Driving Habits
Smooth acceleration (don't floor it from lights), maintain steady speeds on the freeway, use cruise control on highways, and anticipate traffic to reduce unnecessary braking.
Vehicle Maintenance
Keep tyres at correct pressure (underinflation increases fuel consumption by 3-5%), use the recommended oil grade, replace dirty air filters, and ensure the engine is properly tuned.
Planning
Use FuelWatch to find the cheapest fuel. Combine trips to reduce cold starts (cold engines use more fuel). Remove roof racks and heavy items when not needed — extra weight and drag cost fuel.
Air Conditioning vs Windows
Below 80km/h: windows down, AC off is more efficient. Above 80km/h: close windows and use AC — the drag from open windows outweighs the AC compressor load. In Perth's heat, just use the AC and accept the small fuel penalty for comfort.
Real Savings
These combined tips can save 10-15% on fuel. For a driver spending $3,000/year on fuel, that's $300-450 in annual savings.