As fuel prices soar, is your driving technique costing you money?
In the wake of a world-wide shortage of fuel and rapidly rising prices in Australia, one expert shares how you could save up to 10 per cent at the bowser.
As fuel prices soar with unleaded reaching record levels well over $2 per litre and diesel creeping closer to the $3 a litre mark, drivers are being warned about stockpiling and one expert suggests eco-driving techniques to help save money at the pump.
Eco-driving is a smart, smooth, and safe driving technique that can lead to fuel savings, principal technical researcher at Queensland’s peak motoring body RACQ Andrew Kirk told InDaily.
“There’s lots of things you can do to drive more efficiently,” Kirk said.
“And if you do them all, it is possible to save as much as 10 percent on fuel.”
He said eco-driving is about implementing simple changes – as well as keeping up with vehicle maintenance – so you are driving more efficiently.
These include driving as smoothly as possible, reducing harsh braking and accelerating gently.
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He also suggested taking the car out of sports mode, and if drivers had a manual car, using the right gear for the conditions and shifting through gears quickly.
According to Kirk, when it comes to how drivers use their cars “you don’t get anything for free”.
“Now is the time to be economic,” he said. “Right down to the air conditioning.”
Kirk suggested driving with windows open, and not using air conditioning under speeds of 80 kph to reduce fuel consumption.
But at speeds over 80 kph, the increased drag caused by open windows could have the opposite effect.
“You need to look at how to reduce air drag,” he said.
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Removing unnecessary weight from the vehicle, and not transporting items on roof racks and removing spoilers can also help reduce fuel consumption, he said.
As will keeping up with vehicle maintenance – such as keeping tyres inflated and wheels in alignment.
“It all adds up,” Kirk said.
“And with the costs these days, you can save a fair bit of money. But you can’t be that lead foot. When it comes to driving, be the tortoise, not the hare.”
Meanwhile, a fuel tsar has been appointed to oversee supply issues triggered by the Middle East conflict.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese held a snap national cabinet meeting on Thursday to discuss major price shocks and shortages driven by the US-Israel war on Iran.
Former chief executive of the Australian Energy Regulator, Anthea Harris, was announced as the coordinator of the fuel supply taskforce.
The announcement came as Australia’s consumer watchdog launched an investigation into each of the major fuel suppliers including Ampol, BP Australia and Mobil Oil over allegations of anti-competitive conduct.
In SA, the RAA encouraged members to not to stockpile fuel and only take what they need at the bowser as service stations reported increased numbers of drivers leaving without payment.
-with AAP
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