Feeling the petrol price pinch? Here's how to make your fuel go further

Feeling the petrol price pinch? Here's how to make your fuel go further

While there isn’t much we can do about the price of petrol and diesel, there are a few things we can do to make our fuel go further and save a few rands along the way.

Flag of South Africa on the car's fuel tank filler flap
iStock/ @ AKlion - Andrey Kryukov

South Africans woke up to an increase in petrol and diesel prices, with petrol going up by R1.34 a litre and diesel jumping by R3.14 a litre.

These are significant increases for South Africans who are already battling the rising cost of living. When petrol prices increase, the impact is often felt far beyond the petrol station, with transportation, food and other essentials also becoming more expensive. Higher petrol and diesel prices can also affect the cost of services that people rely on.

While we as consumers can't do much about the petrol price, there are a few simple things we can do to make the fuel in our tanks last a little longer.

Make sure your car is well serviced

Keeping your car properly serviced isn’t just about preventing unexpected breakdowns. A poorly maintained vehicle can also use more fuel, which could leave you spending more money at the petrol station over time.

Regular servicing can help ensure your engine and other components are working as they should, which can improve fuel efficiency.

Watch your speed

Speed not only risks your safety on the road, but it can also increase your fuel consumption.

Sticking to the recommended speed limits can help you use less fuel. Avoid unnecessary acceleration and maintain a consistent speed limit.

Check your tyres

Your tyres can also have an impact on how much fuel your car uses.

Correctly inflated tyres can reduce rolling resistance. This means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the vehicle moving. Check your tyre pressure regularly and make sure it is at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

These tips may seem simple, but with petrol prices constantly climbing, every rand counts.

Saving a little on each trip adds up to hundreds, or even thousands of rands over time.

In a time when household budgets are stretched thin, every extra bit of fuel efficiency leaves more money in your pocket for what truly matters.

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