South African motorists are once again feeling the pressure at the pumps.
Fuel prices increased sharply in September 2026, with both grades of petrol increasing by R1.29 per litre, while diesel increased by between R2.94 and R3.15 per litre.
Whether you are travelling for work, planning a road trip, replacing a vehicle that is temporarily off the road or hiring a car for everyday transport, fuel has become an even bigger part of the cost of getting around.
The good news? There are practical ways to reduce how much fuel you use.
Here are seven ways to make your next car rental more fuel-efficient and keep more money in your pocket.
1. Choose the Right Car for Your Trip
Bigger isn’t always better.
If you’re travelling alone or as a couple with limited luggage, hiring a smaller hatchback could make more financial sense than choosing a larger SUV or bakkie.
Smaller vehicles generally require less fuel to move their lower weight, making them a practical choice for city driving, commuting and longer journeys where you don’t need the additional space of a larger vehicle.
Before booking, consider:
- How many people will be travelling?
- How much luggage are you carrying?
- Will most of your driving be in the city or on the open road?
- Do you actually need an SUV, bakkie or larger vehicle?
Choosing a vehicle suited to your actual needs can help keep both your rental and fuel costs under control.
2. Drive Smoothly
Your driving style can have a significant impact on how quickly you empty the tank.
Rapid acceleration, unnecessary hard braking and constantly changing speeds all require the vehicle to use more energy.
Instead, accelerate gradually, maintain a steady speed where conditions allow and anticipate traffic ahead so that you don’t need to brake and accelerate unnecessarily.
This is particularly useful in busy South African cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, where stop-start traffic can quickly increase fuel consumption.
3. Plan Your Route Before You Leave
Taking a wrong turn isn’t only frustrating – it can also mean using fuel unnecessarily.
Before setting off, check your route and current traffic conditions. Navigation apps can help you avoid heavy congestion, road closures and unnecessary detours.
If you have several stops to make, plan them together rather than completing multiple separate trips.
A few kilometres saved here and there can add up, particularly if you’re renting a vehicle for several weeks.
4. Don’t Carry More Than You Need
That boot full of things you haven’t unpacked yet could be costing you.
The heavier a vehicle is, the more energy it requires to move. While a few extra items won’t suddenly double your fuel bill, carrying unnecessary heavy loads throughout your rental isn’t helping your fuel economy.
Unload items you don’t need and only travel with what’s necessary for the journey.
This becomes particularly important when renting larger vehicles such as bakkies and vans for moving goods or equipment.
5. Check Your Tyres
Tyres can play an important role in fuel efficiency.
When tyre pressure is too low, rolling resistance increases and the vehicle has to work harder to move.
If you’re renting a vehicle for an extended period, keep an eye on tyre pressure and follow the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for the vehicle.
It is a small check that can contribute to better fuel efficiency while also helping with vehicle handling and tyre wear.
6. Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Sitting in a stationary vehicle with the engine running still uses fuel.
It might seem insignificant for a minute or two, but regular unnecessary idling adds up over time.
If you’re waiting for someone for an extended period and it is safe and appropriate to do so, switch the vehicle off rather than leaving the engine running.
The same principle applies when loading, unloading or waiting before beginning a journey.
7. Think Beyond the Daily Rental Rate
When comparing rental options, don’t only look at the price of the vehicle.
Think about the total cost of your journey.
A slightly larger or more powerful vehicle may suit a particular trip, but it could also use more fuel than a smaller alternative. Over hundreds or thousands of kilometres, that difference can become increasingly important.
The cheapest rental option isn’t necessarily the cheapest overall – and neither is the cheapest vehicle necessarily the right one.
The goal is to choose the vehicle that offers the best balance between space, comfort, practicality and running costs for your particular journey.
Why Have South Africa’s Fuel Prices Increased?
South Africa’s fuel prices are adjusted monthly and are influenced by both international and domestic factors.
For September 2026, the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources cited several factors behind the increase, including higher international crude oil prices, increased international petroleum product prices and higher shipping costs.
The average Brent crude oil price increased from US$82.37 to US$87.85 during the review period.
The Rand strengthened against the US Dollar during the same period, which helped offset some of the pressure, but it was not enough to prevent the substantial September increases.
For South African motorists, it is another reminder that fuel prices can change quickly – and that reducing consumption is one of the few parts of the equation drivers can directly influence.
Renting for Longer? Fuel Efficiency Matters Even More
Fuel consumption becomes even more important when you’re keeping a rental vehicle for several weeks or months.
Someone renting a vehicle for two days may only fill the tank once. Someone using a car every day for a month could fill up several times.
That’s why vehicle choice should be an important part of planning a long-term car rental.
At Pace Car Rental, long-term rentals are available for 30 days or more, with a range of vehicle categories to suit different requirements.
Whether you need a small hatchback for commuting, a sedan for regular travel, an SUV for additional space or a bakkie or van for your business, choosing a vehicle suited to the job can help you avoid paying for more vehicle – and potentially more fuel – than you actually need.
Fuel Prices May Change. Smarter Driving Doesn’t Have To.
You can’t control the petrol or diesel price displayed at the pump, but you can control many of the decisions that determine how quickly you need to return to it.
Choosing the right rental vehicle, planning your journeys, driving smoothly and keeping unnecessary kilometres to a minimum can all help make your fuel go further.
And when fuel prices are rising, every kilometre counts.
Need a car for a few days or a few months?
Explore Pace Car Rental’s range of short term and long term car rental options across South Africa and find a vehicle that suits your journey, your budget and your needs.