The secret technique Australians are using to save money on fuel as petrol prices surge

Australians are using a secret technique to save money on fuel, as petrol prices hit ten-year highs.

A new survey recently asked over 1,000 drivers to reveal their sneaky tips on how they reduce what they spend on petrol.

With the average litre now costing $1.55 motorists are resorting to drastic measures to try and keep their fuel costs down.

Australians are resorting to drastic measures to try and combat ever-increasing petrol prices (stock image)

The survey conducted by finder.com.au asked participants to choose a series of multiple choice answers to show how they maneuvered around high petrol prices.

One in twelve Australians (eight per cent) have handed in their keys, completely abandoning their vehicles and opting to walk or cycle instead.

A huge 13 per cent aim to fill up their tanks mid-week, which is when prices are lowest, and four per cent use apps to help them hunt down the cheapest petrol.

And four per cent have found that ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Taxify have been more financially beneficial for them.

Worryingly, seven per cent chose to stay at home and miss their events or appointments rather than pay for expensive petrol.

Kate Browne, Personal Finance Expert for Finder, isn’t surprised by the penny-pinching, saying petrol prices are starting to impact the daily lives of many.

The survey, which was conducted by finder.com.au , asked participants to choose a series of multiple choice answers to show how they maneuvered around high petrol prices (stock image)

The survey, which was conducted by finder.com.au , asked participants to choose a series of multiple choice answers to show how they maneuvered around high petrol prices (stock image)

‘With the public holiday in Victoria on Friday, in New South Wales, ACT, Queensland and South Australia on Monday and school holidays, many families may be forced to reconsider their getaway plans after they’ve factored in the cost of fuel,’ she said.

HOW TO SAVE ON FUEL

Use an app to find the cheapest petrol: MotorMouth, PetrolSpy, GasBuddy and FuelCheck can find the cheapest petrol near you. Remember to also try to fill up mid-week when prices are generally be cheaper.

Opt for ride-sharing services: Booking an Uber, or using a vehicle from GoGet are simple and affordable alternatives to using your own car – and best of all, you don’t need to fork out for the petrol used.

Make the most of petrol credit cards or vouchers: A petrol rewards card can help you minimise fuel costs while also earning rewards points. However, just be mindful of a higher annual fee that may apply.

Get your car serviced regularly: Staying up to date with car services can prevent mechanical problems from developing. Maintaining your cars top notch condition means it will run smoothly and consume less petrol.

Ms Browne also gave some tips herself, saying that motorists shouldn’t stop at the first petrol station they see but instead download a cheap-petrol app and seek them out. 

She also mentioned that trading in your ‘petrol-guzzling’ vehicle for a more economic, fuel-efficient car could save Australian’ a lot of money in the long run.  

Ms Browne also encouraged people to make use of public transport as much as they can. 

‘Opting for public transport or ride-sharing services to get you from A to B could be kinder on both your hip pocket and the environment,’ she said.

Sydney and Hobart residents seem to pay the most for fuel meaning price hikes will affect these drivers the hardest.  

According to the Australian Institute of Petroleum data analysed by finder.com.au, the national average price of unleaded petrol rose 0.6 cents last week to 152.8 cents a litre. 

This comes after the price of petrol has surged dramatically across the country in recent days.

In Melbourne, the price has surged to $1.70 a litre, a ten-year high.

Make the most of petrol credit cards and vouchers: Experts say petrol rewards card can help you minimise fuel costs while also earning rewards points (stock image)

Make the most of petrol credit cards and vouchers: Experts say petrol rewards card can help you minimise fuel costs while also earning rewards points (stock image)

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