Fuel efficiency is a constant concern for drivers, impacting both the environment and personal finances…
Fuel savings begin with something as simple as maintaining proper tyre pressure. Underinflated tyres create extra drag, making your engine work harder. In Australia, experts suggest when tyre pressure is 10% below the recommended level, fuel consumption can increase by around 2%, and by up to 4% if the pressure drops by 20%. Keeping tyres inflated to the correct pressure not only improves your fuel economy but also extends tyre life and enhances road safety, according to the  National Roads and Motorists' Association.

The NRMA also maintains that smooth, steady driving is equally important. Australians are encouraged to avoid hard acceleration and abrupt braking - with some sources indicating that flowing with traffic rather than fighting it can reduce fuel use by up to 30%. Keeping your speed moderate - not pushing past highway limits - is more efficient; for instance, cruising at 80 km/h uses less fuel than going faster.

Reducing unnecessary weight in your car also goes a long way. Taking out items like unused roof racks or heavy gear can quietly boost your fuel efficiency. Aussie sources estimate that removing 20 to 45 kg can improve mileage by around 5%, while each 45 kg of extra load can cut efficiency by about 1% according to The Times Australia Driving.

Technology helps too - most modern cars now come equipped with start–stop systems that automatically switch off the engine at traffic lights and during idle moments. In Australia, these systems deliver real benefits during long red lights or in slow-moving queues. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland says manufacturers claim they can reduce fuel consumption by approximately 5% to 8%. However, their real-world effectiveness depends on traffic conditions - you’ll see the most benefit when you're frequently at a full stop.

Smart driving makes a big difference too. Consistent speed, gentle acceleration, and using cruise control on longer stretches of road can significantly extend every litre of fuel - which has the potential to save fuel by as much as 14% on Australian highways. Also, combining multiple short trips into one longer journey can reduce cold-start fuel wastage, making every drive more efficient.

Finally, regular maintenance - like oil changes, filter replacements, and engine tune-ups, help keep your car running efficiently. In Australia, well-maintained vehicles are known to improve fuel economy by around 4% over time.

Let the start - stop system do its job when you're sitting at traffic lights - it quietly saves fuel over time. When you're on the open road, steady speeds and cruise control help your engine run more efficiently without unnecessary strain.

Lighten your ride by removing unused gear or roof accessories - this simple change helps your car glide along rather than push through. Finally, smarter trip planning - like combining quick trips into one longer journey - means your car spends less time in a cold, inefficient state.

Just bring your vehicle into our Strathalbyn workshop and let Strathfield Motors help you improve your fuel efficiency with a regular service...