There is little we can do about fluctuating fuel prices, but a few changes to how we maintain and drive our cars can help us get more kilometres out of every tank. From checking tyre pressure to planning trips more efficiently, here are five ways to improve your car’s fuel economy.
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Among the many financial pressures facing South African motorists, filling up at the petrol station has become an increasingly unwelcome expense. Influenced by international oil prices, exchange rates and local taxes, fuel prices can fluctuate significantly, making it harder to predict how much the next trip to the forecourt will cost.
While motorists have little control over the price displayed at the pump, there are practical ways to reduce fuel consumption. A well-maintained vehicle, a little forward planning and smoother driving habits can all help your fuel go further.
Here are five ways to save fuel and improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
1. Keep your car well maintained
A car that is properly maintained is better equipped to run efficiently. Keeping up with scheduled servicing, replacing filters when needed and using the correct engine oil can help your vehicle perform as intended.
Engine temperature also plays a role in efficiency. Repeated short trips, particularly in stop-start traffic, may not give an engine enough time to reach its optimal operating temperature. Rather than making several separate journeys, try combining errands into one trip when possible.
There is no need to take unnecessary long drives simply to warm up your engine. Instead, plan your journeys sensibly and follow your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.
2. Reduce aerodynamic drag
Your car’s shape is designed to help it move through the air with as little resistance as possible. However, accessories attached to the exterior can affect its aerodynamics and increase fuel consumption, particularly at higher speeds.
Roof racks, roof boxes and other aftermarket accessories add resistance, so remove them when they are not needed. Keeping your car clean is sensible for general maintenance, although the fuel-saving benefit of clean paintwork is likely to be negligible.
Keeping your windows closed at higher speeds can also help reduce aerodynamic drag. At lower speeds, the difference may be less significant, so consider the conditions rather than relying on a single rule.
Small adjustments can make a difference over time, especially if you regularly travel long distances.
3. Check your tyre pressure
Tyres play an important role in how efficiently your car moves. When they are under-inflated, rolling resistance increases, meaning the engine has to work harder to keep the vehicle moving. This can increase fuel consumption and affect handling.
Check your tyre pressure regularly and make sure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are usually listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame. Your petrol attendant may be able to assist with checking the pressure, too.
It is also important to inspect your tyres for uneven wear, damage and sufficient tread depth. Tyres deteriorate over time, even when they appear to have plenty of tread left, so check their age and condition as part of routine maintenance.
Correct tyre pressure is a simple habit that can help you save fuel while supporting safer driving.
4. Plan your journeys
Sitting in traffic wastes time and fuel, particularly when you’re repeatedly accelerating and braking. Before setting off, use a navigation app to check traffic conditions and look for a practical route that avoids unnecessary delays.
Planning your errands can also help. Instead of making several short trips throughout the day, combine them into one journey where possible. Cold starts and repeated short journeys can be less fuel-efficient than a longer trip once the engine has warmed up.
Your driving habits matter, too. Look ahead and anticipate traffic lights, slowing vehicles and congestion. Easing off the accelerator early, rather than braking sharply at the last moment, can reduce unnecessary acceleration and help you maintain a smoother pace.
A little planning before leaving home can save both time and fuel.
5. Maintain a steady speed
Aggressive acceleration and frequent braking can increase fuel consumption. Where traffic and road conditions allow, aim for a steady speed and accelerate smoothly instead of repeatedly speeding up and slowing down.
If your vehicle has an Eco driving mode, it may help improve efficiency by adjusting throttle response and, in some vehicles, gear changes. Check your owner’s manual to understand how the setting works in your car.
Cruise control can be useful on relatively flat highways, where maintaining a consistent speed is easier. However, on hilly roads or in changing traffic conditions, it may be more efficient to adjust your speed in response to the road ahead. Anticipating an incline and accelerating gradually can sometimes be preferable to relying on cruise control to maintain a fixed speed.
Air conditioning also uses energy and can increase fuel consumption, although the effect varies by vehicle and driving conditions. When the weather allows, use the ventilation fan instead. At higher speeds, however, opening the windows can increase aerodynamic drag, so consider which option is more efficient for your journey.
Ultimately, saving fuel is not about making one dramatic change. It is about maintaining your car properly, planning ahead and adopting smoother driving habits that can help you get more out of every tank.
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