1. Keep Up With Regular Engine Tune-Ups
You’d be surprised how many people come in with their Honda Jazz or a late-model Kia, not realising the engine’s a bit out of whack and chewing more fuel. In Hamilton, we see cars doing the Ulster Street crawl or stuck at the Te Rapa lights. That stop-start traffic really stresses engines out, especially if your spark plugs or air/fuel filters are overdue. Regular tune-ups make a huge difference — keeps the engine happy, burns less petrol, and you’ll notice it in your back pocket. Especially for those older Toyota Corollas or even a Suzuki Swift with a few k’s on the clock.
If you want detail on what we check at a tune-up, have a look at our guide on engine tuning.
2. Check Your Tyre Pressure
Way too many people drive around Rototuna or out to Morrinsville on soft tyres. All it does is use more fuel since the car is dragging itself along. Doesn’t matter if you’re driving a Ford Falcon or a Mazda CX-5 — underinflated tyres suck more petrol. We see it all the time, especially after someone’s hit a pothole on Peachgrove Road or bounced over a couple of speed bumps in Nawton. Check your tyres every month, and keep them pumped up to what the door sticker or manual says.
Want more info? Here’s a good yarn about tyre pressure and saving fuel.
3. Use the Right Motor Oil
We get all sorts through the workshop — everything from Peugeot 308s to Nissan Leafs. What’s easy to forget is that the wrong oil (or cheap stuff) means the engine’s working harder. Always use what the manufacturer recommends (especially for those late-model European cars or hybrids). Saves wear, the engine runs better, less fuel gets burnt. Not sure? Your manual tells you, or our techs can point you in the right direction.
Keen to know more? Suss out our thoughts about picking the right oil.
4. Don’t Drive Around With a Boot Full of Junk
No joke, we once had a customer with a Subaru Forester loaded up with paving stones and half the contents of a Bunnings trip. It all adds weight, and extra weight means the engine’s got to work harder. Doesn’t matter if it’s grocery runs out to Chartwell or taking the kids to school in Cambridge — lighten up what you keep in the car and you’ll notice you don’t gas up as often.
If you want tips for sorting your clutter, check this post on what to keep in your car.
5. Drive Smooth and Steady
Hamilton traffic’s full of short trips, roundabouts, and people cutting in front. We see it every day on Avalon Drive, or when you’re ducking in and out of The Base. Slamming the brakes, hard take-offs, and racing between lights just burns more fuel. Cruise along as steady as you can, use cruise control on the expressway, and try to read the flow ahead. It all adds up, especially over a winter when you’re running the heater or demisters a lot.
For some more down-to-earth driving advice, you can check out our smooth driving guide.
6. Keep Up With Regular Vehicle Servicing
A lot of what chews fuel gets picked up at a good WOF or service — blocked filters, dragging brakes, bunged-up sensors. We see it in all sorts, from a Volkswagen Golf to a Honda Odyssey. Regular car service Hamilton-style means oil changes, air filter swaps, brake checks and catching the little stuff before it becomes big, expensive stuff. Plus, you get peace of mind for those drives to Raglan or Ngaruawahia.
All of this isn’t about some big overhaul — just good habits. Get into these routines and you’ll save fuel, keep the planet a bit cleaner, and hopefully have fewer car headaches. If you want a hand, or just want your car looked over by people who know Hamilton roads inside out, give us a yell. We’re here to help.