On (And Off) The Road How to save fuel amid rising petrol prices

Just as Australia opens after Covid, Aussie travellers are hit with another brutal blow – rising petrol prices. Petrol price hikes are hitting hip pockets everywhere from the bowser to the supermarket shelves. But don’t postpone your travel plans just yet. Our team at JAWA Off Road Campers has compiled our top tips to save fuel so you don’t have to forego your holiday plans.

Long trips are more economical than short trips

Vehicles can use up to 20% more fuel when the engine is cold so avoid short trips. Consider buying groceries weekly or in bulk rather than making several trips each week.

Watch your speed

Fuel consumption increases significantly over around 90km/h so you can avoid speeding fines and save fuel. 

Turn your engine off to save petrol

If you are parked, even for a short period, switching the engine off will save more fuel than you’ll lose restarting. Don’t turn your engine off at red lights unless your vehicle is programmed to do so.

Service your vehicle regularly

Regular maintenance can help you save money on fuel. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.

Avoid over-revving

If you’re driving a manual, avoid over-revving. If you are in an automatic, ease back slightly on the accelerator once the vehicle gathers momentum.

Consider travelling in the cooler months

Air conditioning can increase fuel use by up to 10%, however at speeds of more than 80 km/h, an open window will cost you more in aerodynamic drag.

Use the recommended fuel type

If you use regular unleaded in a vehicle designed for premium, expect slightly lower performance and fractionally higher consumption. Using premium unleaded in a car designed for regular may provide better fuel consumption in some newer vehicles, but it’s unlikely to offset the extra cost of the fuel.

Use real time fuel price trackers

Petrolspy is a free mobile fuel app. The real time fuel price tracker shows travellers which service stations in each capital city across Australia are selling the cheapest petrol or diesel.

What is the cheapest day to buy petrol?

There’s no singular consistent day that petrol prices are cheaper. In the major cities, the best day to buy fuel is at a low point in a price cycle – which is a movement in the retail price from a low point to a high point to a subsequent low point. Price cycles don’t necessarily operate on a weekly basis. In 2018, cycle durations in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide ranged from 14 to 54 days, so the cheapest days to buy fuel often change each week. Perth, however, is a bit different as it has weekly price petrol cycles. The ACCC found that prices peak on Tuesdays then decrease to a low on Mondays.

You can find daily updates on petrol price cycles, including advice on whether it’s a good day to buy fuel in your capital city, on the ACCC website. 

Fill up in the cities

We recommend filling your tank with fuel in the cities before you start your trip into the countryside or outback. This will save you money.

Save supermarket receipts

You can save money when you buy your groceries at Woolworths or Coles as you will get a discount voucher at the bottom of the receipt. Coles is usually associated with Shell, while Woolworths is associated with Caltex. Supermarket vouchers can help you save up to 4 cents a litre on fuel.

Start exploring with JAWA

Are you planning a road trip? Why not start your adventure with a JAWA off road camper, home to the best hybrid caravans and campers in Australia. Get in touch with our team at JAWA Off Road Campers by calling 07 5479 6844. You can also check out our range in our Caboolture showroom and have a chat with us in person. You can also stop by our Facebook page. We’d love to hear about your adventures and your petrol-saving tips.