Save Fuel When Driving
The seven habits of fuel-efficient drivers are:
1. Avoid Unnecessary Travel by Car. One third of car trips in NZ are under 2km and two thirds are under 6km. For some trips you could: use public transport, walk or cycle; car pool (e.g., group together to deliver and pick up children, go to and from work); plan trips to reduce distance and number of trips by car – this will also reduce cold engine running (which can increase fuel consumption by up to 40% over a short trip).
2. Drive with a Smile. Less aggressive driving practices can improve fuel economy by up to 30%. You could: go easy on the pedal – accelerate smoothly through the gears, change early but do not labour the engine; look ahead – maintain appropriate distances to avoid heavy breaking and acceleration; keep within the speed limit and what is safe for the road conditions (driving at 90km/hour instead of 110km/hour saves 25% fuel consumption); avoid congestion – plan your trip and timing to save both fuel and aggravation; and ease off the accelerator when approaching the top of a hill, you will naturally pick up speed.
3. Maintain Your Vehicle. Better car maintenance can result in a combined 10-20% improvement in fuel consumption. For example, keep tyres inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure – 7psi too low results in a 2-3% increase in fuel consumption (remember to check tyres when cold); make sure wheel alignments are checked regularly; and make sure that engine timing, air filter and spark plugs are checked regularly.
4. Keep Vehicle Load to a Minimum. Remove roof racks and roof rack loads when not required (possible 5-10% fuel economy improvement); remove unnecessary weight (an additional 50kg increases fuel consumption 2%); close windows and sunroofs when travelling at open-road speeds (possible 5-7% fuel economy improvement) – But remember, it’s good for overall fuel economy to fill up the car with people going to a common destination.
5. Reduce Use of Accessories. Use air vents rather than air conditioning (the air conditioner could add 10% to fuel use); use rear screen demister only when needed (it could increase fuel consumption 3-5%).
6. Engine Tips. Switch off engine if idling for more than 30 seconds. Always allow plenty of time to restart your engine. Also, when starting from cold switch on and off immediately but stay light on the throttle for the first few minutes.
7. Longer term – Choosing the Right Vehicles. Choose a vehicle that suits your needs (for example, large 4WDs make expensive commuter vehicles); try to find out the fuel economy of the vehicle you are thinking of buying; and in general, the smaller the engine capacity the better the fuel consumption.
These fuel energy efficiency-driving tips were developed by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). For further information visit their website at www.eeca.govt.nz or write to them at PO Box 388, Wellington.
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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