It’s clear Aussies are feeling under the pump, thanks to the high cost of living. However, new research suggests one simple change the next time you fuel up your vehicle could save you a heap of cash.
New research from the comparison service, Compare the Market, suggested 73 per cent of Australians were feeling financially stressed because of the cost of fuel.
But 46 per cent admitted they did not intend to save money by switching from their usual petrol type.
If drivers made the simple switch to a cheaper fuel type like E10, they could save around $620 per year, Compare the Market reports.
How much can I save switching to E10 fuel?
The difference between premium unleaded and E10 can be 24 cents per litre on average, a spokesperson for the company said.
Saving 24 cents a litre with E10 adds up to a $12 savings on a 50-litre tank.
So if drivers filled up with cheaper fuel once a week for a year, that could save them $624.
“Enough to buy 312 cups of cheap $2 servo coffee or cover most, if not all, of annual car registration fees,” it added.
What is E10 petrol?
E10, also known at the fuel pump as 94 unleaded, is considered an eco-friendly blend.
It is regular unleaded petrol blended with between 9 and 10 per cent ethanol. The NSW government’s fact sheet on E10 says it is a safe and reliable fuel, compatible with the majority of petrol-powered cars on the road today.
Is cheaper E10 fuel alright to use in vehicles?
Chris Ford with Compare the Market said the topic of filling up with E10 fuel seems to be surrounded by stigma and “snobbery” despite it being appropriate for most modern engines.
“The cheaper price tag doesn’t actually mean it is low quality or damaging to engines,” Chris assures.
“If your car can accept 91 unleaded and E10 fuel — usually indicated inside the fuel filler flap or vehicle specifications — there’s generally no need to spend more on premium petrol,” he explained.
Most modern cars are compatible with E10, but some older cars and high-performance vehicles can’t take E10. Those with high-performance, turbocharged engines and European models are advised to follow their manufacturer’s recommendations.
Motorists can use compatibility checkers like the ones on the NSW government site or check the car brand’s advice on the recommended fuel to use.
E10 will give you marginally less fuel efficiency than regular unleaded petrol.
“E10 has around 3% less energy than the equivalent amount of RON 91 petrol,” the NSW gov site reads. “
“On average, this can translate to an increase in fuel consumption of around 3%, which has about the same effect on fuel consumption as driving on tyres with inadequate air pressure.”
Lower fuel prices around the country are being bolstered by the government’s decision to halve the fuel excise on petrol and diesel for three months. However, that is due to end on June 30.
Ford is encouraging Aussies to shop around for cheaper prices. Not all petrol stations are equipped with E10.
“We’re seeing huge differences between prices at different servos, regardless of whether you’re buying petrol or diesel,” Mr Ford said.
Extracted in full from: https://au.news.yahoo.com/simple-switch-for-aussie-drivers-to-save-620-at-the-petrol-pump-no-need-to-spend-more-041851633.html
