How to save petrol

Before you can start saving petrol, it's essential to understand how your vehicle's fuel efficiency works. Fuel efficiency, or fuel economy, refers to the distance your car can travel on a certain amount of fuel. Typically, fuel efficiency is measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100km).

The fuel efficiency of your vehicle depends on various factors, including its make and model, car insurance, engine size, weight, and aerodynamics. Generally, smaller cars are more fuel-efficient than larger cars, and diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than petrol engines.

To determine your vehicle's fuel efficiency, check the owner's manual or look up the make and model online. The Australian government publishes the official fuel consumption figures, and you can find them on the Green Vehicle Guide website. These figures estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume in both urban and highway driving conditions.

Efficient Driving Habits to Save Fuel

Once you understand your vehicle's fuel efficiency, you can start adopting fuel-saving habits that can help you reduce your fuel consumption and save money. Here are some tips to help you drive more efficiently:

Accelerate and brake smoothly

Aggressive driving habits like hard braking and sudden acceleration can significantly increase fuel consumption. Instead, try to accelerate and brake smoothly to keep your engine revs low and reduce fuel consumption.

Maintain a steady speed

Avoid constantly speeding up and slowing down, as this can waste fuel. Instead, try to maintain a steady speed as much as possible. Using cruise control on the highway can be an effective way to maintain a consistent speed and save petrol.

Avoid idling

Idling your vehicle for extended periods wastes fuel and releases unnecessary emissions. If you need to wait more than a minute, turn off your engine to conserve petrol.

Plan your route

Planning your route before you drive can help you avoid traffic and reduce fuel consumption. Consider using a GPS navigation system or a mapping app to find the most fuel-efficient route.

Reduce air conditioning usage

Using air conditioning in your vehicle can significantly increase fuel consumption. Instead, use natural ventilation when possible or turn off the air conditioning when unnecessary.

Maintenance Tips for Better Fuel Economy

Maintaining your vehicle is essential for achieving optimal fuel efficiency. Here are some maintenance tips to help you save petrol:

Keep your tyres inflated

Underinflated tyres can significantly increase fuel consumption by up to 6%. Check your tyre pressure regularly and keep your tyres inflated to the recommended level.

Change your oil regularly

Regular oil changes can help keep your engine running smoothly and improve fuel efficiency. Check the owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval.

Replace air filters

Dirty air filters can reduce your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Replace your air filters regularly to keep your engine running smoothly.

Check your spark plugs

Faulty spark plugs may cause your engine to misfire and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your spark plugs regularly and replace them as needed.

Keep your vehicle clean

A clean vehicle can improve aerodynamics and reduce drag, improving fuel efficiency. Make sure to wash and wax your car regularly.

Use the recommended fuel type

Using the recommended fuel type for your vehicle can help improve fuel efficiency. Check your owner's manual for the recommended fuel grade and kind.

Service your vehicle regularly

Regular servicing can help you identify and fix any fuel efficiency issues. Follow the recommended service schedule in your owner's manual to keep your vehicle in top condition.

The Importance of Route Planning to Save Petrol

With the gradual increase in fuel prices, you need to take steps to save your fuel. Planning your route before you drive can help you avoid traffic and reduce fuel consumption. By using a GPS navigation system or a mapping app, you can find the most fuel-efficient route to your destination. Here are some tips for effective route planning:

Check traffic conditions

Before you hit the road, check the traffic conditions to avoid congestion and delays. Consider using a traffic app to get real-time updates on traffic conditions.

Choose the shortest route

The shortest route is often the most fuel-efficient, involving less time on the road. Consider using a mapping app to find the quickest route to your destination.

Avoid hills and steep terrain

Driving uphill or on steep terrain can significantly increase fuel consumption. Consider avoiding hilly routes when possible or finding alternative routes that are flatter.

Avoid busy streets

Busy streets with lots of stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel consumption. Consider finding alternative routes that have fewer traffic lights and intersections.

Fuel-Saving Technologies and Upgrades

There are various fuel-saving technologies and upgrades that you can consider to improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Some of the most common fuel-saving technologies and advancements include:

Hybrid or electric vehicles

Hybrid or electric vehicles are designed to be more fuel-efficient than traditional petrol vehicles. If you're in the car market for a new vehicle, consider investing in a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Fuel-saving devices

Various fuel-saving devices are available that improve fuel efficiencies, such as fuel additives, engine tuners, and aerodynamic enhancements. However, it's essential to research and ensure these devices are safe and effective before investing in them.

Fuel injection system cleaning

Over time, your fuel injection system can become clogged with dirt and debris, reducing fuel efficiency. Consider having your fuel injection system cleaned by a professional to improve fuel efficiency.

Upgraded tyres

Upgrading to more fuel-efficient tyres can reduce fuel consumption by lowering rolling resistance. Consider investing in low-rolling-resistance tyres to improve fuel efficiency.

How to Choose the Best Petrol for Your Vehicle

Choosing suitable petrol for your vehicle is essential for optimal fuel efficiency. Here are tips for selecting the best petrol for your car:

Check your owner's manual

Your owner's manual will specify your vehicle's recommended petrol grade and type. Make sure to use the recommended fuel to ensure optimal fuel efficiency.

Consider the octane rating

The petrol's octane rating indicates its detonation resistance. Higher octane fuel is not necessarily better for your vehicle, as it may not be designed for use. Using higher octane fuel when not recommended will not improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid ethanol blends

Ethanol-blended petrol can reduce fuel efficiency, as it contains less energy than pure petrol. Consider avoiding petrol blends that contain ethanol if possible.

Consider your driving habits

Your driving habits can impact the type of petrol you should use. If you do too much highway driving, choose a higher-octane fuel to improve your vehicle's performance. A lower-octane fuel may suit your car if you mainly drive in the city.

Check the pump label

When filling your tank, check the pump label to ensure you use the correct petrol grade and type. The label should indicate the octane rating and whether the petrol contains ethanol.

Be wary of cheap petrol

While it is always tempting to go for the cheapest petrol option, it is essential to consider the quality of the fuel. Cheap petrol may contain impurities that can harm your vehicle's engine over time.

Consider premium brands

Premium petrol brands may offer better quality fuel to improve your vehicle's performance and efficiency. While these brands may be more expensive, they may be worth the investment in the long run. Moreover, if you're considering upgrading your vehicle for more efficiency, you can use a car loan or any other financing option. 

Stacking Trips and Carpooling to Reduce Fuel Usage

Combining trips and carpooling can help you reduce fuel usage and save money. Combining multiple trips into one and carpooling with others can reduce the fuel you use. Here are some tips for effective trip stacking and carpooling:

Plan ahead

Plan your road trips ahead of time to ensure that you can combine multiple errands into one trip. Consider using a mapping app to find the most efficient route.

Carpooling

Consider carpooling with others to lessen the number of cars on the road. You can save money on fuel costs by splitting the cost with others. There are several websites and apps available that help you find carpooling partners.

Public transportation

If available, consider using public transportation for some of your trips. Public transportation can be a cost-effective and fuel-efficient way to get around.

Walking or biking

Consider walking or biking instead of driving for short trips. This saves fuel and is suitable for your health and the environment.

Take Control of Your Fuel Consumption Today

By implementing these easy-to-follow tips and making minor changes to your driving habits, you can significantly reduce your petrol consumption and save money in the long run. Whether you're driving your car or considering car hire, remember small actions can have a significant impact.

So, why not start implementing these tips today and help protect the environment while saving money? If you don't have a car yet, this is the best time to consider the car's fuel efficiency before purchasing from a car dealer.