11 Ways to Maximise Car Fuel Economy to Save at the Servo

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There are a lot of cars on the road. Just look at any peak hour traffic jam for the proof.

And for many Australians, the necessity of a car leads to higher fuel costs and bigger bites out of your budget. Especially when those costs aren’t under your direct control. A few extra trips, a jump in petrol prices, or a car that’s working harder than it needs to can all add up.

However, you don’t need to become a mechanic or change your whole life to save money on fuel. A few practical changes to how you drive, maintain your car, and plan your trips can help you reduce fuel consumption and get more kilometres from each tank.

Here are 13 simple, usable fuel saving tips to help you save at the servo.

1. Drive smoothly

One of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy is to drive more smoothly. This means accelerating and braking gently, anticipating traffic conditions so you can adjust before you need to, and maintaining a steady cruising speed. You can reduce how much fuel is consumed just by adjusting your driving style and going easy on the pedals.

Hard acceleration uses more fuel because your engine has to work harder. Heavy braking can also waste momentum, especially in stop-start traffic, burning fuel to bring yourself to a sudden halt.

Try this:

• Look further ahead so you can ease off earlier when traffic slows.
• Accelerate gently from traffic lights.
• Keep a safe gap so you’re not constantly braking.
• Use cruise control on open highways where it’s safe and suitable.

2. Pump them up (the tyres)

Tyre pressure matters more than many drivers realise. According to the Australian Government, looking after your tyres can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%, while also improving vehicle handling and extending tyre life. It’s recommended to inflate tyres to the recommended pressure provided by the vehicle manufacturer, usually shown on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance (via extra surface area), which means your car has to use more energy to move.

Try this:

• Check your tyre pressure every few weeks, especially before longer drives. Many servos have free tyre fill stations.
• Check tyres when they’re cold, before you’ve driven far.
• Use the pressure listed on your vehicle’s tyre placard or owner’s manual.
• Don’t forget to top up the spare tyre if your car has one (if you don’t, consider getting one).

3. Service your car regularly

A well-maintained car is generally a more efficient car. Think of your car’s service as an annual visit to the doctor for a full-body physical—catching problems before they become problems and tuning everything up. According to RACQ, keeping your vehicle properly serviced can help reduce fuel use by increasing the efficiency of the engine. A more efficient engine=more kilometres from every tank.

Try this:

• Follow the service schedule in your owner’s manual.
• Replace dirty air filters when recommended.
• Check oil levels and use the right oil for your vehicle.
• Ask your mechanic to check wheel alignment if the car pulls to one side or tyres wear unevenly.

Car servicing does cost money upfront, but it can help you save in the long run and can often be a requirement for acquiring insurance or rego.

If you’re looking for a bit of extra support to cover car servicing expenses (or any unexpected expenses), you may want to consider Beforepay Pay Advance. Get up to $2000 in as little as 5 minutes, and repay it over up to 4 instalments aligned to your pay cycle.

4. Plan trips and combine errands

Lots of short trips can use more fuel than one well-planned outing. While not always possible, planning ahead, choosing nearby shops, combining errands, and travelling in off-peak times can all contribute to lowered fuel costs and emissions.

Try this:

• Group errands by area before you leave home.
• Do grocery shopping, pharmacy runs, and parcel pick-ups in one trip.
• Avoid driving during peak traffic where possible.
• Walk or cycle for short local trips if it’s safe and practical.
• Use public transport when it makes sense for the trip.

5. Remove extra weight from your car

The heavier your car is, the more fuel it generally needs to move. By removing unnecessary items or excess weight from your vehicle, your car can move further for less.

Try this:

• Empty your boot of items you don’t need.
• Take out unused sports gear, tools, or boxes.
• Remove child seats when they’re not needed for long periods.
• Avoid using the car as long-term storage.

6. Take off roof racks when you’re not using them

Roof racks and other external accessories may look nice, but they can increase drag (slowing you down) and increase weight (also slowing you down). According to the Green Vehicle Guide, greater air resistance can increase fuel consumption up to 20%.

Try this:

• Remove roof racks when the holiday or weekend trip is over.
• Take off roof boxes when you’re not actively using them.
• Avoid leaving bulky attached to your vehicle when not in use.

7. Avoid idling when parked

It’s a common myth that leaving an engine idling will save fuel compared to turning it off and on again. But it turns out to be the opposite.

While there are lots of different factors that affect how much fuel a vehicle burns while idling, switching the engine off, even for a short period, generally saves more fuel than is lost restarting it.

Try this:

• Turn the engine off while waiting in a safe parked spot.
• Avoid warming up the car for longer than needed.
• Use your vehicle’s stop-start function if it has one and you’re comfortable with it.

8. Keep your cool

Air conditioning can increase fuel use because it draws power from the engine. But it can depend on where you’re driving and the speed you’re travelling. According to MyCar, air conditioning could be the better cooling option if you’re travelling at high speeds, due to increased wind resistance from open windows. Conversely, at lower speeds, an open window could be the more efficient option.

Use your own comfort levels as an indicator, especially in the Aussie heat and humidity, but you may be able to get more kms out of the litre by turning on the air con sparingly.

Try this:

• Park in the shade where possible.
• Vent hot air by opening doors or windows briefly before turning on air conditioning.
• Use recirculation once the cabin is cool.
• Keep the temperature comfortable rather than icy.

9. Watch your speed on highways

The faster you go, the more fuel you may use. At 110km/hr, according to an estimate from the New Zealand Transport Agency, a vehicle will be using up to 23% more fuel than at 90km/hr.

You’ve got to obey the speed limits, which may limit how much use this information may be, but it's good to know regardless. 

Try this:

• Stick to the speed limit.
• Avoid quick bursts of acceleration when overtaking.
• Use cruise control where safe and suitable.
• Leave enough space so you can ease off rather than brake sharply.

10. Check fuel prices before you fill up

Improving fuel economy helps you use less fuel. Checking petrol prices helps you pay less for the fuel you do buy.

By using free fuel price apps like Petrol Spy and Fuel Map, you can keep an eye on prices to determine when and where you should top up the tank.

To get you started, check out our list of the top 7 apps to help you find cheap fuel.

Try this:

• Compare nearby servos before you leave home.
• Check whether prices differ by suburb.
• Look for government-backed tools where available.
• Avoid driving far out of your way if the saving is tiny.

11. Compare fuel efficiency before buying your next car

A car that’s cheaper to buy isn’t always cheaper to run. If you’re planning to buy a car, fuel efficiency can be a significant driver of long-term running costs. It doesn’t hurt to double check the fuel consumption label or vehicle information before you make a purchase.

Try this:

• Compare fuel consumption before choosing a car.
• Look at annual fuel cost estimates, not just the purchase price.
• Think about the kind of driving you do most: city, highway, short trips or long commutes.
• Consider hybrid or electric options if they suit your budget, driving needs, and charging access.

Closing the car door

Saving money on fuel doesn’t have to mean overhauling your life. Start with one or two of the simpler changes: check your tyres, empty your boot, drive a little more smoothly, grab a fuel price app, or something similar.

Over time, those small habits can help you reduce fuel consumption, improve fuel efficiency, and keep more money in your account for everything else life throws your way.

Need fast funds for a fuel top up?

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Want to explore other options?

Here are 5 practical ways to raise money for short-term expenses.

FAQs

How can I maximise car fuel economy quickly?

The quickest ways to maximise car fuel economy are to drive smoothly, check tyre pressure, remove unnecessary weight, avoid idling and plan trips so you drive fewer unnecessary kilometres.

Does tyre pressure affect fuel consumption?

Yes. Looking after your tyres and keeping them at their recommended pressure can reduce fuel consumption by up to 5%, while also improving handling and extending tyre life.

Does driving slower save fuel?

Driving at high speeds can increase fuel use. But that doesn’t mean driving slow saves fuel. Focus on following posted speed limits and driving smoothly.

Do roof racks use more fuel?

Roof racks can increase aerodynamic drag and weight, which can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%, according to the Green Vehicle Guide. 

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