With fuel prices in Australia regularly pushing past $2 per litre, getting the most out of every tank has never been more important. While we can't control the global forces driving up fuel costs, we can adjust our driving and maintenance habits to maximize efficiency.

You might be surprised to learn that many common habits can significantly reduce your vehicle's fuel economy. Here are five of the biggest culprits that could be draining your tank and your wallet – along with practical solutions to improve your fuel efficiency.

1. Aggressive Driving and Rapid Acceleration

Nothing wastes fuel quite like aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration forces your engine to work harder, burning more fuel in the process. Studies have shown that aggressive driving – including speeding, rapid acceleration, and abrupt braking – can lower your fuel economy by 15-30% at highway speeds and 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic.

The Impact:

If you're paying $2.00 per litre and have a 60-litre tank, aggressive driving could be costing you an extra $18-$36 per fill-up in urban driving. That's potentially more than $900 per year for the average Australian driver!

The Solution:

Adopt smoother driving techniques:

• Accelerate gradually from a stop
• Anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking
• Use cruise control on highways when appropriate
• Drive at the speed limit (fuel economy typically decreases rapidly at speeds above 90 km/h)

Many modern vehicles have an "ECO" mode that can help encourage more efficient driving by adjusting throttle response and transmission shift points.

2. Neglecting Tyre Maintenance

Your tyres are literally where the rubber meets the road, and their condition significantly impacts fuel efficiency. Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder to maintain speed.

The Impact:

According to studies, tyres that are underinflated by just 10 psi can reduce fuel economy by up to 3%. Many vehicles on Australian roads are running with tyres significantly below the recommended pressure.

The Solution:

• Check your tyre pressure at least monthly (ideally when the tyres are cold)
• Always inflate to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the maximum pressure listed on the tyre
• The recommended pressure is usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual
• Consider investing in a quality tyre pressure gauge or monitoring system
• Don't forget to check your spare tyre periodically as well

Additionally, wheel alignment and tyre rotation can extend tyre life and improve efficiency. Have your wheels aligned whenever you notice uneven wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

3. Excessive Idling

Contrary to popular belief, modern vehicles don't need to be "warmed up" for several minutes before driving, even in cooler parts of Australia. When your engine is idling, you're essentially getting 0 km/L – the worst possible fuel economy.

The Impact:

Depending on engine size, an idling vehicle can consume between 1-2 litres of fuel per hour. Those quick stops at the shops or school pick-up zones can add up over time.

The Solution:

• Turn off your engine if you anticipate being stopped for more than 30-60 seconds (except in traffic)
• Many newer vehicles have automatic start-stop systems – don't disable this feature
• In winter, limit warm-up time to 30 seconds or less before driving gently (the engine warms up faster when driving than when idling)
• Avoid drive-through restaurants and banks when possible – parking and going inside often uses less fuel

Remote starters are convenient but encourage excessive idling. If you use one in winter, try to limit the warm-up time.

4. Ignoring Regular Maintenance

Your vehicle is designed to operate at peak efficiency when properly maintained. Skipping scheduled maintenance can lead to decreased performance and increased fuel consumption.

The Impact:

A poorly maintained vehicle can consume 10-20% more fuel than a well-maintained one. This varies based on which components are affected:

• A faulty oxygen sensor alone can decrease fuel economy by up to 40%
• Dirty air filters can reduce efficiency by 10%
• Old spark plugs or worn ignition components can decrease economy by 10-20%

The Solution:

Stick to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, paying special attention to:

• Regular oil changes using the recommended grade (old, degraded oil creates more friction)
• Air filter replacement (typically every 15,000-30,000 km)
• Spark plug condition and replacement at recommended intervals
• Fuel injector cleaning services if recommended
• Oxygen sensor function (have it checked if your check engine light comes on)

At AussieMechanic, our comprehensive service includes inspection of all components that affect fuel efficiency, and we can advise on specific improvements for your vehicle.

5. Carrying Unnecessary Weight

Your vehicle has to work harder to accelerate and maintain speed when carrying extra weight. While this effect is more pronounced in smaller vehicles, it applies to all cars and trucks.

The Impact:

For every 45 kg of extra weight, fuel economy decreases by approximately 1-2%. For the average sedan, that's about 0.5 L/100km in extra fuel consumption.

The Solution:

• Clean out your boot and remove items you don't regularly need
• If you use roof racks or carriers, remove them when not in use (they create significant aerodynamic drag)
• Consider whether you really need to fill up your fuel tank completely each time (a full 60L tank adds 45kg of weight)
• If you use your vehicle for work, only carry the tools or equipment needed for each day

This is one of the easiest fuel-saving tips to implement, and it costs nothing to do.

Bonus Tip: Using Air Conditioning Wisely

In Australia's climate, air conditioning is often a necessity rather than a luxury. However, it does impact fuel economy, particularly during city driving.

The Impact:

Using air conditioning can reduce fuel economy by about 5-25%, with the greatest impact during hot weather and city driving.

The Solution:

• At speeds below 60 km/h, opening windows is generally more efficient than using A/C
• At speeds above 80 km/h, using A/C is usually more efficient than open windows (which create aerodynamic drag)
• When first entering a hot car, open the windows to vent hot air before turning on the A/C
• Set your A/C to a comfortable rather than frigid temperature to reduce compressor load
• Park in the shade when possible to reduce the need for maximum A/C

The Cumulative Effect: Small Changes Add Up

While each of these factors might seem minor individually, their combined effect can be substantial. By addressing all five issues, you could improve your fuel economy by 30% or more. For a vehicle that normally gets 10 L/100km, that's an improvement to about 7 L/100km – saving you 3 litres of fuel for every 100 km driven.

For the average Australian driver covering 15,000 km annually, that's a saving of 450 litres of fuel per year. At $2.00 per litre, that's $900 back in your pocket!

Beyond These Tips: Consider Your Vehicle Choice

If you're in the market for a new vehicle, fuel efficiency should be a key consideration. Modern hybrid vehicles can achieve fuel economy below 5 L/100km, while electric vehicles eliminate fuel costs entirely (though electricity costs must be considered).

Even within conventional vehicles, there can be significant differences in fuel consumption between models. The Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide is an excellent resource for comparing the efficiency of different vehicles.

Conclusion

With fuel prices unlikely to return to the low levels of past decades, developing fuel-efficient driving habits is becoming an essential skill for Australian motorists. By addressing these five common habits, you can significantly reduce your fuel consumption and save money while also reducing your environmental impact.

At AussieMechanic, we're committed to helping you maintain your vehicle for optimal performance and efficiency. If you've noticed decreased fuel economy or would like a comprehensive inspection to identify potential efficiency improvements, contact us today to schedule a service.