You might be able to miss tune ups and ignore disturbing engine noises but you can't avoid putting fuel in the tank if you want to keep your car on the road. Fuel is the most frequent car expense - and one that's watched closely by motorists and consumer groups. Find out about various types of fuel and what you can do to save at the bowser. 

Will my car run on unleaded? 

All petrol-powered cars manufactured after 1986 must only use unleaded.

Beware: The use of unleaded petrol in cars not designed for it can cause engine damage. For information on pre 1986 vehicles call NRMA Technical Advice on 1300 655 443. 

What is Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP)? 

LRP replaced Super petrol on January 1, 2002.

It has the same octane rating as Super and includes additives to give the engine the same protection previously provided by leaded petrol.

LRP is suitable for all cars which previously used leaded petrol.

If you suspect LRP is having an adverse effect on your car, you should talk to your mechanic to eliminate other possible causes of problems. Your mechanic may also be able to make some simple adjustments to optimise performance on LRP. 

What is the fuel consumption rating? 

As of 2001, all new passenger, light commercial and 4WDs are required to display their litres per 100km usage.

This is a guide only, and actual fuel use will vary according to driving and car conditions and driver behaviour.

How do I calculate my fuel consumption? 

To calculate your fuel consumption in line with the fuel consumption rating, record how many kilometres you travel and how many litres you use over a period of at least three fill-ups.

Once you've done that, use the following calculation:

• Litres used x 100/distance travelled = litres per 100km.

Do fuel saving devices work? 

As NRMA Motoring & Services has not been able to test fuel saving devices, we are not in a position to say whether or not they work. However previous investigations have shown many do not work. 

Do fuel additives work? 

NRMA Motoring & Services believes that cars using unleaded petrol do not need fuel additives.

However, on some occasions, such as if you're having engine problems (rough idling, hard to start, hesitation on acceleration), a fuel additive recommended by the vehicle manufacturer may be beneficial. 

How can I save fuel? 

There are many ways to reduce fuel consumption. Here's a few simple ones that will not only help you save fuel but could give your car a longer lifespan.

• Drive in a conservative manner
• Avoid hard acceleration and severe braking
  Brake evenly before a corner and accelerating evenly out of it.
  If driving a manual, use the right gear at the right time - don't let your car labour in the wrong gear.
• Avoid driving in peak periods
• Buy a fuel-efficient car
  It can save you a lot of money and spare the environment up to 20 tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of a car.
• Buy a car that suits your needs
  Big and powerful cars use more fuel, so if you don't need the extra size and power, don't buy it.
• Avoid short trips
  Walk or cycle instead.
• Plan your trips
  Do a number of errands in one trip rather than several trips.
• Service your car regularly
• Don't speed
  At 110km/h your car uses up to 25 per cent more fuel than cruising at 90km/h.
• Don't idle for long periods
  If possible, turn your engine off.
• Look after your car's tyres
  Keep them inflated to the most suitable pressure and make sure they're properly aligned.
• Use airconditioning sparingly
• Travel light
  The more a car carries, the more fuel it uses. 

Should I convert to LPG? 

LPG is usually less expensive than petrol. However, you will need to fill up more as consumption is higher. Also, there's the cost of installation and higher servicing requirements to consider.

You should determine if your car's usage will make the change viable. 

Where does my petrol dollar go? 

The following are figures for March 6, 2001. They are only an example of how your fuel dollar is broken down, because figures change every day (as a result of fluctuations in the price of crude oil and the Australia dollar).

Singapore International Price	40.60 cents per litre
Federal excise	38.14c
Industry local component	7.10c
GST	8.58c
Total wholesale price	94.43c (plus service station markup of 2.5 to 5c a litre)

The only other factors that can affect the final pump price are oil company discounts or freight costs for rural service stations (on average 1-2c per litre).

Explanations:

Singapore International Price: When fuel enters Australia its price is based on the Singapore International price. It includes shipping and associated travel charges.

Federal excise: The Federal Government's basic fuel tax.

Industry local component: Includes local handling costs as terminal fees and wholesaling.

GST: The Federal Government's Goods and Services Tax component.

Total wholesale price: the final basic wholesale price, which doesn't include service station markup.

Service station markup: The retail markup applied by each individual service station, usually between 2.5 and 5 cents per litre.

For more information, phone the Service Stations Association of NSW on (02) 9808 4188. 

What do I do if I've put the wrong fuel in my car? 

• Petrol in a diesel vehicle
  Don't drive! Have it towed to your nearest workshop for repair. 
• Diesel in a petrol vehicle
  It won't run for very long. Don't drive, have it towed to a workshop. 
• Unleaded in a leaded vehicle
  Drive until tank is half full, then refill with correct fuel. Continue this for three fills. 
• Leaded in an unleaded vehicle 
  Don't drive, have it towed to a workshop.

Should I buy a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle? 

This depends on your needs.

Generally, a petrol engine is more suitable for short city driving and a diesel for longer distance driving. Diesel vehicles are generally more economical, but the downside is generally higher service and repair costs.

If you do want to buy a diesel, consider getting a turbo diesel for greater performance.