As the country continues to experience a spike in bowser prices due to the conflict in the Middle East, there has never been a better time to be a little more judicious about the way you purchase fuel and your driving habits.
Saving money on driving costs is always a topical issue in Australia, but it becomes a matter of priority when fuel prices are high.
Because, while you can’t control the price at the bowser, there are some things you can do to help your vehicle’s fuel consumption and stretch your dollars further when commuting around town or taking a road trip.
- Shop around and use your member benefits – as an NRMA member you can save up to 13 cents per litre every time you fill up at participating Ampol Foodary locations. Simply download the My NRMA app and show the QR code when you pay to receive your member discount. The app also allows you to find and compare fuel prices from all service stations in real-time across Australia. You can also search by location, fuel type and filter by distance or price.
- Remove unnecessary items and luggage – Spring-clean the luggage compartment, even if it’s not spring! Don’t keep heavy gear like golf clubs, your sports kit or tools in your vehicle if you’re not using them. Aim to pack light as extra weight increases fuel consumption, particularly in urban areas where you’re often accelerating and braking. The NRMA has found that loading a vehicle up to its maximum-rated weight results in fuel consumption increasing by up to 24 per cent compared with an identical unladen vehicle.
- Watch your speed – Driving at higher speeds increases fuel economy because your engine has to work harder to overcome higher levels of wind resistance and drag. Generally speaking it is more efficient to drive at 80km/h on the highway than it is at 100km/h but this ‘sweet spot’ changes depending on your vehicle’s powertrain and aerodynamics. You’ll also need to balance fuel efficiency with the additional time needed to complete your journey.
- Drive smoothly – Looking ahead and accelerating/braking smoothly with the flow of traffic can make a big difference to your fuel economy. Smooth driving can improve your fuel billon every trip, as can picking a route which offers a freer-flowing path.
- Drop your windows – running your air conditioning requires power which can increase your fuel economy, so it’s often more efficient to cool down by dropping your windows. This is most effective at lower speed like when you’re driving around town. Opening your windows at high speed on the highway can disturb the aerodynamics of your car and reduce any benefit versus simply having the AC on.
- Consider using E10 – The NRMA has called on drivers to overcome their scepticism of petrol blended with ethanol and turn to E10 petrol at the bowser to save money and extend national fuel reserves as the energy crisis bites deeper. “Every litre of E10 sold, basically 10 per cent ethanol, which is produced domestically, is taking pressure off the supply chain,” said NRMA chief spokesman Peter Khoury. “We should be encouraging people to reach for the E10 pump.”
There are a few things with a personal car that are recommended that will be done for you with a Sixt rental car.
- Check your tyres – Correct tyre pressures will reduce rolling resistance and fuel consumption by around 2 per cent and will maximise tyre life. Before you check your tyre pressure, have a close look at the tyre placard fitted to your vehicle (usually on the driver’s door sill). There will be a minimum and maximum pressure recommendation depending on the load – the maximum is the one to use. Check your spare, as well. While you’re at it, get your wheel alignment checked. An improper wheel alignment will cause the tyres to drag increasing the rolling resistance. A wheel alignment is recommended yearly, or sooner if you’ve hit something such as a pothole.
- Service your car regularly – Blocked air filters can increase fuel consumption significantly. If your vehicle has done over 100,00kms, a good injector clean will make a huge difference. Also don’t forget to ensure your car is well serviced and maintained too.
While higher fuel prices can make any trip feel a little more expensive, a few simple changes can go a long way in keeping costs under control. By being mindful of how and where you fill up, and making small adjustments to your driving habits, it’s still possible to get good value out of every tank.
Importantly, this doesn’t have to put a stop to your plans. With a bit of preparation, there’s no reason you can’t still get out on the road, enjoy your break, and make the most of your time away.
