Fuel saving rules

Australian motorists could save almost $2billion a year — $200 for every car — in fuel by applying a couple of simple rules when they drive. Fuel economy guru John Taylor, who with his wife, Helen, holds 36 fuel economy world records, says the economy message is simplicity itself.

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“For the past two years we have been travelling the world educating governments, fleets and the general public on how to save fuel and how to save money, which in turn is great for saving greenhouse gas,” Taylor says.

“This is not rocket science, it doesn't require a new type of car — it doesn't even require big changes to your driving style. Around the world we averaged 10 to 30 per cent savings.”

Taylor's tips include driving smoothly, finding the highest suitable gear as soon as possible without stressing the car, making sure tyre pressures are correct and planning your trip. For Australian motorists Taylor says the savings could mean enough to take the family on holidayor drive one year in 10 for free.

“There are 10 million registered cars in Australia driving an average 15,000km a year. That is 43km a day per car or 430 million kilometres driven every day. If you make that driving 10 per cent more efficientit equates to a saving of 3,225,000 litres of fuel a day. At $1.60 a litrethat is savings of $5,160,000 everyday of the year.”

To carry their fuel saving message to politicians, last week the Taylors set out from Melbourne in a Peugeot 308 diesel to drive to Canberra.

With the support of the shadow minister for climate change, environment and urban water, Greg Hunt, the Taylors presented their philosophy to both sides of the House and Senate before challenging them to drive for efficiency around Canberra.

On the drive to Canberra the Taylors used just 28.7L of fuel for the 773km journey, an average of 3.7L per 100km.

Most MPs were unable to match that figure, averaging 4.18L/100km.

The winner, Member for Barker Patrick Secker, returned 3.7 litres per 100km for 8km around Canberra.

“Greg has done a great job in setting up this event and getting other Members to participate,” Taylor says.

“We are telling them the whole country can be educated to save money and the environment at very little cost. It really just takes the willto want to make the changes.”