Fuel-efficient driving habits: how to stretch your tank on a budget

We all want to cut fuel costs, and one of the best ways to do this is making small changes to the way we drive. This can hugely affect how much we spend on fuel.

There’s significant research showing that driving smarter can lead to big savings. The RACQ, for example, has found that drivers can save $400 a year (based on a fuel price of $2 a litre) simply by adopting eco-driving strategies – a combination of driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and other actions. Eco-driving can also make you a safer driver and, of course, reduce your car’s greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a win-win-win.

Here’s what you can do to make your driving cheaper, greener, and safer.

Be Smooth: Driving Habits to Save Fuel

The main eco-driving technique is to avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. In other words, drive smoothly. A Transurban eco-driving trial conducted in Queensland in 2021 instructed drivers to follow three pieces of advice: firstly, keep a gap of at least three seconds between you and the car in front – this helps you brake less often and less harshly. Secondly, try to keep a steady speed, with low revs per minute. Finally, if you’re in a manual car, shift up gears early, and drive in the highest gear possible.

Slow Down: Fuel-efficient Driving Tips.

The optimum speed range for fuel consumption is typically 55-80 km/h. Fuel consumption starts ramping up above 80 km/h, partly because of air resistance. Obviously, sometimes you’ll have to drive outside this range (such as when you’re on a highway), but the more time you can spend in it, the better.

Wind Down: How to Save Fuel on Hot Days

Is it more fuel-efficient to crank up the aircon or roll down your windows? That probably depends on a few factors, including your car, aircon model, how well your aircon works, and how windy it is outside. The NRMA suggests using the following rule of thumb: at 60km/h or less, it’s more economical to have your windows down; but at 100km/h or faster, the drag created by having your windows down is worse than using your aircon.

Rack Off: Best Driving Practices for Fuel Economy

If you’re not using them, remove your roof boxes, roof racks, and bike racks before you set off on a trip. The wind resistance makes you burn through that fuel: roof racks can add 0.6 litres per 100km to your fuel consumption, according to WhichCar? Throw on a couple of bikes and you’ll be using 1.4 litres more per 100km.

Inflate Your Odds: Fuel-saving Driving Techniques

Serviced cars are more efficient cars, so keep up to date with your servicing schedule. Additionally, you should also follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations for tyre pressure: underinflated tyres have more rolling resistance, which increases fuel consumption. Inflate according to your car’s manual, and check the pressure often.

Plan Ahead: Smart Driving Techniques

Planning ahead to avoid the risk of traffic jams can be a great way to save fuel. You could also share the burden by car sharing, carpooling or using public transport if it’s an option. 

^Disclaimer

^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}