With fuel prices continuing to put pressure on household budgets, South African motorists are looking for practical ways to reduce how much they spend getting around.
While drivers cannot control the price at the pump, changing a few everyday habits can help reduce fuel use and make a tank last longer.
One of the easiest places to start is with the way you drive. Rapid acceleration, harsh braking and driving at high speeds all use more fuel. Keeping a steady speed, leaving enough distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic ahead can help reduce unnecessary fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure is also important. Under-inflated tyres create more resistance on the road, forcing the engine to work harder. Motorists should check their tyre pressure regularly and make sure it matches the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
Planning your trips can also make a noticeable difference. Instead of driving to the shops several times a week, try planning meals and household needs in advance and doing one larger shopping trip.
Online shopping and home delivery can also help reduce unnecessary travel, particularly if you normally make a special trip for groceries, household items or other purchases. It is worth comparing delivery fees with the cost of fuel and parking before deciding which option offers the better saving.
Other practical ways to reduce driving include:
Make a shopping list before leaving home so you do not need to return for forgotten items.
Combine several errands into one journey, such as grocery shopping, banking, pharmacy visits and school-related tasks.
Choose shopping centres where you can complete several errands in one place.
Use online banking, bill payments and other digital services instead of driving somewhere unnecessarily.
Consider click-and-collect services where orders can be collected while you are already travelling in that area.
Plan appointments for the same day or in the same area where possible.
Share school runs or work commutes with trusted family members, neighbours or colleagues.
Work from home on certain days if your employer allows it.
Avoid peak-hour traffic where possible, as constant stopping and starting can increase fuel consumption.
Plan your route before leaving and use navigation apps to avoid heavy traffic, roadworks or unnecessary detours.
Drivers can also save fuel by avoiding long periods of idling, removing unnecessary heavy items from the boot and keeping their vehicles properly serviced.
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption, particularly during slower city driving, so it should be used sensibly. However, comfort and safety should always come first, especially in very hot weather.
Carpooling can also help reduce transport costs for people travelling in the same direction. Colleagues, neighbours and parents can share lifts and divide fuel and parking expenses. Motorists who regularly carry paying passengers should, however, check whether the arrangement affects their vehicle insurance.
It is also worth looking at the bigger picture. Fuel is only one part of the cost of owning a vehicle. Insurance, maintenance, tyres, parking and tolls can all add up, so reviewing these expenses regularly may reveal additional opportunities to save.
Even small changes can make a difference. By planning trips more carefully, driving more efficiently and reducing unnecessary journeys, motorists can help stretch each tank of fuel further and ease some of the pressure on the household budget.
