The best way to save fuel involves a combination of smooth, steady driving habits (gentle acceleration, consistent speed, anticipating stops), vehicle maintenance (proper tyre pressure, clean filters), and reducing weight/drag (removing roof racks, clearing out junk). Planning trips to avoid traffic and using fuel-price apps also helps, while considering a more efficient vehicle like a hybrid or EV offers significant long-term savings.
Adopt these 5 fuel-efficient driving techniques to lower your vehicle's fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 25%.
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If you put 91 octane fuel in a car that requires 95 (or higher), you risk engine knocking (pinging), which can cause power loss, poor acceleration, reduced fuel economy, and, if done long-term or under heavy load, potential engine damage, as the lower octane fuel ignites too early under compression, but modern cars with knock sensors can often adjust timing to prevent immediate harm, making a single mistake less critical than continuous use.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), higher octane fuel provides no benefit for vehicles that don't need it. It won't make your car run cleaner or go faster.
It is ok to mix them. You won't notice any difference. Mix up your own 91 if you want. Part 93, part 87 or 91.
Turning off the air conditioner can save fuel in some situations, especially when driving at low speeds in the city. However, at high speeds, using the air conditioner with the windows closed helps reduce air resistance and saves more fuel.
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid – Affordable & Efficient
Why It's a Top Pick: The Elantra Hybrid is one of the most economical cars to drive in 2025, offering impressive fuel savings at a competitive price. Its fuel economy ratings are among the best in its class, making it an excellent choice for those seeking efficiency.
Engines don't operate at maximum efficiency until warmed up. So you'll burn more fuel if you drive two or three miles and then stop and let the car cool down before making another short trip. To make sure you burn the most gas, never drive first to your furthest destination and make your other stops on the way home.
These road trip tips will help you enjoy a safe and successful journey:
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Opt for cruise control Maintaining a constant speed on the highway is more fuel efficient than repeatedly accelerating. It also makes for a smoother ride. Use overdrive gears Your car's engine speed goes down in overdrive, which means gas savings. It's also easier on your engine and reduces wear.
12L/100km is generally considered average to poor fuel economy, being on the higher end for most passenger cars but acceptable for larger SUVs, trucks, or during heavy city driving, with better efficiency being under 9L/100km and worse often exceeding 12L/100km. It depends heavily on the vehicle type (SUV vs. hatchback), driving conditions (city vs. highway), and engine size.
Gear change responsibly. Whilst jumping gears or 'block changing' may feel efficient at the time, it will actually drain your fuel and reduce efficiency. It causes the engine to run outside of its ideal range between each gear, resulting in poor fuel economy. This is the case for both moving up and down the gearbox.
Cheapest Cars to Run in Australia: 7 Best Picks for 2025
To make life easier, we've highlighted the most affordable cars to run:
The 10 vehicles that are most expensive to fill up:
The "AC 5000 rule" (or $5,000 rule) is a common HVAC guideline: multiply your air conditioner's age (in years) by the repair cost; if the total exceeds $5,000, replacing the unit is generally more cost-effective than repairing it. This rule helps homeowners decide if it's better to invest in a new, more efficient system versus sinking money into an aging one, but it's a guideline, not a strict law, with other factors like energy efficiency and warranty also influencing the decision.
What You Should Know About Your Gas Mileage
The 3 minute rule involves keeping your AC unit off for three minutes before restarting it to enhance efficiency and protect the compressor. Why is the 3 minute rule important? This rule prevents short cycling, which can cause damage and reduce the lifespan of the AC unit.
Does higher-octane gas clean engines better? Not really. The EPA mandates that all gas, no matter the octane level or brand, add cleaning agents. In other words, all levels of gas and all brands carry similar cleaning agents.
High-quality octane boosters, built with proven chemistry and tested under real conditions, absolutely work. They can: Increase octane by several points (not just fractions). Unlock horsepower in tuned or high-compression engines.