuel and money you save. Sometimes it just needs a few changes to help save big on fuel, money and time.

Slow Down


The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. If you stay to the designated speed limit, you not only follow the rules of the road but you will also save fuel and cash in the wallet. Sometimes it doesn’t pay to speed down those roads. It is best to follow the safety rules and save money at the same time.

Drive Like the Big Trucks


In heavy traffic when the pace is slow, what do the big trucks on the road do?

They stay towards the back and don’t put on the brakes until they must. They do this for a reason. The secret is in their steady pace.

A steady slow pace in heavy traffic makes it unnecessary to shift gear so much. By driving this way, it uses less fuel to keep the car moving compared with slowing down and then rapidly increasing speed.

Don’t Rev That Motor


A rapid increase in acceleration uses more fuel than a gradual increase in speed. It may look impressive to rev away into the distance but it will eat up the fuel a lot faster.

Have a younger driver sharing your car? Make sure you tell them not to rev up the motor and speed away. For a car with an automatic transmission, accelerate at a moderate pace to allow the car to shift into higher gears.

If the car is not an automatic, then the driver should shift down before they begin to accelerate. It is also a waste of fuel to slam on the brakes at a high speed. Instead, try to gradually slow the vehicle.

Air Conditioning


Do you need to run the air conditioner all the time? If not, turn it off.

Get A Free Broker or Get A Quote - Click Here

Auto air conditioning can use up to 10% more fuel than when it is turned off. Roll down those windows and allow in the fresh air. Run the air con when the temperatures soar, but on pleasant days or when you drive for a short distance, it pays to turn the air conditioner off.



Checking the filter and having it changed when needed is one of the best ways to save on fuel.

When the car’s filter is dirty, it obstructs the air flow to the engine. This makes the car run roughly and eats away at fuel economy. It is an easy procedure to check and change the filter. How to check your filter is to remove it and hold it up the light.

If you can see light shining through it, then it needs to be changed for a new one.

Another way to save money is to use filters that can be washed out and reused rather than the paper ones that need to be replaced each time. In the long run, this will save you money and will be gentler on the environment.

Tyre Pressure


Keep an eye on the bar level in your tyres. This is the measurement of the air pressure in your tyres. It is estimated that tyres lose about 0.1 - 0.3 bars each month. They will also lose about 0.1 bars every time outside temperatures drop 10 degrees.

A tyre that holds less air pressure than it should, wil have an increase in rolling resistance. This means that the car will use more fuel to keep it moving if the tyres are low.

It is best to test the tires when they have been sitting awhile without being driven, such as overnight. This will give you the most accurate reading.

Always make sure you check the tire pressure when you go to the petrol station.

Map It Out


Go to stores closer to where you live or work. If you must drive further out, save it for a day when you should run other errands in the same area.

It saves time and distance back and forth in your car which saves on fuel.

Fuel Efficient Cars


If you are thinking to trade your car in for a new one, it might be a very good idea.

If you drive a significant number of kilometres each week, then a better economical choice for a vehicle would be a smaller more fuel-efficient model.

There are several styles on the market that are specifically made for fuel efficiency for commuting back and forth to work and for in town traffic.

Consider your lifestyle. How often do you use your car? What do you use it for on a daily basis? Answers to these questions will help you determine what type of vehicle would be the best?

It can get difficult to get anywhere without a vehicle in South Africa. By using these tips and tricks you will be able to continue in your lifestyle and save money and fuel at the same time.

We cannot change the cost of fuel. It is beyond our control. However, with a little creative ingenuity, we can change the amount of fuel we use.

Have Any Questions?

Trading Hours: Mon-Thu (08:00-16:30), Fridays (08:00-16:00)  |  After Hours: 082 839 5953

Site/Marketing by KBP