{"id":3544,"date":"2025-01-23T15:46:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-23T05:46:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autohero.com.au\/blog\/?p=3544"},"modified":"2025-01-23T19:11:57","modified_gmt":"2025-01-23T09:11:57","slug":"how-to-save-on-fuel-and-ensure-vehicle-safety-on-your-new-zealand-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autohero.com.au\/blog\/how-to-save-on-fuel-and-ensure-vehicle-safety-on-your-new-zealand-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Save on Fuel and Ensure Vehicle Safety On Your New Zealand Road Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/h1>\n

In the year 2000, the average cost of petrol in New Zealand was about $1.21 per litre (those were the days!). However, now, it is closer to $2.60 and rising.<\/span><\/p>\n

For road trippers, this is bad news because funding a drive around the country to take in its many wonderful sights and attractions is getting much more expensive every week.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, there is no question that planning a road trip<\/a> across Aotearoa is the adventure of a lifetime. Therefore, the key to doing so successfully is to try to save money<\/a> on fuel, along, of course, with ensuring the vehicle is safe to drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this post, we want to ensure your travels around the North and South Islands are as enjoyable as they can be. So, we\u2019ve put together this brief overview of how you can do both.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Choose the Right Vehicle<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you are planning on undertaking a road trip<\/a> around New Zealand, you are going to need a car, which, for many people, will involve hiring one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Securing an electric vehicle<\/a> is an excellent way to eliminate fuel costs. But, if you would prefer to book a petrol car, you should choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle available.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to caranddriver.com that is the Toyota Prius. However, not all car rental companies will offer this make and model. Therefore, you should ask for the most fuel-efficient and safest vehicle that is appropriate for your budget and the destinations you plan to visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you also enquire about a <\/span>car rental fuel discount<\/span><\/a>, as many car rental and petrol companies have teamed up to provide customers with this incentive.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Service Your Vehicle Before Departure<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you have hired a car, the rental company will ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. However, if you plan on driving your own motor, you would be well advised to have it fully serviced by a qualified mechanic.<\/span><\/p>\n

They will fine-tune your oil levels, air filters, spark plugs, and brake pads<\/a> to ensure the vehicle performs to more optimal levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Plan Your Route Strategically<\/b><\/h2>\n

When planning your road trip<\/a>, it is important to map out your route as much as possible. Doing this will help you reduce the driving distances between each destination and avoid wasting fuel by doubling back on yourself unnecessarily.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Zealand Transport Agency has a very useful <\/span>journey planner<\/span><\/a> that you should use to go from A to B. However, as a general rule, try and stick to highways and main roads where possible because, taking dirt roads or steep mountain passes can chew up your petrol and be more hazardous to drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking scenic routes is well worth the effort, but you\u2019ll need to plan them sparingly if you want to keep your fuel costs down.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Use Fuel Price Apps<\/b><\/h2>\n

The cost of petrol can vary significantly in New Zealand, even between petrol stations within the same suburb. For this reason, it pays to be aware of the cheapest outlet is located because it can be the difference between spending 30 cents or more per litre on fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good way to do this is to use an app like Gaspy, which identifies where the cheapest fuel prices along your route. Also, try and fill up in larger towns, as opposed to remote areas where prices are often lower, and be aware of the cheap days for refuelling \u2013 which is often on Tuesdays.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Stick to the Speed Limit<\/b><\/h2>\n

Driving at high speeds will not just dramatically decrease the fuel efficiency of your car but can also be very dangerous. While you should always be guided by the advertised speed limits, the optimal speed for fuel efficiency is typically between 50-80 km\/h. Therefore, driving at these speeds will ensure your petrol lasts a lot longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using cruise control is a great way of sticking to these speed limits. However, just make sure you are not impacting upon the ability of others to drive freely, as it could result in tailgating and aggressive driving.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle<\/b><\/h2>\n

When going on a long road trip<\/a>, it is important to pack for all eventualities. But the downside of doing this is that overloading your vehicle can significantly increase your increase drag, which, therefore, lowers your fuel efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n

Try not to bring anything more on your trip than you need, and avoid using roof racks unless absolutely necessary because they increase wind resistance, which results in you using more fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Use Heating and Air Conditioning Sparingly<\/b><\/h2>\n

Heating and air conditioning systems are notorious for putting extra strain on your engine, which subsequently increases the amount of fuel you consume.<\/span><\/p>\n

Try not to use these systems unless you absolutely have to. Instead, leave your windows slightly open if you are hot or drive with extra clothing on if you are cold to make a full tank of petrol go further.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Monitor Tyre Pressure<\/b><\/h2>\n

If your tyres are not properly inflated, they will result in greater rolling resistance that causes your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n

To prevent this, it is important to regularly pump up the tyres of your vehicle. Refer to the car\u2019s manual to determine what tyres pressure is most appropriate for your drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should also check out these <\/span>Tyre reviews<\/span><\/a> to ascertain which ones are best for the destinations you want to travel to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Written By<\/b><\/p>\n

Matt Banks<\/b><\/p>\n

Matt is the founder of\u00a0Autohero.com.au<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and has been hooked on cars and repairs ever since childhood.<\/p>\n

A veteran in automotive since leaving school, Matt has completed his trade as a panel beater and is across all things with wheels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

His first car was a 1967 FORD XR Wagon followed by a string of collectable Holden\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Have a question for Matt? leave a comment below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In the year 2000, the average cost of petrol in New Zealand was about $1.21 per litre (those were the days!). 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