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Driving on fumes

Sep 01, 2026 Dewald Ranft, Motor Industry Workshop Association, (MIWA), RMI


Driving on fumes

 

September may be bringing spring, but motorists are facing a decidedly less welcome change at the pumps. The Department of Mineral & Petroleum Resources has announced an increase as of 2 September of R1.34 per litre for petrol and up to R3.15 per litre for diesel. Whilst motorists have little control over international oil prices and the global factors driving fuel costs, they can take steps to ensure they are getting the best possible fuel economy from their vehicles.

 

According to Dewald Ranft, National Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), rising fuel prices are a good reminder that vehicle maintenance and driving habits can make a meaningful difference to running costs. “Every kilometre counts when fuel prices are rising,” says Ranft. “Motorists cannot control what happens to the price at the pump, but they can make sure their vehicle is operating as efficiently as possible and that they are not wasting fuel unnecessarily.”

 

He cautions motorists against being tempted by so-called fuel-saving devices that promise dramatic reductions in fuel consumption. “There is no magic device that can suddenly transform a vehicle’s fuel consumption. Motorists should be very cautious about products that promise significant fuel savings without credible, independent evidence to support those claims. In many cases, the better investment is simply making sure the vehicle itself is properly maintained.”

 

Maintenance matters - A vehicle that is not properly maintained may use more fuel than necessary. Ranft says motorists should pay attention to changes in fuel consumption and have the vehicle checked if it suddenly starts using more fuel than usual. “Regular servicing is not only about preventing breakdowns. It is also about keeping the vehicle operating as efficiently as possible. A problem with the engine management system, fuel system, tyres, brakes or other components can affect the vehicle’s performance and running costs.”

 

He recommends that motorists:

•    Check tyre pressures regularly. Under- or over-inflated tyres can affect fuel consumption, handling and tyre wear. Tyres should be inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications.

•    Keep wheels correctly aligned. Incorrect wheel alignment can increase rolling resistance and cause unnecessary tyre wear.

•    Follow the vehicle’s service schedule. Regular servicing helps identify problems before they become more expensive and can ensure that the engine and other systems are operating correctly.

•    Pay attention to warning lights and changes in vehicle behaviour. Unusual noises, smells, vibrations or a noticeable change in fuel consumption should not be ignored.

•    Avoid unnecessary weight. Carrying heavy equipment or unused items in a vehicle increases the load the engine has to move and can affect fuel consumption.

•    Use the vehicle’s air-conditioning sensibly. In hot weather, excessive use can increase fuel consumption, although motorists should always prioritise comfort, visibility and safe driving.

•    Avoid unnecessary idling. Leaving an engine running while stationary uses fuel without moving the vehicle.

•    Accelerate smoothly. Harsh acceleration and frequent changes in speed can increase fuel consumption, particularly in heavy traffic.

•    Plan trips where possible. Combining errands and avoiding unnecessary journeys can reduce both fuel consumption and vehicle wear.

 

Ranft also warns motorists against trying to save fuel by neglecting necessary maintenance. “Trying to save money by delaying a service or ignoring a problem can ultimately cost motorists far more. If a vehicle is not performing as it should, the best course of action is to have it properly diagnosed rather than relying on a quick fix or unproven fuel-saving product.”

 

Ranft concludes by saying motorists should also remember that fuel efficiency is not only about how a vehicle is driven, but about the condition of the vehicle itself.

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