7 ways to save on fuel
Heading on a road trip these school holidays but concerned about the price of petrol?
While the price at the pump is out of our control, there are a few ways you can save on fuel when you’re on the road.
1. Drive smooth – Save up to 30 per cent
Slamming your foot on the accelerator as soon as the lights go green isn’t just unnecessary, it’s also a waste of fuel. In fact, accelerating and braking aggressively can lower fuel efficiency by as much as 30 per cent, according to the Monash University Accident Research Centre.
Instead, gradually accelerate until you reach the required speed and brake earlier so you’re gentle on the pedal. This will help save fuel and reduce wear and tear on your engine, brakes and tyres.
2. Keep it cruisy – save up to 5 per cent
Do you have cruise control but never use this nifty function? You’re not alone. A survey by mycar Tyre & Auto found that three-quarters of Australian cars have cruise control, but just 32 per cent of motorists use the driving tool.
With sky-high petrol prices, it might be time to switch it on, particularly if you’re heading away these school holidays. Where possible and safe, use cruise control on higher-speed roads to help maintain a more consistent speed and reduce acceleration. Cruise control can reduce highway fuel use by up to five per cent.
3. Lighten the load – save up to 24 per cent
Does your family pack the entire house, including the kitchen sink, into the car or caravan before heading off on a road trip? A car packed to its maximum with a roof pod or roof box can increase fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent.
Before leaving the driveway, it might be a good idea to re-think what you’re carrying in your vehicle while on the road. Aim to pack as light as possible and only take items that you’ll need while you’re away. Buying your groceries locally is also A great way to support regional communities and get you on the road earlier.
4. Are those roof racks required? Save up to 15 per cent
Are those roof racks more of a decorative car feature than a platform to carry bulky items? When you’re not using roof racks, it’s best to remove them as they increase aerodynamic drag.
Taking kayaks or other large items on your roof racks these holidays? Once you’ve arrived at your destination, unload any bulky items before heading out to explore. Carrying unnecessary weight, especially on the roof, increases both drag and fuel consumption.
5. Check your tyres – save one per cent per 1 PSI
Underinflated tyres can increase rolling resistance when you’re on the road and can reduce fuel efficiency. Each one PSI below the recommended tyre pressure can increase fuel use by one per cent. So, before you hit the road, double check your tyres are inflated correctly.
Equally, don’t over-inflate your tyres as this can impact tyre wear and safety.
Check your owner’s manual to find the right pressure for your tyres. There may also be a sticker inside the driver’s door, in the glove box or on the fuel cap displaying the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle.
6. Shop around
Don’t just buy fuel at the closest petrol station – it could be cheaper if you shop around. Drivers can download the RAA app and check the real-time price of fuel at all petrol stations across South Australia. On top of that, it also shows which retailers have fuel available, so you can plan your journey accordingly.
Australia has very stringent fuel quality standards so you can be confident that the fuel you buy from small and independent fuel retailers will be up to the task.
7. Service and save
Keeping your car maintained and having it regularly serviced can help you save and stay safe on the road. A dirty air filter or old oil can make the engine work harder, because an engine that can’t breathe easy or move freely will use more fuel and could make your vehicle less safe.