5 Maintenance Tips to Improve Petrol Mileage

As we move through March 2026, Australian motorists are facing a complex landscape at the service station. With the recent semi-annual indexation of the fuel excise and ongoing volatility in global crude markets following OPEC+ supply adjustments earlier this year, the cost of keeping the family ute or hatchback on the road remains a significant line item in the household budget. While we cannot control international refinery margins or geopolitical shifts, there is one factor entirely within our power: how efficiently our vehicles consume every drop of petrol.

Fuel efficiency isn’t just about the car you buy; it’s about how you maintain it. Even a modern vehicle can see its economy figures plummet if basic maintenance is neglected. To help you navigate these high-demand months leading into the Easter holiday period, we’ve compiled five essential maintenance tips to ensure your car is running as lean and efficient as possible.

1. Monitor Tyre Pressure Regularly

It is perhaps the simplest maintenance task, yet it is the most frequently overlooked. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder to move the vehicle forward. According to industry data, tyres that are just 5 PSI below the manufacturer’s recommendation can noticeably increase fuel consumption.

With the fluctuating temperatures we see across Australia in autumn, tyre pressure can vary significantly. Check your pressures at least once a month at your local servo when the tyres are cold. You can find the correct levels on the placard inside the driver’s door frame or in your owner’s manual. Keeping them optimal doesn't just save petrol; it also extends the life of your tyres and improves safety on the freeway.

2. Replace Clogged Air Filters

Your engine needs to breathe to perform its best. An air filter’s job is to prevent dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine. Over time, especially if you’ve been driving on unsealed rural roads or through dusty construction zones, these filters become clogged. A restricted air filter forces the engine to compensate by altering the fuel-to-air ratio, which can lead to poor combustion and wasted fuel.

Most manufacturers recommend a change every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometres, but a quick visual inspection every six months is a wise habit. If the filter looks grey or contains visible debris, it’s time for a replacement. It’s a low-cost fix that offers an immediate return on investment at the bowser.

3. Use the Correct Engine Oil

As engine technology evolves, so does the complexity of lubricants. Modern engines are designed to run on specific oil viscosities—often much thinner than the oils used a decade ago—to reduce internal friction. Using a heavier oil than recommended can create 'drag' within the engine, forcing it to burn more petrol just to keep the internal components moving.

Check your logbook to ensure you are using the grade recommended by the manufacturer. With Australia’s push toward cleaner fuel standards and more efficient engine designs in 2026, using the right synthetic oil is more critical than ever for maintaining peak performance.

4. Maintain Your Oxygen Sensors and Spark Plugs

If your car is idling roughly or feels sluggish when merging onto the freeway, your spark plugs or oxygen sensors might be the culprits. The oxygen sensor monitors the exhaust to tell the car’s computer how much fuel to inject. A faulty sensor can lead to an 'over-rich' mixture, where the car burns far more petrol than necessary.

Similarly, worn spark plugs can cause misfires and incomplete combustion. While these are usually replaced during a standard logbook service, if your rego is up for renewal and you haven't had a tune-up in a while, it’s worth asking your mechanic to check these components. A healthy ignition system is vital for maximum mileage.

5. Streamline Your Vehicle

Maintenance isn't just about what's under the bonnet; it's also about the vehicle's exterior condition. Carrying unnecessary weight or creating aerodynamic drag is a guaranteed way to increase fuel consumption. If you have roof racks, a bike carrier, or a roof box installed from a summer camping trip that you aren't currently using, remove them. At freeway speeds, the wind resistance caused by these accessories can increase fuel use by up to 20%.

Additionally, clear out the boot. Every extra 50kg of weight increases fuel consumption by about 1-2%. That heavy bag of golf clubs or those spare tools you don't need for daily driving are costing you money every time you accelerate.

The Smart Way to Save

While mechanical maintenance ensures your car uses petrol efficiently, the final piece of the savings puzzle is ensuring you aren't overpaying when it comes time to refill. Fuel prices across Australia can vary significantly between suburbs and even between competing servos on the same street.

To make the most of your vehicle's improved efficiency, use the FuelRadar map to locate the best value near you. By combining a well-maintained vehicle with real-time price insights, you can take full control of your transport costs. FuelRadar is available Australia-wide on both iOS and Android, providing drivers with the transparency they need to find the cheapest fuel in their area instantly. Stay tuned to our blog for more tips on navigating the Australian fuel market and keeping your running costs down.