The easiest way to save money on petrol in South Africa

With petrol prices rising at the start of the month and looking set to rise again next month, South Africans are looking for ways to save money but often forget the easiest way to use less fuel: vehicle maintenance.

While motorists cannot control international oil prices or the global factors driving fuel costs, they can ensure they get the best possible fuel economy out of their cars.

This is according to Dewald Ranft, National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).

He added that rising fuel prices are a good reminder that vehicle maintenance and driving habits can make a meaningful difference to running costs, especially since every kilometre counts when fuel prices are rising.

“Motorists cannot control what happens to the price at the pump, but they can make sure their vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible and that they are not wasting fuel unnecessarily,” said Ranft.

He also warned motorists against so-called “fuel-saving devices”, which promise dramatic reductions in fuel consumption, since there is no “magic device” that can suddenly transform a vehicle’s fuel consumption.

“Motorists should be very cautious about products that promise significant fuel savings without credible, independent evidence to support those claims,” warned Ranft.

“In many cases, the better investment is simply making sure the vehicle itself is properly maintained.”

That is because a vehicle that is not properly maintained may use more fuel than necessary.

Ranft explained that motorists should pay attention to changes in fuel consumption and have the vehicle checked if it suddenly starts using more fuel than usual.

“Regular servicing is not only about preventing breakdowns. It is also about keeping the vehicle operating as efficiently as possible,” he said.

“A problem with the engine management system, fuel system, tyres, brakes or other components can affect the vehicle’s performance and running costs.”

Fuel-saving maintenance tips

To help South African motorists save following the latest round of petrol and diesel price increases, Ranft shared a list of fuel-saving maintenance tips.

He recommended that motorists:

• Check tyre pressures regularly. Under- or over-inflated tyres can affect fuel consumption, handling and tyre wear. Tyres should be inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
• Keep wheels correctly aligned. Incorrect wheel alignment can increase rolling resistance and cause unnecessary tyre wear.
• Follow the vehicle’s service schedule. Regular servicing helps identify problems before they become more expensive and ensures the engine and other systems operate correctly.
• Pay attention to warning lights and changes in vehicle behaviour, including unusual noises, smells, vibrations or a noticeable change in fuel consumption.
• Avoid unnecessary weight. Carrying heavy equipment or unused items increases the load the engine has to move and can affect fuel consumption.
• Use the vehicle’s air-conditioning sensibly. In hot weather, excessive use can increase fuel consumption, although motorists should always prioritise comfort, visibility and safe driving.
• Avoid unnecessary idling, as leaving an engine running while stationary uses fuel without moving the vehicle.
• Accelerate smoothly. Harsh acceleration and frequent speed changes can increase fuel consumption, particularly in heavy traffic.
• Plan trips where possible. Combining errands and avoiding unnecessary journeys can reduce both fuel consumption and vehicle wear.

Ranft warned motorists not only to follow these fuel-saving tips, but also to remember to keep up with regular maintenance.

“Trying to save money by delaying a service or ignoring a problem can ultimately cost motorists far more,” he said.

“If a vehicle is not performing as it should, the best course of action is to have it properly diagnosed rather than relying on a quick fix or unproven fuel-saving product.”

Ranft explained that, at the end of the day, fuel efficiency is determined not only by how a vehicle is driven, but also by the condition it is kept in.