NZ Fuel Prices: 5 Ways to Save Money on Petrol Now
If you drive a car in New Zealand, you’ve likely noticed the sting at the pump lately. Conflict in the Middle East is driving up fuel prices, with 91 octane rising an average of 20% since the start of the month, according to price monitoring website Gaspy. While switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle is a long-term solution for some, it often comes with a significant upfront cost. Fortunately, there are immediate steps drivers can capture to improve fuel economy and ease the financial pressure.
Playing the Efficiency Game
Before diving into mechanical tweaks, consider the driver. Smooth driving – avoiding harsh acceleration and braking, anticipating traffic flow – is the most impactful, yet often the hardest, change to make. It requires breaking ingrained habits. But how do you measure improvement? Most modern cars feature a trip computer displaying instant and average fuel consumption. Use it. Reset the average fuel consumption at the start of a tank or a regular commute, and then focus on improving that number over time.
At DRIVEN Car Guide, reviewers often use this method to compare vehicles, but it’s even more engaging with your own car over an extended period. While the instant readout can be distracting, focusing on the average provides a clear, measurable goal. It might sound nerdy, but it can become surprisingly addictive.
Potential Savings: Modifying driving style alone could realistically yield a 20% improvement in fuel economy.
Ditch the Unnecessary Weight
Roof racks, particularly those adventure-style carriers, are increasingly popular. Yet, they significantly impact aerodynamics, potentially costing you 2-10% in fuel efficiency, depending on the rack’s design. Carrying a fully loaded roof tent exacerbates the problem, potentially increasing fuel consumption by 25% or more. Removing the rack when not in use is a simple way to save.
Potential Savings: 2-25%, depending on rack type and load.
Tyre Pressures: A Consistent Check
Maintaining correct tyre pressures is crucial for ride quality, handling, safety, and fuel economy. Tyres naturally lose pressure – around 1-2% per month – so regular checks are essential. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption and accelerated tyre wear. You can find detailed guidance on checking and adjusting tyre pressures here. Experimenting with slightly higher pressures (within the manufacturer’s limits) might further improve economy, but could compromise ride comfort.
Potential Savings: Correcting tyres 10% under-inflated could save 2% in fuel. However, many tyres are significantly more deflated than that, potentially increasing savings.
Embrace Stop/Start – or Be Your Own System
Most modern vehicles include a stop/start system that automatically shuts off the engine when idling, such as at traffic lights. While some drivers find it annoying, it demonstrably saves fuel. Disabling this feature means burning fuel unnecessarily. If your car lacks stop/start, consider manually turning off the engine if you anticipate a prolonged stop.
A recent study by US Consumer Reports, citing research from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), found that automatic stop/start systems can save between 7.27% and 26.4% in fuel, depending on driving conditions.
Potential Savings: 7.27-26.4% with automatic stop/start; variable savings with manual operation.
Reduce Unnecessary Weight Inside the Vehicle
Many vehicles become mobile storage units, particularly for families. Carrying unnecessary items in the boot or cabin adds weight, requiring more energy to move. Removing 50kg of weight could improve fuel economy by 1-2%.
Potential Savings: 1-2% for every 50kg removed.
As the Middle East conflict continues to disrupt oil supplies, New Zealand motorists face ongoing price volatility. While a new vehicle might be the ultimate solution, these five practical steps can provide immediate relief at the pump and contribute to a more efficient driving experience. The Commerce Commission is also increasing scrutiny of fuel companies to ensure fair pricing, as reported in the New Zealand Herald. Finance Minister Nicola Willis has warned that New Zealand has approximately 50 days of fuel supply and a prolonged conflict could lead to restrictions, as detailed in 1News. Monitoring fuel prices through apps like Gaspy, while being aware of potential inaccuracies reported by users, remains a useful tool for finding the best deals.