6 Fuel-Saving Tips & Ways to Save Petrol

The price of petrol is constantly fluctuating, which means a trip to the service station is usually more expensive that you’d like. Luckily, there are several ways to save petrol, so these costly detours to the servo can have a smaller impact on your budget.

Feel like you pour too much of your money straight into your petrol tank? Give these 6 fuel-saving tips a try and see the difference they make.

1. Use an App to Find the Best Prices

Technology today can do a lot of things. One of those things is telling you in seconds which nearby petrol station has the lowest price per litre right now.

Driving extra kilometres to a servo further away may not sound like a brilliant petrol-saving tip, but it works well when the price there is significantly cheaper.

Handy links: 7-Eleven has a dedicated app for this purpose, or you may prefer a less biased app such as MotorMouth or GasBuddy.

2. Reconsider Alternative Transport

Scootering to Save Petrol | Cigno Loans

Let’s get this obvious one out of the way – just in case all you need is a small nudge to take the train more often or properly investigate your other options. If you’ve previously dismissed public transport as not being worth the effort, high petrol prices might inspire you to think again.

For example, some quick maths could reveal that scootering around the city will be cheaper than driving. Similarly, saving money could be great motivation to get back into cycling.

Top tip: Carpooling to work isn’t just one of the best ways to save fuel – it can also cut your parking expenses. Grumpy Greg may not be your favourite co-worker, but he lives nearby and drives to work too. There’s no harm in asking.

3. Keep Your Car as Light as Possible

If your boot or backseat has become a storage space for sporting gear or a graveyard for half-empty water bottles, it’s time for a clean-out.

Unnecessary weight can put a burden on your fuel efficiency, whereas a light car gets better mileage.

4. Don’t Be Idle

Leaving your car idling for longer than 30 seconds wastes fuel. It may be better to turn off the engine in some circumstances (such as waiting for a notoriously long red light or if you’ve pulled over to take a call).

Warning: In some cars, safety features only work when the engine is on. If this is true for your vehicle, ensure your environment is completely safe before following this fuel-saving tip.

5. Avoid Hills Where Possible

Taking the long way around a hilly suburb might not always be the fastest or most fuel-efficient route. However, it’s worth finding a way to dodge steep slopes when possible. Keeping up with the speed limit when fighting against gravity will take a toll on your petrol consumption.

When forced to drive uphill, try to avoid speeding up – doing so only drains more fuel.

6. Choose an Efficient Car

This may only apply to you if you’re currently on the market for a new vehicle. But if you are looking to buy a car, this is the most important petrol-saving tip on the whole list.

Purchasing a fuel-efficient car may cost a little more on the day, but the savings will start adding up as soon as you get behind the wheel.

Handy link: Is the model with the better fuel economy slightly out of your price range? A small cash loan could help you make up the difference so you save in the long term. After all, the best way to save fuel is to drive a car that uses fuel sparingly.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that Cigno Loans’ articles do not replace advice from an accountant or financial advisor. All information provided is intended to be used as a guide only, as it does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. If you require assistance, it is recommended that you consult a licensed financial or tax advisor.

NOTIFICATION OF MISCONDUCT BY CIGNO AUSTRALIA

Ordered by the Federal Court of Australia

The Federal Court of Australia has found that Cigno Australia Pty Ltd (Cigno Australia) and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd (BSF Solutions) have breached the law by engaging in unlicensed credit activity and charging prohibited fees.

In the period from July 2022 to 3 October 2023, over 100,000 consumers have been lent a total of $34 million, and charged fees of over $70 million, under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’ operated by BSF Solutions and Cigno Australia. At no time has either BSF Solutions or Cigno Australia held an Australian Credit Licence.

The Court also found that Mark Swanepoel (director of Cigno Australia) and Brenton James Harrison (director of BSF Solutions) were involved in these breaches of the law.

With effect from 24 May 2024, the Court has granted permanent injunctions preventing Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions from:

  • demanding, receiving or accepting fees or charges, including amounts of loan principal, from consumers in relation to credit provided under the ‘No Upfront Charge Model’; and
  • engaging in further credit activity pursuant to the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’, including by entering into new agreements with consumers, for so long as they do not hold an Australian Credit Licence.

Cigno Australia was ordered by the Court to, by 5th July 2024, send written communications to consumers who between July 2022 and December 2022 entered into agreements with Cigno Australia and BSF Solutions under the ‘No Upfront Charge Loan Model’.

The Court will later determine whether (among other things) Cigno Australia and Mark Swanepoel ought to pay a pecuniary penalty in respect of this conduct, and whether Mark Swanepoel should be restrained from carrying on a business engaging in credit activity.

Cigno Australia, BSF Solutions, Mr Swanepoel and Mr Harrison intend to appeal the decision of the Court and have filed an application for leave to appeal. If the appeal is successful, some or all of the orders of the Federal Court of Australia may be set aside.

Where can you get more information?

Where to go for further support

You can access legal advice in your state at: Free legal advice – Moneysmart.gov.au.

If you are experiencing trouble with debt, or money worries in general, contact:

  • the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or online chat (9:30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).

If you need someone to talk to, contact:

  • Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hours) or their crisis support online chat or
  • Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36 (24 hours) or their webchat