08/04/2026
By now you are all thinking about ways to save on the weekly fuel bill, so we've put a list of things together to help.
We shall start with the things you can do yourself for little to no cost just your time. Finishing with the jobs that cost.
Roof racks and coffins/luggage boxes on the roof, if you're not using them take them off.
Correct tyre pressures, our friendly staff can assist you with this.
Clean the car, (inside and out) they aren't very aerodynamic when they are filthy, this also applies to the car carrying a lot of extras you don't need for the trip, leave the golf clubs and 20kg of recycling at home until you are going to the club or recycling depot.
Limiting the use of the air conditioning to hot days only or just rolling a window down, saves load on the engine.
Drive smoothly, any excessive braking or acceleration uses more fuel than needed.
Do one trip to the shops vs multiple trips, write a list and make it worthwhile.
Walk or take the bikes up the street
Is your car fitted with I-Stop ? If it is leave it turned on, this way your car can pause at intersections or road works and save fuel. Dont worry it has calculated if it has enough battery power to restart so dont be alarmed that the engine turns off, it instantly restarts when you press accelerater.
This one you can debate vs safety etc too but if you drive during the day with head lights on you are using more fuel by making the alternator work harder. Use them wisely, if it's a bright sunny day there's little need.
Day time running lights are normally LED so use much less power and dont over heat like a std head light.
Maintaining your vehicle, servicing, fuel filter, sparkplugs and air filter changes and some sencors can be cleaned at regular intervals, saves on fuel by keeping the engine running in top condition.
If there's a warning light on, chances are it's not running at its most efficienct.
Fuel efficient tyres, yes they are a thing, many brands have tyres rated to be more economical than the std tyre.
Mud tyres use more fuel to be pushed along the road, so have a thought about your tyre choice at the next replacement.
Car pooling if you work in Alexandra,
If one of you that travel set up a group
Car pool Roxburgh to Alexandra say and make it a closed group you could connect with others that share the same or similar work hours.
Getting your parcels dropped to your house.
The $6 rural delivery charge is now cheaper than running your car into town to collect, unless you're consolidating the jobs to come into town of course.
Wheel alignment, this can not only improve tyre mileage between changes, but less rolling resistance