High Fuel Prices? Practical Ways South Africans Can Reduce the Cost of Driving

This post was published on Sep 2, 2026 | Updated on Sep 2, 2026

Modify Your Driving Habits for Better Fuel Efficiency

The most immediate way to lower fuel consumption begins with the person behind the wheel, and that’s you! By adopting a smoother driving style, reducing your average speed, accelerating gradually and keeping enough following distance to avoid constant harsh braking and re-acceleration, you can help your car use fuel more efficiently. Taking this controlled approach not only saves fuel but also provides more time to navigate common South African road challenges like potholes, pedestrians, taxis, and heavy traffic. 

To optimise your fuel economy while driving, follow these practical steps:

• Avoid sharp pull-aways by accelerating with a gentle touch 
• Initiate braking earlier and apply pressure gradually whenever it’s safe to do so 
• Maintain a constant, legal speed instead of frequently fluctuating between speeding up and slowing down 
• Keep sufficient space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for smooth responses without the need for hard braking 
• Shift gears in alignment with your speed to prevent the engine from labouring unnecessarily

Check Tyre Pressure Before It Costs You More

Maintaining correct tyre pressure is essential for both vehicle safety and fuel efficiency. Properly inflated tyres, and frequently verifying both pressure and tread depth against the vehicle manufacturer's specifications are key. 

For the most accurate reading, check your pressure when tyres are cold or after your car has been stationary for an extended period (so in the morning, after it’s stood overnight). You can typically find the recommended levels on a sticker inside the driver-side door frame, in your glove compartment, or within your owner's manual. Don’t rely on the maximum pressure figure embossed on the tyre sidewall for daily driving.

Essential Tyre Maintenance Steps: 

• Adjust inflation based on the specific load and vehicle requirements 
• Regularly inspect for signs of damage, such as bulges, cracks, slow punctures, or uneven wear 
• Include the spare tyre in your routine checks 
• Schedule an immediate inspection of your rims, tyres, and wheel alignment if you strike a pothole 
• Exercise caution in wet conditions by reducing speed and increasing following distances to compensate for reduced grip

Don’t Ignore Maintenance That’s Already Due

Skipping maintenance can feel like a saving in the short term. But when small issues build up, they can make your vehicle less reliable and more expensive to repair. Resolving minor (and major car!) service issues, and using the recommended grade of motor oil for your car, are serious fuel-saving steps. 

A regular service can help ensure that oil, filters, brakes, tyres, suspension, lights and warning signs are checked before they’re able to accumulate or get worse. If your budget is tight, ask your service provider what is urgent, what can be planned for, and most importantly: what shouldn’t be delayed.

Reduce Your Car’s Load

Reducing unnecessary weight, and avoiding extra drag where possible, can help your car use fuel more efficiently. Think of it this way: a heavier car needs more energy to move, especially in city driving and stop-start traffic. You don’t need to empty your entire car every day, but it is worth clearing out anything that’s become a permanent passenger for no good reason! 

• Remove sports gear, boxes, bags or tools you do not need for that day 
• Remove unused roof racks or roof boxes, as they can create extra drag even when they’re empty 
• Keep essential emergency items, but avoid carrying unnecessary bulk 
• If you carry work equipment, unpack what you can between trips

Use Air Conditioning, Windows and Idling WYZEly

Combining moderate air conditioning use with less idling can make a difference to how much fuel your vehicle uses — and wastes — over time. That doesn’t mean you should drive uncomfortably or with poor visibility. Rather, in hot weather, air conditioning can help you stay alert. In wet or cold weather, demisting can be essential for safe visibility. Use what you need, but avoid running systems out of habit. Being intentional around usage can save your fuel in the long run! Fun fact? At higher speeds, using the aircon moderately may be more fuel-efficient than driving with the windows open, because open windows can create drag and make the car work harder. 

• Don’t run the air conditioner at full blast for longer than necessary 
• Use demisting when windows fog up, especially in winter or wet weather 
• Park in shade where possible so the car isn’t as hot when you return 
• Switch off the engine when you are parked and waiting, but only where it’s safe and practical to do so

Plan Trips Before You Leave

Plan your journeys to save fuel in one to five! 

Five WYZE Tips: 

• Consolidate multiple errands into a single efficient route 
• Whenever your schedule permits, try to travel outside of known traffic peaks 
• Share trips with colleagues, friends, or family members 
• Utilise public transport systems if they’re a safe and practical option for your commute 
• Review current road conditions and traffic reports before embarking on longer journeys

Take South African Road Conditions Into Account

Fuel-saving advice can sound simple on paper. But Mzansi’s road conditions add a little complexity! Bad roads, flooding and fuel consumption are related: potholes and poor road conditions can contribute to tyre, rim, suspension and alignment damage, and choosing better-maintained routes can reduce wear and may save on petrol. 

That means the shortest route isn’t always the cheapest route. If one road is full of potholes, flooding, poor lighting or heavy stop-start traffic, a slightly longer but safer route may reduce the risk of damage, delays and fuel waste. 

Four #WYZE Tips: 

• Slow down when approaching damaged roads or standing water 
• Avoid driving through flooded roads unless you are certain it is safe 
• Choose well-lit, better-maintained routes where practical 
• Check tyres, rims, suspension and alignment after a hard pothole impact 

And then there’s the long term planning you can do to ensure that in addition to the practical habits you form on the road, you’re also covered in case of other needs. This is where car insurance comes in!