Lessons Learnt on My First Car Trip from Melbourne to Sydney

LJFurter on 14/01/2018 - 20:18
Last edited 14/01/2018 - 21:41 by 2 other users

Just got back from my first car trip, Melbourne to Sydney and thought I'd share some cost saving lessons.

  1. Pack light. You pay for every extra kilo in the car, and it really does add up over such a huge distance.
  2. Drive slow. 5km less than the posted limit (no less, its illegal). This will reduce your drag - and the side effect is that you'll enjoy the drive more, just remember to stay in the left lane (excepting see 4)
  3. Purchase fuel in town not on the highway. Usually about 4-6c cheaper in towns rather than the freeway. Goulburn was 15c cheaper in town.
  4. Take your corners. Like you are a race car, switch lanes to take the best line through each corner you reasonably can. It might not sound like much, but over such a long distance, it can really add up and shave of the kms
  5. Don't use cruise control. A well trained human will always beat cruise control for fuel efficiency. You can see a hill crest coming and back off ready to coast down etc
  6. Easy on the A/C. I'd say never use it, but sometimes the temperature can get to a snoozy high, the A/C will keep you fresh and alert, just remember to turn it off when you are not at the sleepy temp.

Anyone more experienced know some other good tips for saving on the trip?

Travel

closed Comments

        • boomramada on 16/01/2018 - 21:41
          +1

          No Cruse control, No AC in Nullarbor‎ ;)

        • ATangk on 17/01/2018 - 00:17

          Might as well take out the body kit and everything else too.

          But seriously, water in summer. A breakdown might be your end if you don’t.

  • afoveht on 15/01/2018 - 08:49

    I've found that slight decreases in speed can provide considerable fuel economy benefits if the car is externally loaded and at high speed, for example with bikes on the roof racks on a freeway. In such circumstances I'll cut 5 or 10km/h off the cruise but in my case this usually brings me back to the posted speed.

    • ATangk on 15/01/2018 - 18:39
      +3

      Cars are most fuel efficient near the 80km/h mark, give or take for model. It’s essentially the lowest rpm for the tallest gear in your car.

  • TransportPosters on 15/01/2018 - 09:03
    +4

    Take your corners. Like you are a race car, switch lanes to take the best line through each corner you reasonably can. It might not sound like much, but over such a long distance, it can really add up and shave of the kms

    I think this is misguided advice. It makes me think of those horrible head-ons we see happen in country areas on the news.

  • [Deactivated] on 15/01/2018 - 09:23
    +3

    1. Packing light is a recommendation in almost all situations.

    2. Drive slow - depends on your car's gearing and drag coefficient. You'll find that cars with 7-8 gears and lower drag coefficient can perform just as efficiently, or better, at higher speeds relative to self.

    3. Purchase fuel in town - makes sense but I wouldn't be taking detours just to do so. It costs money to get places after all.

    4. Take your corners like a race car - you obviously do not race. Taking the outside lane, aggressively braking, waiting to sight the exit and aggressively throttling out of the turn is not in any way economical. Brakes, tires, fuel, general wear and tear on the car…

    5. Cruise control - what?

    6. A/C - drive in winter. Of course anything that draws from the battery increases fuel consumption.

  • Candour on 15/01/2018 - 09:58
    +3

    Don't coast by disengaging the clutch and/or putting the car in neutral. This will cause the engine to go into idle which uses up gas more gas than simply leaving the car in gear and letting it coast along with minimal engine input.[1]

    https://www.wikihow.com/Hypermile

  • tkdbboy on 15/01/2018 - 11:38
    +3

    Slipstream trucks the whole trip

  • airzone on 15/01/2018 - 11:54
    +16

    Things I learnt about driving from Sydney to Melbourne

    1) Fly.

    • smpantsonfire on 16/01/2018 - 00:12

      Maybe Melb - Bris/Perth or anywhere more north, but Melb- Syd is a breeze

  • JimB on 15/01/2018 - 12:05
    +16

    I do Melb to Sydney (and back) every year or second year.

    Some of these tips are terrible.

    1 Pack light. Pack what you need. nothing more, nothing less. If you leave something behind that you need, you'll have to buy another one once you get there costing you $$$.
    2 Drive at the speed limit, check your speedo with a GPS, usually speedo is a few KMs out.
    3 Purchase fuel in Albury/Wadonga. Prices are usually equal cheapest between Melb and Sydney. Most cars will be able to make it there from either Melb or Sydney.
    4 Drive in your lane. You should only be in the right hand lane only if you're overtaking. If you're doing 5km under the limit like the OP, that fine, but get the fk out of the right lane because you're most likely holding up traffic.
    5 Use Cruise control, will help you maintain the fastest speed without going over and risking a fine.
    6 Aircond, personal choice, I always set my climate control at 21 and forget about it.
    7 Check your oil, coolant and tyres (when cold) before you leave. Pump up your tyres to a few PSI more than normal due to extra load, heat, and for fuel economy.
    8 Stop every 2 hours for a minimum of 5 mins to stay alert.
    9 Leave in the early morning, better not to drive at dusk/night, especially driving into Melb due to the sun in your eyes and kangaroos at Puckapunyal.

    Air conds use so little fuel these days it's not worth considering restricting usage.

    Using the OP's tips, I may save 0.5L per 100kms, or less than $5 at best.

    • montorola on 16/01/2018 - 14:40
      +1

      +1.

      Also, pack some good music!!!

      • mattythecapybara on 17/01/2018 - 18:14
        +4

        Don't do that, a fully-loaded MP3 player will increase the weight of the vehicle and cost more petrol … it's all in the electrons …

  • JIMB0 on 15/01/2018 - 12:29
    +2

    I did Melbourne to Sydney last year for the amex vougue offer. I did the exact opposite of OP. I used cruise control and air-conditioning most of the way because I was on vacation and just wanted to be comfortable.

    I also traveled at a true GPS 110km/h as time is valuable. I still averaged 7.5L/100k in my old 3.5L V6. Following op's tips I could have reduced this by 0.5L/100km and saved myself a whole 10L of fuel.

    Next time I'm flying.

  • stumo on 15/01/2018 - 12:47
    +2

    A couple of points.

    Weight when cruising is negligible. Weight is only an issue when you are accelerating or climbing. On a ling drive you usually dont climb without getting the energy back again on the decent, if you know how to use it.

    You missed a big fuel savibg tip OP, use AC on downhill sections, that way the energy is coming from the hill not from your engine. Youre welcome.

    But i agree with most posts here, some of your tips are outright dangerous.

  • dojomojo on 15/01/2018 - 12:58
    +1

    Regarding tip no. 6, there's actually a cross over point in speed and fuel consumption where the drag caused by driving with your windows open will outweight driving with air conditioning on.

  • methdd on 15/01/2018 - 13:13
    +2

    Find a truck and hide behind its slipstream the entire way. You’ll save a lot of fuel!

    • gmail92 on 15/01/2018 - 14:30

      0 Visbility and pick up all the loose stones and gravel in your bonnet fender and windscreen (y)

      • ATangk on 15/01/2018 - 18:41
        +6

        No loose stones if your bumper is touching the trucks. Everything will go under your car, which frankly not much of us care about.

  • jackspratt on 15/01/2018 - 13:21
    +1

    Join OzBargain so you can teach grandma how to suck eggs.

    • JIMB0 on 15/01/2018 - 17:16
      +3

      Next he'll be revealing his big secret to saving electricity around the house, turn off lights in rooms that are unoccupied.

  • Mrgreenz on 15/01/2018 - 14:08
    +1

    Check your tyre pressure
    Fill up at the cheap spots
    Drive normal

    Dont slalom accross lanes to reduce distance driven by a tiny amount

  • Suspect420 on 15/01/2018 - 14:37
    +3

    How much did you save? $10?
    You do this trip 5 times a year? Thats $50!

    Move along. Nothing to see.

  • smashed on 15/01/2018 - 14:42
    +2

    What a great thread..not. But still.. Driving with no AC in summer and going slowly whilst leaving items behind to save 3KG in weight.

    You could save all of that and more by simply driving a manual car or picking a more fuel efficient car. This would save on EVERY trip.

  • HeWhoKnows on 15/01/2018 - 14:45
    +12

    Dear OP. You havent learn't much at all and some of your suggesttions are downright negligent or incorrect!

    1. Pack light? - People will always take what they feel they need. A woman always wants to take an entire wardrobe. You wont change that so dont argue the point with a woman. You are not flying so not paying for excess baggage kilos. But yes, only take what you really need. That makes more sense.

    2. Drive slow? - Firstly its not illegal to drive under-speed. I would suggest 90-95kph on a 100kph road is driving very safely and especially if its raining.

    3. Purchase fuel in town? - not really. Check your Motormouth app or NRMA app or on the internet for the locations of the cheapest petrol prices along your journey.

    4. Take corners like you are racing and switching lanes??? - OMG - you are definitely a DANGEROUS DRIVER! Stay well away from me please!!!!

    5. Dont use cruise control? - WRONG again! Cruise control reduces driver fatigue and allows driver to concentrate more on the road so improves safety. Its also unlikely you will exceed the speed limit if you set it within the limit so saves on speeding fines too. And in many cases cruise control is more gentle on the throttle than a drivers foot so can possible save on fuel. The difference would be negigable though.

    6. A/C aids in driver comfort and hence safety. Thats one point you missed.
      But you missed the most important point! A/c should be set to FRESH air to deliver a constant flow of fresh oxygen into the cabin. Not Recirculate - That is what will make you snoozy!
      Also by having a/c on you will have all the windows closed - hence you will eliminate a huge drag effect on the vehicle and probably actually use LESS fuel - not more!!!!!

    So OP. If that was your first country trip it appears you still have a lot to learn. One trip doesnt make anyone an expert!

    "Live and Learn" as they say!

    • smashed on 15/01/2018 - 15:20
      +1

      Ensuring you are still able to live the following day ;)

    • esty on 16/01/2018 - 08:59
      +1

      Go easy on the poor bloke, he never said he was an expert. He just merely stated what he has learned from his first drive.

      • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:35

        Obviously had a bad teacher

  • Thommo on 15/01/2018 - 14:54
    +1

    Things I do:

    • Take an esky and pack some food and cold drinks for the trip rather than get takeaways, especially if with kids.

    • Investigate accommodation beforehand and don't do it at the last minute when you are time pressed to research or have limited choices.

    • Bowls clubs and most RSLs (you can get expensive RSL clubs) can provide very cheap decent meals. It is cheap to join the RSL and bowls clubs as a social member and be a reciprocal member. Clubs are nicer than a lot of pubs especially with kids and clubs usually have kids menus (including free drinks and ice cream with kids meals).

    • Get the right fuel. If the station doesn't have 95 fuel and I put in 98 I get much less mileage. So don't get stuck with a servo that doesn't have the right fuel. eg 91 and 98 only by leaving it till the warning light is on before going to the servo.

    • I avoid cruise control on hilly trips because it results in worse fuel economy.

  • Pizdets on 15/01/2018 - 15:10
    +5

    You did it once and you're an expert now?

    • Aceboy884 on 15/01/2018 - 16:34
      +6

      i think he think so

  • BargainMyMiddleName on 15/01/2018 - 15:15
    +1

    All in all, how much did you seriously save? Was it worth your time and potentially annoy other road users?

  • enzioFirenze on 15/01/2018 - 15:18
    +3

    I'm assuming this was a troll post? What a load of crap!

  • npnp on 15/01/2018 - 15:26

    Buy a Prius and make the whole trip using just 50 L fuel. (Source: I did it with the family and our camping gear.) I did use cruise control, drove exactly at 110 km/h and only stopped once. No issues whatsoever.

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:39
      +1

      OP is obviously very frugal. A Prius might be too expensive for him. But yes - great way to save on fuel.

  • Alan Laz on 15/01/2018 - 15:35
    +1

    Stop at Euroa and enjoy lunch at the Flam Shan Chinese in the main street (It's a great experience!) There's some good coffee 300m down the street on the same side
    While you're there marvel at the IGA / Hardware / Department Store on the corner

    Back in the car: (fill up in Albury)

    Stop in Gundagai and enjoy the NIAGRA coffee lounge

    Stop in Goulburn and enjoy the larger than life Sheep

    Message - it's a boring drive, get out of the car and breathe fresh air as often as possible.

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:39

      Will that save OP a few cents?

  • R4 on 15/01/2018 - 15:55
    +1

    Drive a diesel car. My Jetta will get well over 900kms on 55l on a long trip

    When driving downhill, don't put the car in neutral as this uses fuel. Keep the car in gear but foot off the accelerator and the car will use no fuel

    I reckon stay in cruise control as much as possible. The electronics in a modern car are more efficient than human input

    Keep the A/C off? This is the 1st world - no way

    The alternative is to just drive and enjoy the trip - and you'll only pay $20-odd extra anyway

    • ATangk on 15/01/2018 - 18:44
      +1

      $20 extra is only if you’ve got a heavy foot and want to overtake everyone. And prob still get change from that red note on a syd to melb leg.

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:42

      Agree on all except first point.
      Putting car in neutral does save fuel vs engine sucking in fuel from high revs going downhill BUT…
      is also quite dangerous as you can loose control of car so not recommended.

      • R4 on 20/01/2018 - 23:04

        Diesel is the way to go - low rev torque is great and cruising is a pleasure. Economy is awesome

        A modern car travelling downhill, in gear, with no accelerator input uses no fuel

        A modern car travelling downhill, in neutral, with no accelerator input uses fuel

  • Gaz1 on 15/01/2018 - 16:08

    It would be interesting if you could somehow quantify the ACTUAL $ saving for each of these items. I'm sure quite a few would be absolutely negligable.

    Also I understand that the Aircon (with windows closed) typically uses less fuel than turning it off & opening the windows (due to the drag).

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:44
      +1

      Many of OPs fuel saving ideas will add to driver discomfort and reduce safety. There is never a comprimise between saving a few cents vs reduced safety

  • serpserpserp on 15/01/2018 - 17:04
    +1

    This is the only rule you need: tailgate every driver, get very close at all speeds, all those gainz from other slipstreams! Plus everyone thinks you are a racecar driver!

    • OzzyOzbourne on 15/01/2018 - 21:29

      Only if you're in a Commodore!

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:46

      Truck drivers know this old trick very well. Thats why you see them all tailgating each other.
      Yes, but tailgating can be dangerous - you need to be able to trust the driver in front and be able to see well ahead and predict the moves of the driver ahead of you.

  • Rizzy on 15/01/2018 - 17:20
    +2

    The amount of effort and things you have to worry about will probably make you not enjoy your drive lol. Like the other comments you are saving very little.

    I have done the Sydney to Melbourne and return drive 3 times in the last 5 weeks and I did pretty much the opposite to all of the points listed..actually i did all the opposite.

    I packed what I needed, I drove at 115-120km/h (All speedos are out by atleast 3km/h - I have never been booked doing 120km/h - been speed checked multiple times), used cruise control and filled up at the easiest servo (Albury Caltex using Woolies voucher and then headed to the park along the Murray for a break).

    I saved money and time by not buying food - ezpz. Made food the night before and took them with me (rolls with tuna/cheese/egg/ham etc).

    Rule Number 1 - Stay in the LEFT LANE IF YOU ARE NOT OVERTAKING! How can so many people not know this rule?!

    • serpserpserp on 15/01/2018 - 21:34
      +1

      Rule Number 2 - Drive in the right lane as much as you can because it is usually less bumpy and in better condition ;)

      • Rizzy on 15/01/2018 - 22:47

        Hahaha - I was pretty much on the right lane at my speeds.

        Got the "t0sser" gesture by a bloke showing off to his mrs…because I was "sitting up his ass".

        He decided to do 100km/h next to a long truck (double semi) and I am behind him trying to overtake the truck. ahahah

        • nomadspartan on 17/01/2018 - 09:00
          +1

          Not sure why you were downvoted..upvoted you because I hate it when slower drivers hog the overtaking lane! When will they learn?

        • Rizzy on 18/01/2018 - 17:50

          @nomadspartan:

          Hahah cheers. I didnt even notice. Probably downvoted by one of those typical drivers that think sitting on or below the speed limit in the rightlane is okay. Hahah

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:48

      Sorry RULE 1 - Drive safely at all times

      • Rizzy on 21/01/2018 - 23:02

        Agree

  • outlander on 15/01/2018 - 17:37

    You missed the number 1 rule - Advertise on gumtree or a ride sharing site. Get $50 per bum in seat, plus have someone else to split the driving with

    • serpserpserp on 15/01/2018 - 21:35
      +5

      Then get robbed somewhere near Yass lol.

      • outlander on 15/01/2018 - 21:39

        Not if you rob them first!

        • serpserpserp on 15/01/2018 - 21:39

          If they are ride sharing they are looking to GAIN a ride with nothing to lose!

        • outlander on 15/01/2018 - 21:46

          @serpserpserp:

          So you give them something at the start of the trip, then rob them of it!

    • HeWhoKnows on 20/01/2018 - 16:51
      +1

      Now thats an interesting thought.
      But OP would be concerned about using extra fuel because of all the extra body weight and extra luggage. OP might also be forced to use the A/c more often that they wish. heaven forbid

  • Lockieasy on 15/01/2018 - 17:47
    +8

    Your driving style sounds dangerous, sweat inducing and miserably slow. Congrats on saving money though OP.

  • inherentchoice on 15/01/2018 - 17:49
    +1

    Lessons Learnt on My First Car Trip

    Lots of experience there.

    Using A/C over 70-80 km/h has been shown to REDUCE fuel consumption compared to windows down, due to drag.

  • El Grande on 15/01/2018 - 17:56
    +5

    Wow how much petrol did you save by doing this like $2-3 worth over the trip? I set the adaptive cruise, turn on lane keep assist then sit back and relax.

    Even before this cruise control is there for such drives. I used to hate drivers like you who slow down and speed up again making people who use cruise control to keep braking and cancelling the cruise. If you won't use it why did you pay for it? Could have gotten a cheaper car.

  • yoonibear on 15/01/2018 - 17:58
    +2

    Wax and polish your car as it'll make it more aerodynamic/sleek. Also, if possible try to tailgate another car and use their slipstream then when it's take attempt a slingshot pass onto the next car. Rinse and repeat all the way to Sydney.

    • serpserpserp on 15/01/2018 - 21:38
      +2

      Attach a large wing on the back of your car (does not matter the type of wing or the type of car) all that mad downforce you get will easily make you the most aerodynamic car on the road. You'll barely even need to even accelerate or brake.

  • cath999 on 15/01/2018 - 18:16
    +5

    You would be in trouble with me if you suddenly changed lanes for your "racing line" in front of me and I'm doing the speed limit with my cruise control on.

    Keep Left Unless Overtaking!!

  • congo on 15/01/2018 - 18:25

    How much extra does a/c add to a trip?

    • OzzyOzbourne on 15/01/2018 - 21:28

      Probably less than opening the windows.

    • yoonibear on 16/01/2018 - 12:15
      +2

      It all adds up!
      Bring a powerbank and use a USB powered fan

      • OzzyOzbourne on 16/01/2018 - 19:59
        +1

        Point the fan backwards out of the window!

  • congo on 15/01/2018 - 18:26

    If you have young impatience kids, don’t drive with them !

  • ChaLuo on 15/01/2018 - 18:41
    +1

    1. Tailgate the car in front for drafting effect. Saves fuel.

    2. Driver and all passengers to detox and botox immediately before road trip. Less weight.

    3. ….

  • PaperplaneXXX on 15/01/2018 - 19:08

    some people are ridiculous when it comes to savings!
    don't drive a car! hitchhike! if you want save on fuel and service!!!))))

    • AR-MEL on 16/01/2018 - 16:20

      Probably this would be good savings

      free ride

  • nickj on 15/01/2018 - 19:18
    +1

    One tip for NSW is to use the Fuel Check app, e.g. : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.nsw.one…

    You can enter your trip (start and destination), say how many kms you want to deviate from the quickest route (I usually say 1 or 2 km since I don't want to detour much), say the fuel type (unleaded 91 is the most cost-efficient for me), and it will find the cheapest fuel along your route.

    If you do this, then the money saved will allow you to use cruise control (which will prevent speeding tickets), and to have the A/C on. If you do those 2 things, you'll have a far more pleasant journey.

  • sparkles on 15/01/2018 - 19:39
    +4

    You completely lost me at "take your corners". This is idiocy.

  • PcisT on 15/01/2018 - 20:34
    +1

    A real OzBargainer would walk as it's cheaper.

  • sillyguy on 15/01/2018 - 20:34
    +1

    U drove to Melbourne and didnt use aircon, only topped up fuel in town, drove slower than limit and took ur corners? Now this doesnt sound like fun at all!

    • montorola on 16/01/2018 - 14:32

      didn't use aircon

      Would hate to be on a road trip with that guy, sounds like the ride from hell lol - literally, with windows up and no air con!! hahaha

  • methdd on 15/01/2018 - 20:47
    +2

    Buy a Tesla and charge for free

  • cdaddy on 15/01/2018 - 20:56

    Should have just saved your time than mash that rubbish out on the keyboard OP.

  • LUTSlit on 15/01/2018 - 21:10

    Please be safe on the roads guys.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 15/01/2018 - 21:25

    Intrigued by 2… Where did you learn it's illegal to travel more than 5kph under the posted limits?

    And 4….what are the risks and dangers in changing lane twice in a corner to achieve the racing line, vs the fuel saved?

  • MessyG on 15/01/2018 - 22:03

    Surely it's cheaper to fly by now. There is nothing that can make that shitty drive better. Sorry dog on the tuckerbox lovers.

    • smpantsonfire on 16/01/2018 - 00:21

      Really depends. On how long you will be in at any destination. > 1 week and cant use transport? Drive

      Melb - Syd, 2 people, probably evens out drive/fly

      Melb - Brisbane, 2 people, cheaper to fly

      4 people anywhere, probably cheaper to drive.

  • FisSort on 15/01/2018 - 22:24
    +2

    Do a poo and pee before you leave home and at every servo to minimize the load on the car

  • Tech5 on 15/01/2018 - 23:48
    +2

    Jesus, sounds like a very unpleasant roadtrip

  • bigticket on 16/01/2018 - 00:34

    I don't believe the OP has even driven Melbourne to Sydney.

    It is ALL FREEWAY, there are no corners to drive like a "race car, switch lanes to take the best line through each corner you reasonably can."

    • jace88 on 16/01/2018 - 19:28

      Maybe he accidentally took one of the other routes… but there are quite a lot of hills/dips in the road.

      • bigticket on 17/01/2018 - 00:17

        The OP mentions in point 3 that he used the freeway… and I suppose the OP could skim over the hills/dips in the road with his flying car.

  • virhlpool on 16/01/2018 - 00:48

    Is it ok to drive long distance (say Syd to Mel) by a 10-yrs old (but in decent condition) small hatchback car e.g. Suzuki Alto or Hyundai Getz or Holden Barina?

    • OzzyOzbourne on 16/01/2018 - 20:00
      -1

      No it's not alright

      • virhlpool on 16/01/2018 - 20:30

        Can you elaborate?

    • [Deactivated] on 16/01/2018 - 23:36
      +1

      As long as it's in good condition it should be totally fine.

    • jace88 on 17/01/2018 - 09:30
      +1

      No issues as long as car is well maintained and you are alert. That being said, none of the cars you listed would be my first choice for a long road trip given they are more city-based cars (smaller engines, smaller cars) and hence may not be that comfortable when stuffed full of people and luggage.

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