South Africa’s stunning landscapes and diverse cities make it a dream road trip destination. But figuring out fuel costs can be a headache. So, how far can you drive on a full tank? It depends on several factors. In this article, we will unpack fuel efficiency and help you estimate the range of different vehicles.
The Impact of the Latest Fuel Price Hike
Unfortunately, South Africa has recently experienced a significant fuel price hike. This means your fuel rand will not stretch as far as it used to. It is more important than ever to choose fuel-efficient cars, practice smart driving habits, and plan your routes carefully to minimise fuel costs.
Understanding Fuel Efficiency
- Your Car Matters: Small, economical cars stretch your fuel much further than large, powerful SUVs. Diesel generally offers better mileage than petrol.
- Driving Style: Smooth driving with gentle acceleration and braking saves a ton of fuel. Aggressive driving and high speeds can slash your range.
Traffic and Terrain Stop-and-go traffic is brutal on consumption. Mountains and hills make your car work harder.
- Load: The heavier your car, the more fuel it will need.
How Far Can You Drive on a Full Tank – Estimating Your Car’s Range
- Know Your Tank Size: Check your owner’s manual or search online.
- Fuel Consumption: Your car’s manual or online resources will list its fuel consumption (usually litres per 100 kilometres, or L/100km).
- Do the Math: Divide your tank size by the fuel consumption figure, then multiply by 100 to get a rough estimate of your range in kilometres. Keep in mind, that real-world conditions will likely reduce your true range somewhat.
Example: A Toyota Corolla with a 50-liter tank and 6.5 L/100km fuel consumption could potentially go about 770km on a full tank.
Tips for Maximising Your Range
- Choose a fuel-efficient car: Check fuel consumption when buying or renting a car.
- Practice smooth driving: Avoid harsh acceleration and braking.
- Maintain your car: Proper tire pressure and regular servicing improve fuel economy.
- Travel light: Reduce unnecessary weight.
- Plan routes wisely: Avoid rush-hour traffic and hilly areas when possible.
Related: The Impact of Fuel Price Increases on South African Consumers.
Resources
- Change Cars: https://www.changecars.co.za/blogs/we-did-a-four-day-round-trip-from-johannesburg-to-durban-on-a-single-tank-
- Suzuki Auto South Africa: https://content.suzukiauto.co.za/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fuel
- Autotrader South Africa: https://www.autotrader.co.za/cars/news-and-advice/car-ownership/how-to-work-out-your-cars-fuel-consumption/1320
