Fuel saving tips

Avoid deadly distractions behind the wheel

Not texting is a start, but there's more to safe driving. Here’s the bad news: Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents every year, many of them fatal. The good news? If you're driving, it's 100% preventable. You've seen them around your city or town. You may...

10 Tips to Protect Your Car’s Suspension System

Your vehicle's suspension system ensures a smooth and safe ride, protecting critical components from wear and tear. Understanding and maintaining the components of the system is essential, not just for comfort but also for the stability of the car on rough roads....

The what, why and how of a Vehicle Identification Number

If you’ve ever bought motor insurance, you’re likely to have come across the terms Vehicle Identification Number or VIN and chassis number. You must wonder why insurance companies insist on having this information. That’s because VIN is like a genetic identifier for...

What Is ORVM In Car And How Does It Work?

When you adjust the side mirrors before driving, you deal with the Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVMs). These mirrors are essential for safe driving, helping you see what’s happening beside and behind your car. This post will discuss what ORVMs are, how they function,...

How to Track a Vehicle with GPS: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

GPS-based vehicle tracking is today, one of the most helpful tools since it can be employed by any individual or company who wishes to keep track of their cars, trucks or any other vehicle. Thanks to today’s cheap GPS tracking devices, a vehicle owner can easily place...

How To Rebuild Your No Claims Bonus After An Accident

If you’ve had an accident, it can feel like all the good work you’ve put into building your No Claims Bonus (NCB) has gone down the drain. But here’s some good news, you can rebuild it. Your NCB in car insurance works like a reward for safe driving, and that lovely...

Safety Tips For Driving In Floods

Often when we get stuck while driving through floods we panic and force through the water. Instead you need to stay calm and follow these instructions. Situation One: Water Level Is Above Tyre Level  When water level is above the tyre level it's no use forcing...

Car Defogger and How to Use Them?

Have you ever experienced your car windows and windshield suddenly fogging up? It can be scary since poor visibility may cause a dangerous road accident. Driving in the cold or rainy seasons can often lead to foggy windows. This is a common problem, and can quickly...

How to choose the right commercial insurance policy

Unpredictability is the only predictable thing about business right now. Over the past few unprecedented data breaches, and global pandemics have all taken front stage in the insurance industry. And no business is immune.  With the range of commercial insurance...

Car Starting Problems: Reasons, Fixes, & Troubleshooting

Car starting problems are common for any car owner and are often a nuisance. Whether it's a car self-start problem or issues with the car's self-motor, understanding the underlying causes can help you address them quickly and efficiently. Common Reasons for Car Not...


South Africa was recently downgraded by the rating agencies Moody’s and Fitch to BBB- and baa3 status.  This means the country’s risk has increased and it has become a lot harder for South Africa to attract investors. This will no doubt affect the ability of the currency and will make it harder to create employment in the years ahead. Another disadvantage is that it will cost a lot more to borrow money from banks.

With the weakening rand, one thing is for sure, prices of basic items will be increasing and that may include fuel costs. So to help you save a little money, read our petrol saving tips, and who knows what you could do with all the extra money?

Avoid driving in traffic

Truth be told, being stuck in traffic isn’t nice, but worse than that, it wastes fuel.  Every time you are in traffic, you do a lot of stops and starts and it takes a whole lot of energy for your car to get moving again. If possible, avoid driving in traffic at all. If you have to go to work in the morning, rather drive an hour earlier before traffic starts or after it has slowed.  

Reduce the drag (close windows and sunroof)

While driving with your windows down will keep you cool and it may even look cool, it’s not wise to do so.  By driving with your windows down you not only increase your vehicle’s drag, you are making it work harder as it will not be able to push through the wind more aerodynamically. Close the windows and put on the air-con rather, especially when you’re driving on the freeway.  

Make fewer trips

If you are going to the shops, rather buy everything you need at once. That way you’ll be saving yourself money because you’ll be making fewer trips plus time as you don’t have to spend time standing in endless queues.

Check your tyre pressure

A vehicle that drives around with the incorrect tyre pressure uses as much as 2% more fuel. Check that the pressure of your tyres is at the correct level every fortnight; you can pump them for free at your local petrol station. If you are not sure what the correct tyre pressure is, consult your vehicle manual or sometimes you can find it on the side below the driver’s door.

Accelerate gently

When you’re driving, always try to maintain a regular speed, under the legal speed of 60kph and avoid stepping heavily on the accelerator. This is not only fuel efficient, but it is also a safe way of driving. Speeding and overtaking unnecessarily will only end up in you paying more for fuel and even getting traffic fines.

Reduce the weight

Did you know, carrying around extra weight in your vehicle results in using more fuel? If you are carrying things in your trunk that you don’t really need like golf clubs, a bag of clothes and huge bottles of water, take them out and you’ll see how much your fuel costs will drop.

Regularly service your engine

A clean engine keeps your vehicle running longer and by having your car regularly serviced, you will keep it running at its optimum.  Dirty air filters can reduce your vehicle’s fuel economy, which is why it’s imperative to have them changed regularly.