5 fuel saving tips to survive the hike

Here are some petrol-saving tips to help motorists go the distance amid rising fuel prices

May 8, 2026

ZO Reporter 2 minutes read

May delivered yet another fuel price increase, which has left cash-strapped motorists yearning for help.

As South Africans await some relief at the pumps, MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert has some petrol-saving tips to help motorists go the distance.

ALSO READ: 5 tips to avoid road rage

“We’ve covered the most common methods to save fuel, like avoiding speeding or not idling. Yet there are other ways we may not immediately think of as influencing our fuel consumption,” said Herbert in an interview with MasterTorque.

1. Avoid using low-quality engine oil:

Using an oil with the wrong viscosity places more pressure on the pistons and other movable parts, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Check the vehicle’s manual or consult the dealership to ensure you are using the correct oil for your model.

2. Tyre condition:

More fuel is consumed with tyres with less traction as they need to spin faster to maintain momentum. It is not only safer but also beneficial for vehicles to have the correct tyre pressure, as low pressure affects alignment, leading to frequent trips to the petrol station.

3. Reduce short trips:

Travelling to destinations less than 5km away consumes more petrol, because the engine has not yet warmed up. While this is mainly true for older vehicle models, modern fuel-injected cars also run less efficiently during short trips.

4. Delaying services:

Increased fuel consumption can occur when an owner neglects to change worn out spark plugs or fuel and air filters. Failing to replace old fuel injectors is also a contributing factor. Additionally, manual vehicle owners with bad clutch control or worn clutches are also burning through their reserves.

5. Poor driving:

Driving in the wrong gear can cost you because you will be driving at high revolutions per minute. This is the measure of the engine’s rotational speed which plays a pivotal role in determining the power and performance of a vehicle.

Taking off too fast from a stationary position, being in higher gears when going up hills, or accelerating around corners will have you paying extra for your lack of patience.

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