Auto Trader NZ
Published 21 March 2025
Top Tips for Better Fuel Economy
Have you ever found yourself watching the fuel gauge drop faster than you’d like, or pulling up to the pump in disbelief at how much it costs to fill up? You’re not alone. Fuel efficiency is a common concern for car owners, especially with rising fuel prices. Luckily, there are a few simple tips and tricks that can help you get more kilometres per tank, save money, and reduce your car’s environmental impact!
1. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your car’s fuel efficiency is by keeping your tyres properly inflated. When your tyres are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and burn more fuel. In fact, underinflated tyres can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Pro Tip: Check tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Most cars have a tyre pressure gauge that shows the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for optimal efficiency.
2. Regular Maintenance Is Key
Regular maintenance doesn’t just keep your car running smoothly; it can also improve fuel efficiency. A well-maintained car operates more efficiently, meaning less fuel is wasted. Be sure to perform oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug checks, as necessary.
Pro Tip: Replacing a dirty air filter can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 10%. Make sure your engine is getting enough air to burn fuel effectively.
Want to take your fuel savings even further? Check out our listings of fuel-efficient cars for sale, and find the perfect vehicle that suits your needs and budget
3. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Rapid Acceleration
If you’re used to speeding up quickly at green lights or hitting the brakes hard at stop signs, it might be time to reconsider your driving habits. Rapid acceleration and hard braking use more fuel, as your car burns extra gas to speed up and slow down. Instead, aim for a smoother, more consistent driving style.
Pro Tip: Try to anticipate traffic flow and avoid sudden starts and stops. If possible, use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed and save fuel.
4. Reduce Excess Weight and Unnecessary Drag
We’ve all been guilty of leaving heavy items in the trunk or carrying extra weight in the car. However, the more weight your car carries, the more fuel it will consume, especially when you’re driving at higher speeds.
Pro Tip: Remove any unnecessary items from your car, and if you have a roof rack, consider removing it when not in use. A roof rack creates drag, reducing fuel efficiency, particularly at highway speeds.
5. Avoid Idling for Long Periods
We’ve all been stuck in traffic or waiting for someone while our engine is idling. While it might feel like your car is saving fuel by staying on, idling actually uses fuel unnecessarily.
Pro Tip: If you’re stopped for more than a minute—whether in traffic or waiting outside a store—turn off the engine. Restarting your car uses less fuel than leaving it idling for extended periods.
6. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Using the air conditioning (AC) in your car can reduce fuel efficiency, especially when driving at higher speeds. AC puts an extra load on the engine, causing it to burn more fuel. That said, it’s not always necessary to ditch the AC completely, particularly in hot weather.
Pro Tip: Use AC sparingly, and at low speeds, open the windows to cool the car down instead. On highways, it’s better to keep the windows closed and use AC when necessary to avoid extra drag.
7. Choose the Right Fuel
Did you know that using the right fuel for your car can improve fuel efficiency? Most cars are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, while others may require premium fuel. If your car doesn’t require premium fuel, using it won’t provide any significant benefits in terms of efficiency, but it will cost you more at the pump.
Pro Tip: For everything you need to know about choosing the right fuel, check out this helpful guide:
The Bottom Line
Improving your car’s fuel efficiency doesn’t require drastic changes, but small adjustments can add up over time. By maintaining your car, driving smarter, and being mindful of your habits, you can reduce fuel consumption, save money, and lower your environmental impact. Start with a few of these tips and see how they work for you.
Remember, it’s all about consistency. The more you practice these fuel-saving tips, the more you’ll benefit in the long run.
If you’re curious about transmission types and how they can affect your car’s fuel efficiency, check out our guide on the differences between automatic and Tiptronic transmissions
