These top and simple tips can help to make your car go further between refills.

Economical driving

Use less fuel around town:

Maintain a steady speed and drive smoothly.
Ease back on the accelerator once the car has gained speed when you drive an automatic.
Change car gears and use the gearbox rationally.
Avoid engine idling for too long.
Avoid heavy traffic and peak hour.

Use less fuel on the freeway:

Take 20 km/h off your speed to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 25%.
Use cruise control.
Lessen the use of your car’s AC. If you don’t have AC and travelling over about 50 km/h, keep the windows up and use the practical ventilation.
Use the economy mode to ensure the transmission up-shifts earlier if your car’s transmission has power and economy modes.

Note: All of the above is also for reducing wear and tear on your car’s tyres, brakes, and other mechanical parts — you’ll save on running costs too.

Use your car less

Using your car less is one of the best ways to cut fuel costs. You have other options, such as car pooling, public transport, riding a bike, or walking.

Combine smaller trips into one when you use your car. Several shorter trips will use more fuel than one longer trip.

Note: A cold engine is less fuel-efficient and emits more pollutants than a warm engine.

Car care

Regular car service keeps running costs down and helps save on fuel. Car care best practices include:

Correctly tuned engine
Keeping the fuel and ignition systems in good working order
Keeping filters in good condition
Regular engine oil change using the correct grade as recommended by the manufacturer.

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Correct tyres inflation

When your tyres are still cold, check the tyre pressure once a week.

Keep your tyres inflated to a pressure slightly higher than that stated in the vehicle handbook.

Setting the tyre pressure slightly higher will aid in fuel economy and safer handling.

Note: Suggested tyre pressure can be found on the tyre placard, inside the glove box, on the fuel filler flap, or on the driver’s door.

Wheel alignment

Make sure the wheel alignment is correctly set and the brakes aren’t dragging. Both of these can increase rolling resistance and use up more fuel.

Reduce weight

Hold on! We’re not body shaming you. This means reduce the amount of unnecessary weight in your car. Toolboxes, golf clubs, etc. add weight that increase fuel consumption.

External attachments (e.g. roof racks) will increase wind resistance and fuel use so, if possible, remove them when not in use. If used, load them carefully to minimise wind resistance.

Unsecured loans in Australia

Are you in need of quick loans? Does it have to be approved urgently — with no long wait times or paperwork?

Tell Cigno Loans how much you want to borrow. By analysing your bank statement, they’ll figure out what kind of loan is best suited to you (i.e. unsecured loans).

You will need to provide your bank statements for at least the last 90 days before you apply online.

Note: For a secure, quick, and easy process, use Credit Sense to upload your statement.

According to a study, it appears most Australians can’t tell the exact amount they spend on expenses. As a result, they usually forget to include some into their budget. The following are the easily forgotten expenses on a regular basis.

1. Annual physical

We are supposed to have an annual physical and go to the dentist 2x a year for checkups and regular cleanings. There are other regular tests or preventative screenings you should also get, depending on your age.

2. Medication

The medication cost can really use up your budget if your family use a lot of medicines. The government has programs, such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Medical Safety Nets, for help.

3. Haircuts

Men’s haircuts are way cheaper than women’s and can be had for $10-$20. Unless they’re maintaining a short hairstyle, women tend to pay more for a simple wash and trim. How much more depends on the style and extras.

4. Babysitter

You need a break from looking after your kids time and again. Babysitters are lifesavers that can keep you sane.

Typically, when you hire a babysitter, you want to treat them well as you’d like them to come back and sit for you repeatedly. You’re putting them in charge of your kid’s safety, so paying the right price for their service is essential.

5. Pet Care

Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. About 62% of Australian households own pets. There are an estimated 24 million, or more, pets in Australia.

Australians spend the most on:

dogs — estimated $1,475 each, annually
cats — estimated $1,029 each, annually.

This is on average, where some pets will cost more than others.

6. Car insurance & registration

All registered vehicles, except trailers, in Australia is required by law to a minimum insurance — the compulsory third party personal injury (CTP Greenslip) insurance. Every car with a current registration sticker has this insurance as vehicles cannot be registered without this certificate.

CTP insurance covers everyone involved in a motor vehicle accident for medical and disability costs that result from the accident — except the driver who caused the accident.

10 Easily Forgotten Expenses

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7. Oil change

Along with regular car inspection, do not forget to include oil change in your budget calendar. Before an oil change, most cars today can go much farther than 5,000 kilometres (or every 3 months). Usually, it’s between 8,000 and 12,000 kilometres, or up to 16,000 kilometres.

Some newer vehicles have oil monitoring systems to remind you when it’s time to change your oil. You can check your car’s owners manual for recommendation from the manufacturer.

8. HVAC maintenance

Maintaining your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) should be a regular thing. With extreme temperatures these days, a preventative maintenance schedule is essential for all HVAC equipment. Work this into your budget in spring or fall.

9. Pest prevention

Pest prevention is easier than cure. Controlling pests and preventing their return needs knowledge as well as great products. Look for professional solutions for your pest control or search for DIY tips and guides online.

10. Taxes

Don’t let taxes sneak up on you, whether you’re a business owner or a freelancer. Always set aside for your taxes from your salary each month. Use a registered tax agent when lodging your tax return and skip the stress.

Unsecured loans in Australia

Are you in need of quick loans? Does it have to be approved urgently — with no long wait times or paperwork?

Tell Cigno Loans how much you want to borrow. By analysing your bank statement, they’ll figure out what kind of loan is best suited to you (i.e. unsecured loans, or emergency loans).

You will need to provide your bank statements for at least the last 90 days before you apply online.

Note: Use Credit Sense to upload your statement. It’s secure, quick, and easy!