Fuel costs can add up quickly on extended road trips, but with a few smart driving habits and vehicle maintenance tips, you can maximise your fuel efficiency. Whether you're heading across the country or just taking a weekend getaway, these strategies will help you get the most out of every tank.
Drive Smoothly and Maintain a Steady Speed Aggressive driving—rapid acceleration, sudden braking, and high speeds—can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. Instead:
Accelerate gently and brake smoothly to maintain a steady flow of movement.
Use cruise control on highways to keep a consistent speed and reduce fuel consumption.
Stick to the speed limit, as fuel efficiency declines rapidly at higher speeds.
Reduce Excess Weight and Drag Carrying unnecessary weight forces the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption.
Remove roof racks, bike carriers, and heavy items from the boot when not in use.
Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag, which can improve fuel efficiency.
Keep Tyres Properly Inflated Underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, leading to increased fuel usage.
Check tyre pressure before your trip and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Inspect tyres regularly during long drives, as fluctuating temperatures can impact pressure.
Plan Your Route Efficiently Avoiding unnecessary detours and traffic congestion helps reduce fuel wastage.
Use GPS or navigation apps to find the most fuel-efficient route.
Travel during off-peak hours to minimise stop-and-go traffic.
Combine errands or stops to reduce the number of short trips, which use more fuel.
Use Air Conditioning Wisely While air conditioning improves comfort, it can also increase fuel consumption.
Use A/C sparingly and opt for natural ventilation at lower speeds.
At higher speeds, keeping windows closed and using A/C moderately is more fuel-efficient.
Park in the shade or use sunshades to reduce the need for excessive cooling.
Maintain Your Vehicle for Optimal Efficiency A well-maintained car runs more efficiently, leading to fuel savings.
Regularly service your vehicle, including oil changes and air filter replacements.
Use the recommended engine oil to reduce friction and improve efficiency.
Ensure spark plugs and fuel injectors are clean and functioning properly.
Minimise Idling Idling wastes fuel and produces unnecessary emissions.
Turn off the engine if parked for more than a minute.
Avoid excessive warm-up times—modern engines don’t need more than a few seconds before driving.
Use the Highest Practical Gear Driving in a lower gear at high speeds increases fuel consumption.
Shift to higher gears early to maintain low RPMs.
For automatic vehicles, use eco-driving modes if available.
Book a Service Before Your Next Road Trip
Maximising fuel efficiency starts with a well-maintained vehicle. Visit your nearest Repco Authorised Service Centre for a full car service before your trip. Our expert technicians will check tyre pressure, engine performance, and overall efficiency to help you save on fuel and enjoy a smoother journey.