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Motoring expert warns low fuel light can damage fuel pump

Published

Motoring expert and workshop owner Adam Ford says habitually driving on a nearly empty tank can lead to costly repairs. He says a fuel pump replacement can cost between R10,000 and R15,000.

Ford spoke in an interview with CapeTalk presenter Lester Kiewit. He said a pump driven with little fuel can fail early. In his words: "So, it can overheat, and it can prematurely fail." He said some cheaper vehicles may have less expensive pumps.

Ford said that with two or three litres left, residue can be drawn into the fuel filter. He noted that many motorists now put in only R200 or R300 of petrol at a time. His advice was to keep fuel above a quarter tank.

Ford said fuel-saving gadgets and additives do not work, although some claim a 25% efficiency gain. He also called freewheeling downhill in neutral an old myth. He said it uses more fuel than staying in gear with the foot off the accelerator.

Key facts

Who
Adam Ford (motoring expert and workshop owner); Lester Kiewit (CapeTalk presenter who interviewed Ford)
What
In an interview with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, motoring expert and workshop owner Adam Ford said habitually driving on a nearly empty tank could lead to costly fuel pump and fuel filter problems, and gave advice on refuelling, fuel-saving gadgets and freewheeling.
When
27 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

Elections Hot

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There were problems: unused ballot papers were stolen from Mnyameni Secondary School near Durban, police opened a case, and the IEC relieved the station staff of duty. Some voters in Tshwane said they were turned away for wearing party shirts, but the IEC denied this and said only mayoral candidates' entourages were barred.

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Democrats won back both the US House and Senate in the midterm elections held on 3 November, according to media projections. Exit polls showed voters were angry about high prices and the direction of the country, and rebuked President Donald Trump.

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Markets reacted, with the dollar hitting a one-month low and the rand firming to around R16.55, as analysts pointed to fears of gridlock in Washington.

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