Fuel Consumption in Australia: What Drivers Should Know

Are you tired of constantly filling up your car and wondering if you’re spending more than you should? Fuel consumption can have a significant impact on your wallet, especially for Australian drivers who spend a lot of time on the road. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about fuel economy, how to track your vehicle's fuel consumption, and tips for saving money at the pump. 

Whether you're driving a petrol car, a diesel vehicle, or exploring hybrid or electric options, understanding fuel consumption is key to making smarter driving decisions.

What is Fuel Consumption?

Fuel consumption refers to how much fuel your vehicle uses to travel a specific distance. The more efficient your vehicle, the less fuel it consumes to cover that distance. In Australia, with long commutes and road trips being common, managing fuel consumption is essential for both cost savings and environmental impact.

Key Factors That Determine Fuel Consumption:

• Vehicle type (e.g., sedan, SUV, or truck)

• Engine size

• Fuel type (petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric)

• Driving style (aggressive acceleration vs smooth driving)

• Road conditions (city vs highway driving)

How to Work Out Fuel Consumption

Calculating fuel consumption is simpler than you might think. The most common method is by measuring the distance your car travels and the amount of fuel it consumes. 

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Fill your tank completely.

2. Reset your vehicle’s odometer to zero.

3. Drive normally until you need to fill up again.

4. Refill your tank and note the number of litres you used.

5. Calculate your fuel economy: Divide the kilometres travelled by the litres used. For example, if you travelled 500 km and used 50 litres, your fuel economy is 10 km per litre.

Additional Fuel Efficiency Calculations:

• Litres per 100 km (L/100km): This is commonly used to measure fuel efficiency, especially in Australian and European markets.

Economic Factors

Understanding fuel consumption isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s also about saving money. Vehicles that consume more fuel require you to fill up more often, which adds up over time. 

In a country as vast as Australia, with long distances between major cities, fuel economy can significantly impact your monthly expenses.

Why Fuel Efficiency Matters:

• Lower running costs: Vehicles with better fuel consumption allow you to spend less on fuel overall.

• Longer trips: More efficient cars can travel further on a single tank, which is essential for long-distance driving.

• Vehicle price vs fuel economy: Typically, vehicles with better fuel economy may cost more upfront but offer significant savings in the long run.

Environmental Factors

Vehicles with poor fuel efficiency not only cost you more but also contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel-efficient vehicles are designed to use less petrol or diesel, which means they release fewer pollutants into the air.

How to Minimise Environmental Impact:

• Opt for a hybrid or electric vehicle to reduce carbon footprint.

• Maintain your car regularly to keep it running as efficiently as possible.

• Use alternative fuels like E85 bioethanol or LPG, which produce fewer emissions.

Factors on Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the size of your vehicle and how you drive. Here’s how each factor impacts your car’s fuel efficiency:

Vehicle Size

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, typically consume more fuel due to their increased weight and larger engines. However, the difference isn’t always significant, especially with newer, more efficient models.

Vehicle Age

Older cars tend to have worse fuel efficiency due to wear and tear on the engine and mechanical parts. Newer vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient, thanks to advancements in fuel technology and better aerodynamics.

Engine Care

Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements, can improve fuel efficiency. Keeping your engine in good condition ensures it runs smoothly and consumes less fuel.

Driving Habits

Your driving habits have a direct impact on fuel consumption. Aggressive driving, including rapid acceleration, speeding, and frequent braking, increases fuel usage. Driving at a constant speed and avoiding sudden starts and stops can help you improve fuel efficiency.

Improving Fuel Efficiency

The good news is that there are several things you can do to improve fuel efficiency without needing to buy a new car.

Drive Responsibly

Driving at moderate speeds and avoiding quick acceleration can significantly improve your fuel economy. Cruise control is your friend on highways, as it helps maintain a steady speed.

Care for Your Car

Regularly service your car, check tyre pressure, and replace worn-out parts like air filters to maintain optimal fuel efficiency.

Upgrade Your Vehicle

If you're considering a vehicle upgrade, look for models designed for better fuel efficiency, such as hybrids or electric vehicles. The Australian market has seen a significant increase in the availability of both hybrid and electric cars with exceptional fuel economy ratings.

Fuel Consumption Myths

When it comes to fuel efficiency, there are plenty of myths that confuse drivers. Let’s debunk a few:

Myth 1: Manual Cars Are Always More Fuel-Efficient

While manual cars can sometimes be more efficient, this isn’t always the case. Automatic transmissions have improved significantly and can be just as efficient, if not more so, depending on the vehicle.

Myth 2: Premium Fuel Always Improves Fuel Economy

Premium fuel may provide higher octane, but it’s not always necessary. If your vehicle doesn’t require premium fuel, you may not notice any improvement in fuel efficiency, and it will simply be an unnecessary cost.

Myth 3: Idling Saves Fuel

Idling your engine for long periods can actually waste more fuel. If you're parked for more than a minute, it's often better to turn off your engine and restart it when you're ready to move.

Getting the Most Out of Your Tank with Easi

Understanding how to measure and improve your fuel consumption is the first step to getting the most out of your vehicle. 

A novated lease with Novated Finance Australia can make owning a fuel-efficient car even more affordable. With a novated lease, you can bundle all your car-related expenses, fuel, insurance, servicing into a single pre-tax payment, lowering your taxable income and saving you money.

To learn more about how a novated lease can help you drive a more fuel-efficient vehicle and save on taxes. Get a quote today to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is fuel consumption, and why is it important?

  Fuel consumption is the amount of fuel a vehicle uses to travel a specific distance. It's crucial because it affects both your expenses and your car's environmental impact.

• How can I work out my vehicle's fuel consumption?

  Track how far your car travels on a certain amount of fuel. Use this formula: Distance travelled ÷ Fuel used.

• What factors affect fuel consumption?

  Factors such as vehicle size, driving habits, engine maintenance, and the type of fuel used all affect fuel consumption.

• Are manual cars more fuel-efficient than automatic cars?

  Not always. While manuals can sometimes be more efficient, automatics have improved over time and can be just as efficient.

• Is premium fuel always the best for my vehicle?

  Not necessarily. Premium fuel is ideal for some vehicles but not for others. Always check your car's requirements.