Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just got your licence, figuring out how to keep your car running smoothly without draining your wallet is a skill worth mastering. According to the Australian Automobile Association’s latest Transport Affordability Index1, transport costs are rising at a higher rate than general inflation, with the average household spending $454.41 per week on expenses such as registration, tolls and fuel. “Not only have vehicle prices increased but so have the costs to operate them,” says Jeff Ames, general manager of motoring at RACV. Fortunately, help is at hand – here are our top tips to save money on all things auto so you can have your car and drive it, too.
Fuel for thought
It will come as no surprise to drivers that petrol is one of their biggest costs. Data from the NRMA shows that in 2020, drivers could fill a 55-litre tank with regular unleaded fuel for an average of less than $702, while today that same tank will cost more than $100 to fill.3 There are apps and services to help you locate the cheapest and closest petrol stations including the state government-run FuelWatch in Western Australia and FuelCheck in Tasmania. And everyone can take advantage of supermarket dockets, which offer four cents off your petrol at participating service stations when you spend $30 or more at participating supermarkets.
Lighten the load
Using your car boot as extra storage? It may be taking a toll on your finances. That extra weight means your engine must work harder, using up more fuel. Similarly, it’s best to remove car accessories like roof racks and camping awnings when you’re not using them. These create an aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which ups your fuel use.
Keep up maintenance
It can be tempting to skip a car service to cut costs but that could lead to more extensive (and expensive) problems.
“You might save $300 to $400 on the service but by not having that vehicle running at its optimum, you could be using more fuel than necessary – costing you more money in the long run.”
- Andrew Kirk, principal technical researcher at RACQ
Get the wheel alignment checked regularly, as well. Poorly aligned wheels will cause premature wear to your tyres, meaning you need to replace them more often. And keep an eye on your tyre pressure: “Keeping the tyres inflated to the right level will utilise less fuel and help keep you safe on the roads,” says Ames.
Play the insurance field
Insurance is a necessity at times but that doesn’t make forking out for it any easier. Resist the urge to set and forget; instead, shop around when you need to renew your policies. Price comparison websites, like Canstar and Finder, do the hard work for you – and they’re free. Look out for special discounts for paying annually or bundling multiple policies. And eligible customers can unlock benefits by taking out Car Insurance provided by Hollard.^
Rake in the rebates
It’s worth looking into the discounts available in your area, especially when it comes to registering your car and renewing your licence. For example, in Western Australia, certain pensioners are entitled to a complete exemption from licence fees.4 Regular toll users in NSW don’t miss out on the savings either, with eligible motorists who spend between $60 and $400 on tolls per week receiving a rebate of up to $340 a week.5 Not sure where to start? Check out Benefits finder in the CommBank app – just answer a few questions and it will suggest rebates you might be eligible for.
Hit the brakes on bad driving habits
Safe driving is better for you, the community and your back pocket. By keeping your speed in check and driving smoothly, you’ll help reduce premature wear on your brakes and tyres and won’t use up unnecessary fuel. If you can, try to avoid peak hour – the stop-start traffic is just adding to your fuel consumption. “Make your fuel last longer by turning off your car if waiting for long periods of time,” adds Ames.
