Did you know that an inefficient engine will consume more fuel than it should? Petrol price hikes are hitting hip pockets everywhere from the bowser to the supermarket. Follow our fuel efficient tips and save money.
Keep short trips to a minimum
Vehicles can use up to 20% more fuel when the engine is cold so avoid short trips. Consider buying groceries weekly or in bulk rather than making several trips each week.
Watch your speed
A vehicle moving at 120km/h is estimated to use about 20% more fuel than at 100km/h.
Be fuel efficient and avoid idling in traffic
Plan your trip ahead of time to avoid idling in traffic. The average vehicle with a 3-litre engine wastes almost half a litre of fuel for every 15 minutes it idles. If you can, we recommend starting your journey a bit earlier to avoid the traffic because being early is better than burning your costly fuel while standing still.
Turn your engine off to save fuel
If you are parked, even for a brief period, switching the engine off will save more fuel than you will lose restarting. Do not turn your engine off at red lights unless your vehicle is programmed to do so.
Fuel efficient with regular vehicle service
An inefficient engine will consume more fuel than it should. Regular maintenance and weekly tyre checks can help you save money on fuel.
Underinflated tyres can reduce fuel economy
Underinflated tyres have increased rolling resistance which reduces fuel economy. Maximise your fuel economy by checking your tyre pressure at least weekly to ensure that your tyres are optimally inflated.
Choose the right tyres
It is important to get the right tyres for your vehicle. Manufacturers design their vehicles to have tyres with a certain size and speed rating to maximise fuel efficiency and using the wrong tyre will significantly have a negative impact on your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Avoid over-revving
If you are driving a manual, avoid over-revving. If you are in an automatic, ease back slightly on the accelerator once the vehicle gathers momentum.
Use your air conditioner sparingly
Air conditioning can increase fuel use by up to 20%, however at speeds of more than 80 km/h, an open window will cost you more in aerodynamic drag. When using the air conditioning, make sure to roll up fully as open windows make the ac work harder thereby consuming more fuel.
Use the recommended fuel type
If you use regular unleaded in a vehicle designed for premium, expect slightly lower performance and fractionally higher consumption. Using premium unleaded in a car designed for regular may provide better fuel consumption in some newer vehicles, but it is unlikely to offset the extra cost of the petrol.
Use real time fuel price trackers for fuel efficient
Petrolspy, a free mobile fuel app, offers a real-time fuel price tracker that helps fuel efficient travellers find the cheapest petrol or diesel at service stations in each capital city across Australia.
What is the cheapest day to buy petrol?
When it comes to fuel efficient strategies, there’s no singular consistent day that petrol prices are cheaper. In the major cities, the best day to buy fuel is at a low point in a price cycle – which is a movement in the retail price from a low point to a high point to a subsequent low point. Price cycles don’t necessarily operate on a weekly basis. You can find daily updates on petrol price cycles, including advice on whether it’s a good day to buy fuel in your capital city, on the ACCC website.
Fill up in the cities
If you are planning a road trip, we recommend filling your tank with fuel in the cities before you start your trip into the countryside or outback. This will save you money as petrol often increases the further you are from a city.
Save supermarket receipts
You can save money when you buy your groceries at Woolworths or Coles as you will get a discount voucher at the bottom of the receipt. Coles is usually associated with Shell, while Woolworths is associated with Caltex. Supermarket vouchers can help you save up to 4 cents a litre on fuel.
Stay fuel efficient with Moorooka Automotive
An inefficient engine will consume more fuel than it should. Regular vehicle maintenance will help you save money on fuel. Keep a schedule to monitor when your vehicle is due for servicing. Look out for warning lights on your dashboard as they indicate where there is an issue with your vehicle and have it fixed immediately. Is your car due for a service? Do you need to book a car air conditioning service or regas? Moorooka Automotive have the answers to all your automotive questions. We are your local experts in car, 4WD and light truck mechanical repairs. Based in Moorooka, our highly skilled team of mechanics have over 60 years’ collective experience in the industry. Give us a call today on (07) 3892 1153.