5 smart consumer hacks most people don’t know
From fuel-saving driving habits to hidden food labelling tricks and car scams, Wendy Knowler shares practical consumer insights to help you spend smarter.
1. Trips of less than 5km consume more fuel because your car hasn’t warmed up yet
This is especially true for older engines, but modern fuel-injected vehicles also run richer and less efficiently during the first few minutes of operation.
If possible, get all your chores done on the same day to get more kilometres from your tank.
2. Do you know what a Dunning Lock is?
If you have a dispute with the municipality over water or electricity usage, a Dunning Lock is a temporary administrative "pause" that legally stops the municipality from cutting off your electricity or water while your dispute is being investigated.
Incidentally, the word "dunning" comes from the 17th-century English verb "dun," which means to persistently demand payment for a debt
To apply for it, you must first register a formal dispute at a walk-in centre to get an official reference number. Crucially, you must continue paying the average undisputed amount from previous months to show good faith.
Finally, submit a written request citing Section 102 of the Municipal Systems Act, which prohibits credit control actions until your query is resolved.
3. If you’re offered a car from bank repossessed car stock, it’s a scam
Don't be fooled by "exclusive" deals on repossessed cars. Scammers lure victims with too-good-to-be-true prices and high-pressure tactics, claiming they can "pull" a vehicle from an auction just for you.
According to the SA Institute of Auctioneers, this is legally impossible. Auctioneers are strictly forbidden from withdrawing bank-repossessed cars for private sales.
Legitimate dealers must also follow FICA processes for onboarding. They cannot simply accept cash without verification.
Finally, watch for red flags: real dealerships rarely use Capitec or African Bank accounts for business. If it feels rushed or secretive, walk away.
4. How can you tell if that pie has more gravy than chicken?
Have you ever bought a “cranberry” juice that’s actually mostly apple or grape juice, or a “chicken in sauce” ready meal that’s more sauce than chicken? You are not alone.
So get into the habit of checking the percentage of that “hero” ingredient before you buy.
Our food labelling regulations have a QUID requirement - quantitative ingredients declaration.
If a brand flaunts a premium ingredient on the box - nuts, chicken or a cranberry juice, for example - they must list the actual percentage of that “hero ingredient” in the fine print.
Don't let pretty pictures fool you—check the back of the pack to see what you’re really paying for.
5. Butcher's advice about marinated meats
Think twice about buying meat products that have been marinated or pre-seasoned. A former butcher commented on X: “It’s generally done to hide the discolouration which happens when the meat has been in the counter fridge for too long.”
While discolouration isn't always a sign of spoilage, a heavy, colourful marinade easily hides these visual cues, making older meat look fresh and appetising.
It also masks "off" smells: strong spices and acidic marinades such as vinegar or lemon are very effective at masking these early signs of spoilage.
On top of that, you are often paying a premium "meat price" for what is actually a significant amount of cheap liquid marinade.
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