Fuel is one of the biggest running costs of owning a car. You do not need a new car to spend less on it — most of the savings come from how you drive and how well the car is maintained.
Drive smoothly
Hard acceleration and late braking are where fuel disappears. Look further ahead, ease off early, and let the car coast towards red lights instead of racing up and stopping hard. Smooth driving can cut fuel use noticeably in city traffic, and it also saves your brakes and tyres.
Watch your speed
Wind resistance climbs sharply with speed. Sitting on 110 km/h uses meaningfully more fuel than 100 km/h for very little time saved on a typical trip. Cruise control on the highway helps hold a steady speed.
Keep the tyres right
Under-inflated tyres make the engine work harder every single kilometre. Checking pressures once a month is free and is one of the most reliable fuel savers there is.
Lose the extra weight and drag
Roof racks, roof boxes and bike carriers hurt fuel economy badly, even when empty, because they ruin the car's airflow. Take them off when you are not using them. The same goes for the boot full of gear you have been meaning to unload.
Air conditioning vs. windows
Around town at low speed, open windows are usually the cheaper choice. On the highway, open windows create so much drag that air conditioning is generally more efficient. Either way, in an Australian summer, use the aircon — being comfortable and alert is worth more than a few cents.
Service the car
Old spark plugs, a clogged air filter and tired oil all cost fuel. A car that is serviced on schedule simply uses less.
Buy at the right time
Most Australian capital cities run fuel price cycles — prices climb quickly, then drift down over days or weeks before spiking again. Free apps let you see where prices sit right now in your area. Filling near the bottom of the cycle instead of the top can save serious money over a year.
Combine your trips
A cold engine uses much more fuel for the first few kilometres. Three short separate trips cost far more than one loop that gets everything done while the engine is already warm.