Fuel-saving “hacks” that don’t work – and what to do instead
In our recent blog on the South African fuel price increase, we shared practical ways to save more on every trip and make each litre go a bit further. With petrol climbing again in June and many drivers feeling the pinch, it’s no surprise that more “fuel-saving hacks” are popping up in conversations, WhatsApp groups and social media feeds.
The problem? A lot of these so‑called tricks either don’t work, or they can actually damage your car and put you at risk on the road. In this follow‑up, we unpack some of the most common fuel myths – and give you safer, smarter habits to try instead.
Myth 1: “Coasting in neutral saves fuel”
You’ve probably heard it: if you roll downhill in neutral or pop your car into neutral long before a robot, you’ll use less fuel. It sounds logical – the engine is revving low, the car is “just rolling”, so you must be saving, right?
In reality, coasting in neutral is both unsafe and often less efficient. Modern fuel‑injected cars are designed to cut back fuel when you decelerate, in gear, with your foot off the accelerator. Coasting in neutral reduces your control over the vehicle, especially if you need to accelerate quickly to avoid a hazard, and it can wear out your brakes faster because you aren’t using engine braking.
Do this instead:
- Stay in gear and gently ease off the accelerator well before you need to slow down.
- Look far ahead in traffic so you can decelerate smoothly rather than brake hard at the last second.
- Use engine braking on descents by selecting an appropriate gear, especially on long downhills.
You’ll save more fuel with good anticipation and smoother driving than by “freewheeling” in neutral.
Myth 2: “Over‑inflating tyres improves fuel economy”
Yes, tyre pressure does matter for fuel efficiency. But some drivers take this to the extreme by pumping tyres well beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation to reduce rolling resistance. On paper, stiffer tyres can reduce drag slightly – but the trade‑offs are not worth it.
Over‑inflated tyres have a smaller contact patch with the road, which can reduce grip, especially in wet conditions or during emergency manoeuvres. They can also wear out unevenly and make your ride harsh and uncomfortable. Saving a tiny amount of fuel while increasing your risk of a blowout or losing control is not a good deal.
Do this instead:
- Check your tyre pressures at least once a month and before long trips.
- Inflate tyres to the levels recommended by your vehicle manufacturer (usually on a sticker inside the driver’s door, fuel flap or in the manual).
- Don’t forget the spare – it won’t help you if it’s flat when you need it.
Correct tyre pressure, not “extra” pressure, is where the real and safe fuel saving lies.
Myth 3: “Filling up early in the morning gives you more fuel”
Another popular myth says you should fill up when it’s cool – usually early mornings – because fuel is denser, so you get “more litres for your money”. The idea comes from the fact that liquids expand slightly with heat.
In practice, this doesn’t translate into meaningful savings at the pump. Fuel at service stations is stored in underground tanks, where the temperature remains relatively stable throughout the day. Any minor temperature differences are so small that they won’t make a noticeable difference to your monthly fuel spend.
Do this instead:
- Focus on where you fill up – choose reputable stations that maintain their pumps and storage.
- Use your fill‑ups to check tyre pressure and fluid levels, which genuinely affect consumption.
- Pay attention to your vehicle’s average consumption read‑out over time; that’s where you’ll see real progress.
Timing your fill‑ups won’t beat the price hike – but good habits every time you stop for fuel can.
None of these are as exciting as a viral “hack”, but together they can make a real difference to your monthly fuel bill – and they keep you, your passengers and other road users safer.
Additional Fuel Hacks Debunked
In addition to the above 3 fuel-saving hacks, we have 3 more myths debunked for you! Head on over to the Beame website for part 2 of this fuel-savings blog.
