It feels like every time you turn on the news and hear about geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, you can see the impact at your local petrol station just days later. With global events causing crude oil prices to spike, the feeling of being powerless as you watch the numbers on the pump climb higher and higher is all too common.
But while we can’t control the price of oil, we are not entirely helpless. Now, more than ever, the most effective way to fight back against rising prices is to take control of your own fuel consumption.
Your driving style can affect your fuel use by as much as 30%. That's a huge saving that stays in your pocket, regardless of what's happening overseas. The good news is that you can start today. Here are five simple habits you can adopt in the next five minutes to cut your fuel bill.
1. Master the "Feather Foot" Approach
The single biggest fuel-waster is aggressive driving. Rapid acceleration and hard braking are killers for your fuel economy. Every time you slam on the accelerator, your engine uses a sudden, inefficient burst of fuel.
The Fix: Imagine there’s an open cup of coffee on your dashboard that you don't want to spill.
- Accelerate gently and smoothly from a stop.
- Look ahead in traffic. By anticipating when you'll need to slow down, you can ease off the accelerator and coast, rather than braking suddenly at the last second.
2. Find the Sweet Spot with Your Speed
Speed is expensive. As your speed increases, your car has to work exponentially harder to push through the air (a force known as aerodynamic drag).
The Fix: Driving at 110 km/h can use up to 15% more fuel than driving at 100 km/h. On a 100km journey, dropping your speed by 10 km/h will only add about 6 minutes to your travel time, but the fuel savings can be significant. Sticking to the speed limit isn't just safer—it's more economical.
3. Ditch the Dead Weight
Your car is not a mobile storage unit. Extra weight requires more energy (and therefore more fuel) to move.
The Fix: Take five minutes to do a quick audit of your car. Remove any heavy items you don't need for your daily travels. That old set of golf clubs in the boot? The toolbox from a weekend project? They're costing you money every day. The same goes for roof racks—if you aren't using them, take them off to reduce both weight and wind drag.
4. Give Your Tyres a Monthly Health Check
Under-inflated tyres are a hidden fuel thief. When your tyres are soft, they create more friction with the road (known as rolling resistance), forcing your engine to work harder just to move forward.
The Fix: Check your tyre pressure once a month. It’s free at most service stations. The correct pressure for your car is printed on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb or on the tyre themselves. This simple check not only saves you fuel but also makes your car safer and extends the life of your tyres.
5. Stop Idling, Start Saving
An idling car is achieving zero kilometres per litre. You're burning fuel to go nowhere.
The Fix: If you're going to be stationary for more than 30 seconds, it is more fuel-efficient to turn your engine off and restart it when you need to move. This applies when you're waiting to pick someone up, stopped at a train crossing, or waiting in a long queue. Modern cars are designed to handle this efficiently.
The Financial Planner's Takeaway
In a world where global instability can impact your household budget overnight, focusing on what you can control is a cornerstone of good financial planning.
None of these habits cost a cent to implement, but their combined effect creates a powerful buffer against price shocks. By turning these simple tips into your new driving habits, you take direct control of one of your biggest household costs and ensure that your money serves your goals, not the global oil market.
For personalised financial services and advice, speak with your Financial Advisor today at Elevate Financial Planning
- Arlan Davine
