Seven habits of efficient driving

There are some really simple ways you can save a lot of money on your fuel use without reducing the number of trips you need to make.

On this page:

• Why drive efficiently
• Take action
  • Fuel saving tips

Why drive efficiently

By making a few small changes to your driving style and keeping your car well tuned you can cut your fuel bill by as much as 20%.

This effectively gives you over two months’ worth of free fuel a year.

Take action

Fuel saving tips

Try the following tips for a month and then recalculate your fuel economy using the online fuel calculator. How much have you improved? You could save up to 20% on your fuel consumption by adopting these driving habits.

1. Drive smoothly
   Accelerate smoothly. Change gear early, but don't labour the engine. If you drive an automatic, choose economy gear switching as this will keep the engine speed down.
2. Don't speed
   By travelling at 100 km/hour instead of 110km/hour you can trim around 13% from your fuel bill.
3. Look ahead
   Look ahead, maintaining a safe following distance and you'll keep at a more constant speed. This uses less fuel than constantly accelerating and braking.
4. Care for your car
   Keeping your tyres at the right pressure saves fuel, as does regularly checking the wheel alignment, engine timing, air filter and spark plugs.
5. Watch your air con
   Only use air conditioning when you really need it: it tends to guzzle up to 10% more fuel than if you left it off! The rear window demister can also be a drain so switch it off when not needed.
6. Keep your load down
   It sounds obvious, but a heavier vehicle means more drag. Leave at home heavy items from the boot and roof when you're not using them.
7. Limit idling time
   If you are going to be stationary for more than 30 seconds, switch off your engine.

More information

Find out how much you can increase your fuel efficiency when you change a driving habit using the online calculator. [Land Transport NZ website.]

• www.fuelsaver.govt.nz/habits.html
• Test your driving habits at Eco-driving online quiz [Energy Saving Trust UK website.]
• Download simple tips to save you money on petrol – Think Tank brochure [PDF 395 KB]