Beating the Pump Price
If you live out West—whether in Massey, Henderson, or Te Atatū—you know the pain of the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) during rush hour. Stop-start crawling isn't just frustrating; it burns a hole in your wallet.
While we can't fix the traffic, we can help your car sip rather than guzzle fuel. Here are expert tips for Westie drivers.
1. Smooth is Fast (and Cheap) Aggressive driving—speeding up just to slam on the brakes—is the biggest fuel waster. * **The Fix:** Look further ahead. If traffic is stopped 200m away, lift off the accelerator *now*. Coasting uses almost zero fuel. * **Benefit:** Saves fuel and saves your brake pads.
2. Check Your Tyre Pressure This is the lowest hanging fruit. Soft tyres create more rolling resistance. It's like trying to ride a bike with flat tyres—much harder work. * **The Fix:** Check your pressures monthly. Inflate them to the manufacturer's recommendation (usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door). * **Benefit:** Improves fuel economy by up to 3-5% and makes tyres last longer.
3. Lose the Weight Are you carrying a boot full of tools, sports gear, or boxes you've been meaning to drop at the op-shop? * **The Fix:** Every 50kg of extra weight increases fuel consumption by 1-2%. Clear out the junk. * **Roof Racks:** If you're not using them, take them off. The aerodynamic drag at 100km/h is significant.
4. Maintenance Matters A poorly maintained car is an inefficient car. * **Air Filter:** A clogged air filter chokes the engine. * **Spark Plugs:** Worn plugs cause incomplete combustion (wasted fuel). * **Oxygen Sensors:** A faulty sensor can trick the computer into injecting too much fuel.
5. Plan Your Trips A cold engine uses much more fuel than a warm one. * **The Fix:** "Trip chaining." Combine your errands into one trip rather than three separate ones. Do the grocery run on the way home from work.
Conclusion You don't need a hybrid to save money. Simple changes to your driving style and keeping up with maintenance can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
Think your car is running rich? Book a tune-up service with Mobile Autoworks NZ to ensure your engine is running at peak efficiency.