We recommend that members investigate alternative travel modes , but where none exist, here are some ways you may save on petrol consumption, emissions, or both. This information is an expanded version of suggestions originally provided by the Australian Automobile Association.

Combine trips and errands

Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient. With a planned approach to tasks, you'll avoid doubling back, reducing both travel distance and future maintenance costs.

Avoid Stop-Start heavy acceleration and braking

Flow with the traffic—smooth driving can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent. Don’t rest your left foot on the brake of an automatic vehicle—the extra drag increases fuel consumption by five per cent.

Watch your speed

By travelling at 90 km/h rather than 110 km/h on multi-lane roads you can reduce fuel consumption by 10 per cent or more. Please consider those around you, and bear in mind that driving slowly on single lane roads will increase the risk others expose themselves to in overtaking you.

Lighten the load

Take off roof-racks and bullbars if they’re not needed. Remove golf clubs or tools if you’re not using them—and reduce fuel consumption by up to 5 per cent. Keep your tyre pressure towards the top of the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Switch off

When stuck in traffic for any length of time turn the key to the “accessory” position (not to “off”) and if you have an automatic transmission, shift to “park”. Vehicles fitted with engine-off as standard typically reduce fuel consumption in urban areas by up to 15 per cent. This is a function that cuts the engine when at a stop, such as in the prius.

Smart Commuting

If you can stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours, you'll spend less time sitting in traffic and consume less fuel. If you own more than one vehicle, drive the one that is most efficient whenever possible.

Consider the possibility for telecommuting (or working from home) if your employer permits it, or strategies for negotiating win-win outcomes through telecommuting if your workplace doesn't currently support telecommuting.

Ride Share

If possible, take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Using the transit lanes (T2, T3) on major Australian commuting thoroughfares will also save time. Think outside the square, and consider neighbours as well as colleagues for your carpool idea.

Open the windows

When the weather is fine, switch-off the air-conditioning. This reduces fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent in urban driving. There is a common misconception that airconditioning is more efficient than opening windows, but this is only true where the car is travelling at high speeds.

Service your vehicle

Service your car regularly: blocked air filters and valves (and incomplete combustion of fuel) can increase fuel consumption significantly. Poorly maintained tyres may also have increased rolling resistance.

Investigate other fuel types

In petrol cars, and depending on your driving style & vehicle, a high performance fuel such as BP Ultimate may assist you in getting greater mileage (and therefore reduced consumption per kilometre) from a given tank. In diesel vehicles, it is possible to use biofuels. Whilst these fuels are not perfect, some of them are made from waste products like greasetrap waste. This paper by Tony Clark and Philip Calais details the use of cooking oil as a replacement fuel.

Overdrive and Cruise Control

If your car has cruise control, learn how to use it. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed helping to save petrol, and combining this with a slightly lower speed, you will save significant amounts. If your vehicle has an overdrive option, engage it at higher speeds. Your car's engine speed is reduced, saving petrol and reducing engine wear.