Petrol News

There are many ways how to save money on petrol, besides finding the cheapest station or using a fuel app. Here are some other tips that you can try:

Drive efficiently!

Avoid speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking, as these can increase your fuel consumption by up to 40%¹. Use cruise control on highways and maintain a steady speed. Shift to a higher gear as soon as possible and avoid over-revving the engine. Turn off the engine when you are idling for more than a minute.

Maintain your car!

A well-maintained car can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 10%². Check your tyre pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the recommended level. Change your oil and air filter according to the manufacturer’s schedule. Use the right type of fuel and oil for your car.

Reduce drag and weight. 

Remove any unnecessary items from your car, especially from the roof or the boot. Extra weight can increase your fuel consumption by up to 2% for every 50 kg³. Aerodynamic drag can also reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 10%⁴. Avoid using roof racks, bike carriers, or open windows when driving at high speeds.

Plan your trips!

Combine multiple errands into one trip and avoid peak hour traffic. Use a map app or Google Maps to plot a route that avoids traffic jams, roadworks, or frequent stops. You can also use public transport, carpooling, cycling, or walking for short trips or when possible.

Use technology and save money on petrol.

There are many apps and devices that can help you monitor your driving habits and fuel consumption. Some examples are:

• Fuelio
• Fuelly
• Drivvo
• Automatic
• GoFar.

These tools can give you feedback on how to improve your driving efficiency and save money on petrol.

References:

1. accc.gov.au
2. accc.gov.au
3. accc.gov.au
4. abc.net.au

Is it true that to save money on fuel, you should think about turning off your air conditioner?

Turning off your air conditioner can indeed save you some money on fuel, but it may not be as much as you think. The effect of air conditioning on fuel consumption depends on many factors, such as the outside temperature, the intensity of the sun, the speed of the vehicle, the size and power of the engine, and the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

According to the EPA¹, using the air conditioner in very hot weather can reduce the fuel economy of a conventional vehicle by more than 25%, especially on short trips. However, this effect may be smaller for hybrid or electric vehicles, or for vehicles with more powerful engines. The EPA also suggests that rolling down the windows at low speeds can be more fuel-efficient than using the air conditioner, but not at highway speeds, where open windows create more aerodynamic drag.

Therefore, if you want to save money on fuel, you should consider the following tips:

• Use the air conditioner only when necessary and set it to a moderate temperature.
• Park in the shade or use a sunshade to prevent the cabin from getting too hot.
• Drive with the windows open for a short time before turning on the air conditioner to let out the hot air.
• Avoid idling with the air conditioner on before driving. Start driving as soon as possible and turn on the air conditioner after a few minutes.
• Maintain your car and your air conditioning system regularly to improve their efficiency.

References:

1. fueleconomy.gov
2. motorbiscuit.com
3. express.co.uk
4. prairiesmokepress.com
5. nrel.gov