Top Money-Savvy Tips to Save on Running Your Car

Owning a car is fantastic, but let’s be honest it can get expensive! With the rising cost of living and the financial impact of Covid-19 still lingering, many Australians are looking for smart ways to cut costs without sacrificing convenience. The good news? There are plenty of small, practical steps you can take to save money on your vehicle.

Here are our top tips to help you get started!

1. Save on Petrol

Fuel costs can quickly add up, but a little planning can make a big difference.

Do Your Research: Don’t just fill up at the nearest station or when you're running on empty. Use fuel price apps to compare petrol prices in your area and save a few dollars each time you refuel. Over months, these savings really add up.

Take Advantage of Discounts & Rewards: Keep those Woolies or Coles receipts! They often come with fuel discounts that might seem small (2-4 cents per litre) but add up over time. If you use the MyToyota Connect app, you can save additional cents per litre at participating Ampol stations, and Toyota even runs promos throughout the year, so keep an eye on your apps.

Choose Your Fill-up Day Wisely: Fuel prices tend to rise from Thursday through Sunday, so plan to fill up earlier in the week when prices are generally lower.

2. Drive Sensibly

Did you know that your driving habits impact both your safety and your wallet?

Avoid Accidents: Erratic or aggressive driving increases the risk of accidents, and that means costly repairs, higher insurance and potential legal issues.

Smooth and Steady: Rapid acceleration, hard braking and weaving through traffic all waste fuel. Driving calmly and predictably not only saves fuel but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and reduces the chance of vehicle accidents.

3. Servicing For Saving

Regular maintenance isn’t just good for your car, it’s good for your budget too.

Stick to Your Service Schedule: Skipping or delaying services might seem like a quick saving but it often leads to expensive repairs later. Well-maintained vehicles run more efficiently and last longer.

Correctly Inflate Your Tyres: Did you know under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and cause premature wear? Check your tyre pressure regularly and have it checked during your service appointments.

Lighten Your Load: Carrying unnecessary weight like sports gear or picnic chairs in your car adds extra strain, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing tyre and brake wear. Clear out your vehicle regularly to avoid extra costs.

4. Be Creative With Your Travel

Sometimes, thinking differently about how you get around can save money.

• Walk or Bike for Short Trips: For nearby errands, ditch the car and get some fresh air instead.
• Carpool: Share rides to work, school, or uni with friends or colleagues to split fuel and parking costs.
• Combine Trips: Plan your errands to reduce the number of separate trips.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Saving money on your car doesn’t mean drastic lifestyle changes, small adjustments here and there add up over time. We hope these tips get you thinking about how you can be more thrifty with your vehicle costs.

Need help servicing your vehicle or checking your tyres?

Book a service with our friendly team at Sunshine Toyota today.