Living in Australia is an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and the joy of family activities. However, one of the recurring expenses we face is petrol. As a family, we find ourselves filling up the car’s tank every couple of weeks, and sometimes even more frequently due to our daughter’s activities. With rising petrol prices, we’ve made it a mission to discover effective ways to save money on fuel. Here’s a personal look at the strategies that have worked for us—and how they can work for you, too.
1. Lock Prices Using the 7-Eleven App
One of our favorite money-saving hacks is the 7-Eleven app, which allows you to lock in petrol prices at nearby stations for a whole week. This feature has saved us quite a bit, especially when petrol prices soared above $2 per litre. On one occasion, we locked in a price of $1.69 per litre and saved almost $20 on a full tank! The peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve secured a good price is fantastic. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend downloading the app and taking advantage of this feature.
2. Use Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards Card
If you shop at Woolworths, you should definitely consider getting an Everyday Rewards card. Every time we spend over $30 at Woolworths, we scan our card to earn discounts on petrol. Currently, this means saving 4 cents per litre at participating Ampol or Caltex stations. Over time, these savings add up and make a noticeable difference, especially when you’re filling up regularly.
3. Fill Up at APCO Stations
We discovered that APCO, a local independent petrol station, often has cheaper prices compared to larger chains. Luckily for us, there’s an APCO station just outside our estate, making it convenient to fill up without straying too far. If there’s an APCO near you, it’s definitely worth checking out!
4. Keep an Eye on Petrol Prices
While APCO usually has great prices, we’ve learned to keep tabs on all petrol stations in our area. We often notice that other stations might have lower prices from time to time. Whenever we’re out and about, we pay attention to the prices at different petrol stations. This habit has helped us make informed choices about where to fill up, ultimately saving us money on petrol.
5. Check for Discounts from Service Providers
Did you know that some service providers offer discounts on petrol? We recently learned that our electricity provider offers a 4-cent per litre discount when we fill up at EG petrol stations. This was a pleasant surprise! If you’re paying for services like electricity or gas, it’s worth checking if they offer any petrol discounts. Every little bit helps!
6. Reduce Air Conditioner Use at Low Speeds
It’s tempting to crank up the air conditioner during hot days, but we’ve found that using it at low speeds can lead to higher petrol consumption. Instead, we try to keep the windows down when driving at lower speeds and reserve the AC for highway driving. Not only does this save fuel, but it also gives you that refreshing breeze!
7. Embrace Public Transport
With our busy schedules, we decided to embrace public transport as much as possible. My husband takes the train to work, which not only saves us on petrol but also cuts down on the costs associated with owning a second car, like registration and insurance. I occasionally drop him off at the station, and he rides the bus to and from our home. While it might seem like a small change, it significantly reduces our petrol expenses and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
8. Use Petrol Price Apps and Websites
We’ve found that utilizing petrol price apps and websites is a game-changer. Depending on where you live, platforms like the RACV website in Victoria provide real-time information on petrol prices in your area. By simply entering your postcode, you can see the lowest prices at nearby stations, allowing you to fill up at the best rates available.
9. Remove Unnecessary Load from Your Car
Over time, it’s easy to accumulate things in your car that you no longer need. We’ve made it a habit to regularly check and remove unnecessary items from our vehicle. A lighter car uses less fuel, so after every trip, we make sure to clear out any clutter. Plus, it keeps the car tidy!
10. Wear Appropriate Shoes While Driving
This might seem like a small tip, but wearing shoes with flat soles helps improve your control over the accelerator and brake pedals. When I wear high heels or bulky shoes, I find it harder to manage the pedals smoothly, which can lead to increased petrol consumption. A simple switch to more appropriate footwear can enhance your driving efficiency.
11. Regularly Service Your Car
Regular servicing is vital for maintaining your car’s efficiency. We’ve made it a point to schedule car maintenance every six months. Ensuring that the engine is running smoothly can prevent issues that lead to increased fuel consumption. While this might seem like an added expense, it saves us money on petrol in the long run.
12. Obey the Speed Limit
Finally, adhering to speed limits is crucial—not just for safety but also for saving money on petrol. Driving at higher speeds consumes more fuel, so we make a conscious effort to stick to the limits. It’s an easy way to save money and avoid pesky speeding tickets!
Conclusion: Small Changes Make a Big Difference
These are the strategies that have helped us save money on petrol and navigate our busy lives more efficiently. While some of these tips may seem small, combining them has significantly boosted our savings. Those savings have been a great help in contributing to our house deposit and growing our emergency fund.
Living in Australia is filled with beautiful moments, and every little effort to save can help us enjoy those moments more. By being mindful of our petrol consumption, we not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. I hope these tips inspire you to explore new ways to save on petrol and make the most of your journey!
