With Perth's urban sprawl and fuel prices consistently among the highest in Australia, improving fuel economy is one of the most practical things a Perth driver can do. The good news: most of the biggest gains come from basic maintenance, not expensive upgrades.
1. Check Your Tyre Pressure
Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which means your engine works harder and burns more fuel. Research suggests tyres 20% under-inflated increase fuel consumption by around 5%. Perth's temperature swings — cold mornings, scorching afternoons — affect tyre pressure, so check monthly. Correct pressures are listed in your fuel cap or door jamb sticker.
2. Service Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, forcing it to burn more fuel to maintain power. In Perth's dusty conditions — especially if you do any unsealed road driving — air filters can clog faster than manufacturer intervals suggest. Inspect annually and replace when dirty. Typically $20–$60 in parts.
3. Use the Right Engine Oil
Using a thicker oil than specified increases friction inside the engine, reducing efficiency. Always use the manufacturer-specified viscosity grade. Switching from a 10W-40 to the correct 5W-30, for example, can improve fuel economy by 1–2%.
4. Replace Worn Spark Plugs
Worn spark plugs cause incomplete combustion — your engine burns fuel less efficiently. Replacing spark plugs at the recommended interval (typically 30,000–100,000 km depending on type) can restore fuel economy to near-new levels.
5. Fix a Failing Oxygen Sensor
A faulty oxygen sensor causes the engine to run rich (too much fuel). A bad O2 sensor can reduce fuel economy by 20–40%. It's also one of the most common causes of an engine warning light. Replacement costs $150–$350 and pays for itself quickly in fuel savings.
6. Check for Dragging Brakes
Brakes that don't fully release add constant resistance. You might not feel it when driving, but your engine is fighting against it constantly. Signs include one wheel feeling hotter than others after driving, or the car pulling to one side.
7. Keep Up With Logbook Servicing
A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently than a neglected one. Fresh oil, a clean fuel system, correct ignition timing, and functioning sensors all contribute to better fuel economy. Skipping services to save money often costs more in fuel over time.
8. Reduce Unnecessary Weight
Every 50 kg of extra weight in your vehicle increases fuel consumption by roughly 1%. Clear out your boot — don't carry tools, sports equipment, or gear you don't need for that trip.
9. Combine Trips
Cold engines burn significantly more fuel than warm ones. Combining several short errands into one trip rather than multiple cold starts can meaningfully reduce your weekly fuel bill — especially relevant for Perth's sprawling suburb layout.
Get a Fuel Economy Inspection
If your fuel economy has noticeably worsened, a Perth mechanic can run diagnostics to identify the cause. Don't accept high fuel costs as normal — often the cause is fixable and the savings quickly recoup the repair cost.