Petrol prices are making a significant dent in many household budgets and in the current climate of rising petrol prices, the AA is advising how to make the most out of every mile travelled.

There are a number of ways people can conserve fuel and reduce vehicle running costs says George Fairbairn, Public Affairs Director.

1. Drive smoothly: Aggressive driving is expensive and dangerous. To conserve fuel, avoid rapid acceleration and operate the accelerator as smoothly as possible. A relaxed driving style can save up to 40%.
2. Moderate your speed: to save fuel and arrive alive. Driving at no more than 100km/h compared to 110 km/h saves fuel.
3. Change up: Drive in the highest appropriate gear – the revs should be moderate, not too high or too low. Driving at 60kph in third gear uses up to 25% more fuel than in fifth gear.
4. Plan ahead: Combine multiple household tasks/chores into a single trip. Plan when you could walk, cycle or use public transport instead of taking the car. Invest time in organising shared rides.
5. Lighten the load: Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle, including roof-racks, as to avoid excessive drag. If you have two vehicles, use the smallest vehicle that will do the job.
6. Service checks: Check tyre pressure and uneven tyre wear once a month. Do not over-adjust the brakes - this can cause drag. Low tyre pressures increase fuel consumption by 3%.
7. At the pump: Don’t pay for a higher octane than you need, use the lowest octane petrol suitable for your car. Check your oil levels.
8. Avoid idling for long periods: (modern cars do not need to warm up) and switch off when you are parked even if you are waiting for someone.
9. Minimise air-conditioning: wind down the windows for air-flow where required. Park your vehicle in the shade where possible. Air-conditioning increases fuel consumption by up to 11%.

“Many motorists do not realise how much fuel they can save by adopting a smoother style of driving and regularly servicing their vehicle. Such measures can vastly increase vehicle efficiency,” says Mr Fairbairn.

For more information contact

George Fairbairn, Public Affairs Director
T. +64 4 931 9984
M. +64 21 279 5249
E. gfairbairn@aa.co.nz
W. www.aa.co.nz/media

The New Zealand Automobile Association is an incorporated society with over one million members. It represents the interests of road users who collectively pay over $2 billion in taxes each year through fuels excise, road user charges and GST.