RACQ’s driving tips to save you hundreds at the bowser

‘Eco-driving’ is a smart, smooth, and safe driving technique that can lead to fuel savings of 15 percent, or up to $400 a year, based on a ULP price of $2 per litre.

If all Queensland drivers were trained in eco-driving, RACQ analysis shows there could be a fuel-use reduction of 230 million litres across the light vehicle fleet – which would cut $460 million from annual household fuel bills.*

RACQ Driver Trainer Sam Webb said while motorists cannot control the price of petrol, there are a few ways they can keep their fuel tanks fuller for longer.

“By adopting RACQ's eco-driving techniques you can reduce both your fuel bill and your carbon dioxide emissions,” Mr Webb said.

“The more you brake and accelerate, the more fuel is consumed, so driving as smoothly as possible is an easy way to stretch your tank further.  

“For drivers of a manual car, shifting through the gears as quickly as possible will improve your fuel efficiency, while for those driving an automatic, gentle acceleration will keep the car in as high a gear as possible. Regardless of transmission type, using cruise control on the highway can cut your fuel use. 

“Maintaining the correct tyre pressure, removing any excess weight, and reducing aerodynamic drag – such as roof racks and spoilers – also helps boost fuel efficiency.

“Getting stuck in traffic involves a lot of stop-start driving which increases fuel consumption by an estimated 30 percent, so planning ahead to avoid congestion where you can is also important.

“Other easy-to-follow tips include not idling if you’re parked and, as the weather gets cooler, minimising your airconditioner use can help save petrol and reduce emissions.”

For more on RACQ’s eco-driving tips head to www.racq.com.au/ecodrive.

Eco-driving tips

Driving strategies:

• Watch the road ahead and drive smoothly
• Brake and accelerate gently
• Use the right gear for the conditions
• Shift through the gears as quickly as possible
• Maintain a steady cruising speed on highways and use cruise control where appropriate.

Vehicle strategies:

• Maintain tyre pressure – keep your tyres at the maximum recommended inflation
• Service your car to the manufacturer’s schedule
• Remove excess weight and reduce aerodynamic drag
• Take off roof racks.

Non-driving actions:

• Monitor your fuel use
• Don’t park and idle
• Minimise airconditioner use
• Plan your trips – avoid congestion, combine trips and share rides
• Consider walking, cycling and public transport instead of driving.

_{*Based on total distance travelled as reported in the ABS 2020 Survey of Motor Vehicle Use.}