There are many factors that influence fuel use in vehicles, from size of the engine, and weight of the car, to the frequency of stopping and starting that the vehicle does. Identical cars can have quite different petrol or diesel use depending on; tyre pressure, mechanical issues and how the car is driven.
You can save energy by using these smart tips:
- If possible use a car with a smaller engine, particularly for driving in Christchurch City.
- Plan trips to minimise distances travelled and journeys. It's not well known that a warmed engine makes less pollution than a cold one.
- Don't speed.
- Learn to use the accelerator less by coasting to a stop gently rather than braking, and drive at a constant speed.
- If the car is idling for more than 20 seconds turn your engine off and start again when it's time to move. Avoid peak traffic times if you can.
- Make sparing use of your air conditioner - if it's warm and you're driving in town, wind your windows down. Air conditioners are only fuel efficient over long distances at higher speeds.
- Remove any excess weight from your car, for example golf clubs, bags of wood pellets, large unnecessary tool boxes or appliances.
- Keep the car's revs lower by changing up as soon as you can, or if in an automatic car make sure you're not in a low gear hold position.
- Don't rev the car unnecessarily.
- Check your vehicle to ensure it is running optimally, for example ensure the handbrake and brakes fully release when you drive and that the car is well tuned. Ensure your tyres are inflated properly.
Special tips for keeping your car cooler in summer.
- Blow the hot air out faster by opening your windows and turning the fans on - preferably before you start driving.
- Once the air in the car is cooler than the outside air use the circulation option rather than bringing in air from outside the vehicle.
- Use your fan as the fan speed doesn't affect fuel use.
- Park in your garage or in the shade, and get some windshield shades.
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