Fuelling your savings: How to make your petrol tank go the extra mile

“We don’t tend to think that strategically about petrol prices but using these apps can save you as much as 30 cents a litre,” says Kate Browne, spokeswoman for Finder.

While enthusiastic about the benefits of these apps for consumers, Browne says it is important to think practically too.

“There’s no point driving across the city for a slightly cheaper deal.”

Retire your lead foot

“Drive calmly and you won’t churn through your petrol tank,” Browne says.

Putting your car into cruise control when on the road can help maintain a steady pace and ease fuel use.

RACV’s Colonico has similar words of wisdom, recommending that drivers avoid accelerating or braking too hard – and to slow down.

“Speeding is not only dangerous, it also uses more fuel … travelling at 100 kilometres per hour instead of 110 kilometres per hour can reduce fuel consumption significantly,” she says.

Make Wednesday your fuel day

While it may sound like an old wives’ tale, filling up your tank on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save drivers a couple of extra dollars.

“Mid-week is better as the demand for prices tends to drop, as opposed to the weekend,” says Browne.

However, she also says it’s important to check in with petrol price comparison apps, as the market is more volatile than it was in previous years, and can fluctuate from day-to-day.

Consider alternative transport options

Mixing up your transportation options through ride-share apps like Uber and DiDi, public transport and car-share services could be cheaper – and easier – for metro residents especially.

“If you are considering selling your car, it’s a brilliant time to do it. Second hand cars are selling for more than usual,” Browne says.

Switching to public transport could save some Melbourne and Sydney commuters thousands every year, according to Finder’s analysis.

The results were calculated using fuel prices of $1.97 cents a litre and the average fuel consumption of 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres.

According to the analysis, commuters from Pakenham who switch to public transport to reach Melbourne’s CBD could save $185 per week on fuel and tolls – equivalent to more than $8000 across a typical year of work.

Meanwhile in Sydney, northern beaches commuters could save $152 per week by switching to public transport.

These savings could be increased when factoring in the daily cost of parking and vehicle wear and tear.

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