Save 49 Cents Per Litre

Author: NRMA Media Date: 28 October 2008

A new study conducted by NRMA Motoring & Services has revealed that good motoring habits can potentially save motorists 49 cents per litre.

NRMA Director Coral Taylor said motorists could save more than $1,400 per year* if they drove 20,000km with petrol at $1.40 per litre by driving smoothly rather than aggressively.

"Motorists can make substantial savings if they are prepared to change their driving habits, Ms Taylor said.

"Driving aggressively increases a car's fuel consumption by as much as 35 per cent.

"Moving smoothly through the gears when approaching or leaving a stationary point such as traffic lights and keeping unnecessary weight out of cars are two effective ways to reduce consumption."

The NRMA's test was carried out using two Toyota Camry Altise vehicles at the Roads and Traffic Authority's Botany Emissions Laboratory to measure regulated emissions and CO2 produced by both vehicles to ensure a fair comparison.

A day of testing was then held at Eastern Creek Raceway involving one car accelerating and stopping smoothly at road cones placed 600 - 1000 metres apart, while the other was driven aggressively.

A load test was also carried out, during which one vehicle was loaded with water containers and sand bags weighing 400kg distributed evenly in the cabin and the boot. The vehicle’s tyres were inflated to the manufacturer's minimum specification. The second vehicle had no extra weight in it and tyre pressure was maintained at the manufacturer’s maximum recommendation.

Ms Taylor said a vehicle's oil and water levels and tyre pressures should be checked before carrying any significant additional weight.

"By loading one car with unnecessary weight, the test also showed substantial savings can be made if unused equipment or luggage such as golf clubs is removed from vehicles when not in use," Ms Taylor said.

"The NRMA test found fuel consumption increased by almost 24 per cent when a vehicle is loaded up to its maximum.

"While most motorists wouldn't routinely drive around with a maximum load, it does show that extra weight can increase your fuel costs significantly.

"The results of NRMA's test show there is no point trying to beat a few red lights or leaving heavy items in your car.

"Driving on public roads is not a race. Motorists should be aware of the money they can save by driving passively."

* Figure obtained comparing the consumption of the Toyota Camry Altise vehicles (considered an average sized family car) used during testing. The consumption percentage was applied to an average car travelling distance (20,000km) in a year and an average current petrol price (140 cents per litre).

NRMA's tips for reducing emissions and petrol use;

1. Avoid hard acceleration and braking - "flow" with the traffic. An aggressive driving style can increase fuel consumption by 35 per cent compared to a smooth style.

2. In urban areas when the weather is fine, switch-off the air-conditioning and open the windows - this will reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent.

3. For short trips to the shops when the weather's fine, try walking or riding a bicycle.

4. Don't keep heavy gear like golf clubs, scuba equipment or tools in your vehicle if they are not being used. The extra weight can increase fuel consumption by up to 24 percent.

5. Take off roof-racks and bullbars if they’re not required - they increase aerodynamic drag and weight, which will increase fuel consumption by up to five percent.

6. Check tyre pressures regularly and keep the pressure towards the top of the manufacturer's recommend range. This will reduce rolling resistance and fuel consumption by up to two percent and maximise tyre life.

7. Regularly service vehicles.

8. When refilling with petrol, fill only to the first “click off” of the pump and ensure that the fuel tank cap is replaced securely.

9. When stuck in traffic for any length of time - switch off the engine.

10. If driving a manual vehicle, learn to "synchronise" down-changes by revving the engine gently with the clutch disengaged before the lower gear is engaged.

11. Don't rest your left foot on the brake pedal of an automatic vehicle. The extra drag can increase fuel consumption by up to five percent.