How to Beat the Fuel Price Pinch: 10 Smart Ways to Save Fuel

Fuel prices in South Africa rise and fall like a seesaw—but lately, they’ve felt like they’re only going up. For many drivers and businesses, each trip to the pump feels more like a gamble than a routine stop. But what if there were ways to take back control—mileage by mileage, litre by litre?

At MTM Fleet Tech, we believe every journey should count—and that starts with smarter, more fuel-efficient driving. In this guide, we’ll show you 10 effective ways to cut fuel costs, plus how MTM Fleet Tech’s intelligent tools can help you stretch every drop.

Let’s hit the road.

1. Drive Smart, Drive Light

Every time you press that accelerator, you’re making a choice. Fast starts, hard brakes, and sudden lane changes might feel thrilling—but they’re burning holes in your fuel budget. Smooth, steady driving isn't just safer—it’s cheaper.

Stay in the sweet spot: between 65–90 km/h, and keep your RPM below 3,000 when you can. Like a seasoned driver on an open road, let your rhythm find efficiency.

2. Keep Your Tyres in Check

Think of tyres like shoes. When they’re not pumped properly, the ride gets rough—and your engine works harder just to keep you moving.

Underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. That’s a hefty price to pay for skipping a pressure check. Make it a habit to check your tyre pressure once a month. Your wallet will thank you.

3. Use Your Gears and Gravity

Imagine driving downhill and lifting your foot off the pedal—the car slows naturally. That’s engine braking, and it’s a silent fuel saver. Combine this with timely gear changes and driving in higher gears (when possible), and your engine won’t have to overwork itself.

Smart driving isn’t always about speed—it’s about synergy between machine and mindset.

4. Choose a Fuel-Conscious Car

If you're car shopping, don’t just fall for the looks. Pay attention to the engine size, weight, and fuel rating. A beautiful car that guzzles petrol may not feel so pretty at the pump.

Whether it's a hybrid, a compact car, or a diesel-efficient model, choosing the right vehicle could mean thousands saved each year.

5. Don’t Let Your Windows Burn Your Fuel

We get it—the breeze feels good. But at speeds above 80 km/h, open windows turn your car into a wind sail, increasing drag and fuel usage. At highway speeds, it’s better to keep the windows up and use your A/C wisely.

It’s the little habits that make a big difference.

6. Declutter Your Boot and Drop the Roof Rack

Imagine hiking with a heavy backpack—your body tires faster, right? Your car works the same way.

The more unnecessary weight you carry—old tools, unused gear, luggage—the more fuel you burn. Remove roof racks when they’re not in use. Every kilo counts.

7. Choose the Right Fuel for Your Engine

South African fuel stations typically offer Octane 93, Octane 95, and diesel. While it might be tempting to always go with the cheapest, using the wrong octane can hurt your engine’s performance over time—and that means more fuel burned and more breakdowns.

Read your manual, ask your mechanic, and fuel up right the first time.

8. Let Cruise Control Do the Work

Think of cruise control as your personal fuel guardian. It keeps your speed steady—no more surges, no more dips—and that means better fuel economy, especially on long drives.

Just set it and relax (but not too much—you’re still the driver!).

9. Max Out Loyalty Rewards

Fuel rewards programs are the low-hanging fruit of fuel savings. Whether it's a bank partnership, retail promo, or petrol station app—if you're not collecting points, you're leaving money on the table.

Stack your savings over time and watch your costs shrink.

10. Plan Like a Pro

Every unnecessary trip is another tank wasted. Combine errands, avoid traffic where you can, and consider lift clubs or shared drives when possible. You’ll reduce not only your fuel use but your stress too.

Three errands in one trip? That’s not just productive—it’s efficient living.

How MTM Fleet Tech Turns Your Driving Data Into Daily Savings

Saving fuel isn’t just about driving better—it’s about knowing better. That’s where MTM Fleet Tech comes in.

Our platform offers real-time tracking, behaviour insights, and performance reports that empower drivers and fleet managers alike to drive smarter, cheaper, and cleaner.

With MTM Fleet Tech, you can:

• 📉 Spot Fuel Drains: Our app identifies harsh braking, idling time, speeding, and other habits that secretly waste fuel.

• 🧭 Plan Efficient Routes: View trip history, avoid traffic traps, and discover faster, fuel-saving routes.

• ⚙️ Track Vehicle Health: Get alerts on tyre pressure, maintenance needs, and diagnostics that impact fuel economy.

• 🚦 Coach Better Drivers: Use our reports to guide your team toward cost-saving driving techniques.

Think of it as your fleet’s co-pilot—silent, smart, and always on your side.

The Road to Fuel Savings Starts Now

Fuel prices may be unpredictable—but your fuel strategy doesn’t have to be. By applying these simple habits and using MTM Fleet Tech’s smart technology, you can drive confidently into a future where every kilometre counts—and every drop of fuel works harder for you.

🚘 Ready to save more on the road?
👉 Contact MTM Fleet Tech today and take the first step toward smarter, more cost-effective driving.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Fleet Management with MTM Fleet Tech

Mistakes in the workplace are bound to happen, but when it comes to fleet management, one small error can cost the entire business a fortune. Many of these mistakes arise when fleet managers prioritise certain tasks over others in an effort to meet client expectations and boost revenue. The good news? With the right technology, these mistakes can be prevented.

At MTM Fleet Tech, we’ve simplified fleet management to help you steer clear of common missteps. Below are ten frequent mistakes most fleet managers make—and how you can avoid them using our fleet solutions.

Breaking Down Common Fleet Management Mistakes

With the extensive responsibilities that come with managing a fleet, it’s easy for some critical aspects to slip through the cracks. Here are ten key mistakes to watch out for—and how to avoid them with MTM Fleet Tech.

Mistake 1: Overlooking Driver Behaviour

Many managers underestimate the impact of driver behaviour on overall fleet performance. Habits like speeding, harsh braking, and rapid acceleration increase the risk of accidents and accelerate wear and tear.

How to avoid it:
MTM Fleet Tech offers telematics devices and AI cameras to monitor driving behaviour. Get real-time alerts and detailed reports for every trip. Our coaching platform helps you address patterns and coach drivers through regular training sessions.

Mistake 2: Neglecting Preventive Maintenance

Postponing routine maintenance to meet short-term goals often results in costly downtime, repairs, and vehicle damage.

How to avoid it:
Our preventative maintenance solution uses diagnostic tools and data analytics to track engine performance and identify issues early. Set up automated service reminders and never miss a check-up again.

Mistake 3: Overlooking Compliance and Regulations

Regulations around road safety, working hours, and environmental standards are non-negotiable. Ignoring them can result in fines, impoundments, and legal problems.

How to avoid it:
Use GPS logbooks and Driver Identification (DID) tags to track road time, ensure drivers rest, and classify trips correctly for tax purposes. Our platform also provides CO₂ emissions reports to help you monitor and manage your environmental impact.

Mistake 4: Poor Fuel Management Strategies

Without the proper systems in place, fuel theft, vehicle misuse, and admin errors can go unnoticed—eating into profits.

Mistake 5: Lack of Real-Time Vehicle Tracking

Fleet visibility is essential. Without live tracking, managers can’t make informed decisions quickly, which affects efficiency and security.

How to avoid it:
Invest in real-time GPS tracking through MTM Fleet Tech. Monitor routes, delays, or idle time as it happens and proactively manage any disruptions.

Mistake 6: Not Utilising Fleet Data for Decision-Making

Fleet data is powerful—but only if it’s understood. Fragmented systems often lead to overlooked trends and poor decisions.

How to avoid it:
MTM Fleet Tech’s fully integrated platform brings all your data together. With visual dashboards and insightful reports, your team can identify patterns and take action that improves productivity and cuts costs.

Mistake 7: Inadequate Communication with Drivers

Poor communication results in misunderstandings, delays, and frustrated teams.

How to avoid it:
Use tools like the two-way audio system in our AI Dual Vision camera to communicate with drivers in real time. Hold regular check-ins and make space for feedback—it boosts morale and ensures alignment.

Mistake 8: Underestimating Safety Protocols

Safety is non-negotiable. Skipping safety checks leads to increased accidents, liability issues, and unplanned expenses.

How to avoid it:
Develop a clear driver safety policy, backed by regular training. Use pre-and post-trip checklists and driver scorecards to track performance and reward safe driving behaviours.

Mistake 9: Ineffective Route Planning

Poor routing drives up fuel costs, increases travel time, and damages client relationships through late deliveries.

How to avoid it:
Our route optimisation software analyses traffic, distances, and delivery priorities to provide the most efficient paths for your fleet. Stay on time, every time.

Mistake 10: Failing to Adapt to Industry Changes

Sticking with outdated systems will leave your fleet behind. New technologies are rapidly shaping how fleet businesses operate.

How to avoid it:

MTM Fleet Tech is always innovating. We stay ahead of the curve with updates, enhancements, and features designed to keep you competitive. Choose a partner who evolves with the industry—so you don’t get left behind.

Stay Ahead with MTM Fleet Tech

Managing a fleet doesn’t have to feel like a balancing act. At MTM Fleet Tech, our advanced tools are designed to support every element of your operations. From driver safety to compliance and cost control, we help you eliminate guesswork and take control of your fleet.

Get in touch with one of our fleet consultants today and start making smarter, safer decisions with MTM Fleet Tech.

Crash Detection: Your Guardian in the Moment of Impact

Are your drivers prepared for the unexpected on the road? 🚗💥

Accidents happen in the blink of an eye. But with MTM Fleet Tech’s system, help is never far away. In a country like South Africa, where road incidents are all too common, having rapid emergency response technology is not just an advantage — it’s a necessity.

In this blog, we unpack how MTM Fleet Tech’s crash detection technology works and why it's an essential tool for both individual drivers and businesses.

What is Crash Detection?

Crash detection is an intelligent safety feature that automatically detects major vehicle impacts and notifies emergency responders with real-time location data. It plays a crucial role in reducing emergency response times and improving post-accident outcomes.

With over 10,000 lives lost on South African roads in 2024, the importance of proactive safety technology like crash detection cannot be overstated. For both consumers and fleet operators, having this system in place could make all the difference.

How MTM Crash Detection Works

Crash detection relies on the seamless integration of hardware, sensors, and communication systems to function effectively. Here's a closer look at the process:

🚨 Sensors and Impact Detection

Our system uses high-sensitivity sensors — including accelerometers and pressure sensors — strategically placed throughout the vehicle. These sensors instantly detect abnormal motion or impact during a collision and send this data for analysis.

Pressure sensors in the doors detect side collisions, while accelerometers near the rear structural points (such as the C-pillars) monitor for sudden jolts, indicating a crash.

📍 Real-Time GPS Tracking

In the event of a detected collision, GPS data is immediately relayed to MTM Fleet Tech’s  control centre. With accurate location tracking, emergency services can be dispatched directly to the scene, drastically reducing response times.

🔗 Integrated Safety Technology

Crash detection is integrated with MTM’s broader suite of fleet management and safety technologies — including telematics, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and emergency communication — providing an all-in-one safety net for your vehicle or fleet.

Why Crash Detection Matters

From personal drivers to business owners managing fleets, crash detection offers benefits that go far beyond immediate safety.

For Individual Drivers

• Peace of mind knowing that help is only seconds away in an emergency.

• Lower insurance premiums as many providers reward vehicles with crash detection systems.

• Simplified claims process thanks to accurate, real-time crash data logged during an accident.

For Businesses & Fleet Operators

• Driver safety assurance that encourages a confident workforce.

• Real-time accident monitoring and swift incident resolution.

• Comprehensive data reports for insurance purposes and operational improvement.

MTM Fleet Tech’s Crash Detection: What You Get

With MTM Fleet Tech, you receive a fully integrated crash detection solution tailored for optimal protection and business continuity.

Here's how the system works:

🔧 Professional Telematics Installation
Our expert technicians install a robust telematics unit into your vehicle or fleet. These units gather essential data on speed, acceleration, location, and impact force.

📞 Immediate Alerts
In the event of a crash, data is transmitted instantly to our control room. Our team reaches out to you or your emergency contacts and dispatches help if needed.

🛰️ Live Fleet Monitoring
Fleet managers gain full visibility into any on-road incidents as they happen — allowing quick action, minimized downtime, and stronger safety compliance.

📊 Accident Analytics & Reporting
Get access to detailed accident data including time, impact force, and location — invaluable for insurance claims, audits, and driver coaching.

Think of It as a Safety Net — Always On, Always Ready

Crash detection doesn’t just alert you in a crisis — it empowers you with the tools and insights to stay safer, smarter, and more prepared on the road.

Whether you're behind the wheel or managing an entire fleet, MTM Fleet Tech’s crash detection is your silent guardian, standing by to protect what matters most.

Want to learn more or book a demo? Contact MTM Fleet Tech today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if Crash Detection is triggered accidentally?
If our system detects a potential crash, our control centre will contact you immediately. If it’s a false alarm, simply let us know — we won’t dispatch emergency services unnecessarily.

Will it activate in minor fender benders?
No. MTM’s crash detection system is designed to trigger only during severe collisions, such as high-speed impacts or vehicle rollovers.

Can it be used in any type of vehicle?
Our system is optimized for passenger vehicles and light commercial fleets. Effectiveness in motorcycles and heavy-duty trucks may vary and depends on the configuration.