Simple ways to reduce the cost of owning a car

Save money at the bowser

Shop around for the best fuel price 

Petrol prices can vary significantly in the same street and suburb, so it can work out cheaper to research before filling up.  

The fuel finder function on the free arevo app provides personalised fuel alerts to let you know the cheapest fuel prices based on your preferences and location.

Prices are updated with customised alerts, so you know the best price and station near you.  

Use fuel discount offers

Using receipt and loyalty member discounts on petrol can save you money. Save more per litre when you combine the RACV Member fuel offer with Woolworths and EG Ampol discount offers. 

Find out more about saving on petrol with RACV here.

Keep track of the fuel pricing cycle

Fuel prices can operate on a cyclical system, where the prices go up and down over certain periods. This fuel cycle can be impacted by factors such as holidays, oil prices, taxes, competitors, and worldwide events.  

Fuel cycles normally last four to six weeks, so if you need petrol, you can consider buying the minimum you need until prices decrease at the bottom of the cycle again.  

Choose the correct fuel type to save money

Always use the best quality fuel available. You may think your car is running OK on cheaper 91 RON (Research Octane Number) petrol, but if a manufacturer specifies 95 RON then you should use it. 

If your vehicle states it needs 95 RON, you should only use that,” Matthews says.

“Long term use of 91 RON fuel in a premium engine may cause significant engine damage and end up costing a lot more down the track.”

Keep your car well maintained

Service your car regularly

Regular car maintenance can have a dramatic impact on your vehicle’s fuel economy compared with a car that has been neglected. Matthews advises that regular servicing avoids bigger costs later. 

“Don’t ignore that niggling engine light,” she says. “It may be indicating a running issue that could cause the excessive use of oil or fuel. Or it may be indicating an issue that’s going to worsen over time.”

She also recommends servicing your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at an accredited auto car centre to avoid missing critical servicing intervals. 

“A car service should include a full inspection, which can identify any issues that may need to be addressed,” says Matthews. 

“Faulty components can cause a car to run poorly, cause excessive tyre wear, wear on other components or poor fuel consumption. All of which can be more costly in the long run.”

Maintain recommended tyre pressure

Make sure your tyres are the best ones for your car and kept at the recommended pressure, according to the owner's manual. An underinflated tyre creates more drag on the road, which increases fuel use. 

“Having the correct tyre pressure ensures your tyres do not wear prematurely and you get the maximum life from them,” says Matthews. 

“Underinflated tyres will wear earlier on the edges and will increase the rolling resistance of the tyre – contributing to engine wear and higher fuel consumption.”

Properly inflated tyres also keep you safe on the road. Low tyre pressure can cause erratic wear and tear, which can lead to tyre failure and expensive replacements. 

Maintain proper wheel alignment for longer tyre life

When you check your tyres, it’s a good idea to check the wheel alignment too. 

“Getting a regular wheel alignment check will ensure your tyres last as long as possible,” says Matthews. 

“A poor alignment can cause premature wear, meaning you will need to pay to replace your tyres more frequently than needed.” 

Lighten the load to save fuel

Don’t use your car to store goods and other heavy items unnecessarily.

While items, such as an emergency car kit, are important, you shouldn’t use your  car for storage. Consider clearing out your boot when wash your vehicle. 

The heavier your car, the harder the engine needs to work, resulting in a higher consumption of fuel. Think about lightening the load for everyday use.

Remove roof racks when not in use

While handy, roof racks can create wind drag, particularly if there's a heavy load and/or additional height to the vehicle. This increases fuel use  and your costs. 

“To keep costs down, remove the roof rack when it's not in use," Matthews advises."When in use, pack it low and light." This is particularly important when driving an EV as it will impact range.

Ensure the roof rack is well maintained and fitted correctly to avoid movement that increases drag. Keep the windows and sunroof closed to help improve the car’s aerodynamic performance, and overall fuel efficiency.