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It’s easy to think you’ve got your fuel costs under control. You fill up roughly the same amount each week, swipe your card, and carry on with your day. But here’s the truth: your actual fuel spend is probably higher than you realise — not because of fuel prices alone, but because of the hidden extras that quietly pile up each month.
If you’re managing multiple vehicles or doing regular travel for work, a fuel card for business can be a smart way to gain control over where the money’s going. But even for solo drivers, spotting these sneaky add-ons can lead to surprisingly quick savings.
The “Top-Up Trap”
We’ve all done it — you’re running late, low on fuel, and you pull into the nearest servo. You tell yourself you’ll do a proper fill-up later, but for now, just $20 will get you through.
Problem is, this habit repeats. And when you add it up, you often pay more per litre, miss out on discounts, and make more trips than necessary. Worse, it throws off your ability to track how much fuel you’re actually using.
Tip: Stick to planned, full refuels when possible. You’ll make fewer trips, get better value, and build a more accurate picture of your spending.
Small Stops, Big Spend
Think your servo visits only cost you the price of fuel? Think again. Fuel stations are set up like mini supermarkets — and they’re great at tempting you into extras.
Here’s what often ends up in the basket:
- A coffee “for the road”
- Car wash upsells
- Windshield wipes or deodoriser sprays
- Quick snacks or drinks
- Lotto tickets or scratchies
These micro-purchases rarely feel like much in the moment. But over a month, they can inflate your fuel budget by 20% or more — without you even noticing.
Tip: Decide ahead of time that you’ll only buy fuel. Anything else comes from your general shopping, not your car budget.
The Impact of Route Changes
Detours, weekend getaways, or even shifting school runs can quietly mess with your fuel spend. One new roundabout or a string of red lights can alter how efficiently your car runs. If you’re not actively adjusting your budget and tracking tools, these changes get lost in the shuffle — even though they’re costing you more.
Tip: Track your odometer weekly and log it with your fuel receipts. This gives you real visibility on cost-per-kilometre and helps spot patterns.
Business Travel Without a System
If you use your car for work and don’t separate personal and professional use, you’re likely underestimating costs — and overpaying at tax time. This gets more complex if you’re managing a small team or fleet.
This is where using a fuel card for business isn’t just about convenience — it’s about accountability. The right card helps you:
- Track all work-related fuel use
- Reduce paperwork and missed reimbursements
- Get access to partner discounts or fixed-rate pricing
- Create clear records for the ATO without manual tracking
It turns a messy spreadsheet into a simple summary, and gives you clarity around your actual monthly fuel spend.
Idle Time, Extra Cost
You may not realise it, but how you drive — and even how long you sit — affects your fuel use. Idling while waiting for a mate, leaving the engine running with the air con blasting, or warming up your car in winter — all of it adds up.
And here’s the kicker: idling uses more fuel than restarting your engine.
Tip: Kill the engine if you’ll be waiting more than 60 seconds. You’ll save fuel, reduce wear and tear, and it’s better for the environment too.
Overlooking Maintenance-Linked Fuel Costs
Old tyres, poor alignment, or a neglected engine can all reduce your fuel efficiency. If your car’s not running at peak performance, it’s working harder — and burning more fuel to do the same job.
Tip: Keep your tyres inflated, get regular servicing, and replace filters on time. It’ll save you at the pump and extend the life of your vehicle.
Take Control, One Habit at a Time
Saving on fuel isn’t about driving less — it’s about noticing the patterns that drive your costs up. The unexpected expenses don’t feel like much on their own, but over time, they’re the difference between a manageable budget and one that quietly creeps up month after month.
Start by tracking everything for just 30 days. Where you fill up, how much you spend, and the extras that sneak in. From there, you can:
- Reduce unnecessary stops
- Take advantage of business fuel cards or apps
- Fix the habits that drain your tank and your wallet
Because sometimes, all it takes to fix your fuel budget is finally paying attention to the parts that don’t look like fuel costs — but definitely are.