1. Avoid high speeds. According to statistics quoted by the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry Authority, if you decrease your speed from 110 km per hour to 90 km per hour, you will save around 25% of your fuel bill. That’s 1 free tank in every 5! Going from 110 kmh to 100kmh saves you about 10%.
   
2. Increase tyre pressure. The RACV recommends that you inflate your vehicle's tyres to the higher end of the manufacturer's recommended range of tyre pressures and make sure your wheels are properly aligned. This will reduce fuel consumption as well as wear and tear (RACV).
   
3. Accelerate gently – don’t rev. Anticipate traffic ahead by slowing down and speeding up gently.
   
4. Go top gear as soon as you can, however don’t let your car struggle by going up to fast.
   
5. Plan your journey – minimise stops, hills, school zones and traffic lights. Flatter and constant travel is better even if it is a slight detour.
   
6. Avoid lengthy idling – According to the RACV switching the engine off for even a short while will save more than is lost from the burst when restarting and the wear and tear is negligible.
   
7. Maintain your car. Keep services up-to-date. A well maintained car uses less fuel and is safer.
   
8. Monitor Air conditioner use. According to the RACV, air conditioners can increase fuel consumption by between 5 and 10%, particularly on very hot days. However, at higher speeds, use of air conditioning is better for fuel consumption than open windows.
   
9. Minimise wind resistance by removing roof racks and visors. Close your windows at high speeds.
   
10. Remove unnecessary weight from the car especially the boot.
    
11. Coles and Woolworths fuel saver vouchers – we all know about them, keep your eyes open for extra deductions. For example, an additional 4 cents if you use your visa card. Don't drive out of your way to find a petrol station that will give you a discount as it may cost you more in fuel driving there than you will save. If you don’t shop at Coles or Woolworths take a walk amongst their trolleys or parking garage, lots of spare cast off receipts.
    
12. Know the pricing cycle of your local service stations. Monday through to Wednesday morning is the cheapest time to buy fuel in the Sydney metropolitan area. In reality there is no set day that is the cheapest to buy fuel. Fuel Watch statistics shows that in Brisbane and Sydney the price cycle is usually at its lowest early in the week; in Melbourne and Adelaide it is generally at its lowest later in the week and in Perth it may be cheapest in the middle of the week.
    
13. Buy petrol early in the morning, especially in the summer months, as this is when the fuel in the station tanks is most dense and you can get as much as 5% more. It expands with the heat of the day and you pay more for less fuel. No topping up after the nozzle clicks because this extra fuel will either slosh out as you drive around and/or evaporate.
    
14. Reduce driving - Walk, cycle, pool trips or use alternative forms of transport and save on gym and doctor’s fees. Still the best way - you save 100% on fuel.

Fuel Saver tips – For the Serious Guzzlers

• Convert to gas (hybrid petrol and gas systems are available) – costs around $2000 and in some states like WA you can get a $500 rebate from the government.
  
• Lease your car through salary packaging. This usually allows you access to a fuel card which entitles you to “before tax” pricing and even with FBT it makes a positive difference at the end of the year. You can still use your discount fuel vouchers. (Check terms and conditions with your employer).
  
• Buy a smaller more fuel efficient car - no not that little red sports car you had your eye on.
  
• Buy a hybrid fuel cell car - like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight (less than $30,000).
  

What about all the Promises we hear about Fuel Saver Additives?

The Australian Consumer Association (Choice) spoke to Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi, BP, Caltex, NSW EPA, AAA, NRMA, RACV and most of them do not recommend aftermarket fuel additives. In addition it could affect your cars warranty. There may be some cases if your car is old and uses leaded fuel, the engine knocks or if you have used dirty fuel but check with the car manufacturer first. Choice has a sensible review of additives, catalysts, etc. at www.choice.com.au

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