With the long weekend approaching and the June school holidays following closely, many South African households are already doing the same calculation: how far can we actually go – and how many tanks of fuel will it take to get there?
Every kilometre needs to be planned and accounted for, but one of the most effective ways to stretch a holiday fuel budget doesn’t start at the pump or with driving habits. It starts with something far simpler: tyre condition.
While most motorists focus on fuel stops, accommodation, and route planning, tyres play a direct role in how efficiently a vehicle uses fuel – and how safely it handles long winter journeys.
“Fuel efficiency is influenced by much more than engine performance,” said Keith Phelps, technical tyre expert at Dunlop Tyres SA. “Tyres that are not correctly inflated or properly maintained increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel over distance.”
The hidden cost of under-inflation
One of the most common issues ahead of long trips is incorrect tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres not only reduce handling and braking performance but also increase rolling resistance – a key factor that can quietly push up fuel consumption during highway driving.
They are also one of the leading contributors to tyre failure and can increase the risk of aquaplaning on wet winter roads, where grip is already reduced by changing weather conditions.
In short, the impact is twofold: more fuel used, and less…
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