About car fuel consumption around Hamilton

You know what it’s like driving around Hamilton – one minute you’re flying along Ulster Street, next thing you’re stuck behind a school run on Peachgrove Road, crawling along, traffic lights every five seconds. All that stop-start stuff, especially in winter when it’s cold and foggy, does a real number on your fuel economy. If you’re over in Rototuna, or heading out to Ngaruawahia or Cambridge, you’ve probably noticed it too – doesn’t matter if you’re in a Mazda Demio, a Toyota Hilux, or even one of those flash new Hyundai Hybrids.

Basically, fuel consumption (or fuel economy) means how much juice your car’s using to get you from A to B. Most cars these days will give you a readout on the dash (km/L or MPG), but if you feel like you’re needing to fill up more than you used to on the same drive to Te Awamutu or Glenview, something’s probably not right under the bonnet. Here’s what you need to know:

Learn more about fuel consumption >

How to check your fuel economy

On most late-model cars, you’ll get a number flashing up on the dash showing average fuel use. That Peugeot 308 you picked up second-hand? Should have it. Even older Subarus sometimes throw in a basic version. But the thing is, that number bounces around. Hot day idling on Hood St with the air con going, miles different to cruising along the open road to Morrinsville.

If it feels like the needle’s dropping faster than usual, or you’re making more trips to the servo even though your driving habits haven’t changed, could be time to get it looked at. Sometimes you’ll spot a quick fix, sometimes it’s a bit deeper – we see all sorts down at the workshop.

What causes high fuel consumption?

Alright, let’s get into the guts of it. Here’s some of the usual suspects we come across, whether you’re in a Suzuki Swift, Nissan Qashqai, or something a bit left-field like a SsangYong or Alfa Romeo:

Fuel Leaks – Any sort of drip from the tank, fuel lines, injectors, or pump. Doesn’t take much to notice a wet patch under your Honda, or a whiff of fuel when you walk past. Absolute money burner, not to mention unsafe. Needs sorting quick smart.

Rich fuel mixture – Means your engine’s getting too much fuel and not enough air. Happens a lot with older Euros and some late-model hybrids. Could be:

  • Leaky fuel injectors
  • Oxygen (O2) sensors playing up
  • Dodgy mass airflow meter
  • Blocked air filter or intake (especially after a dusty summer out Gordonton way)
  • Fuel pump or regulator pressure too high
  • PCV valve blocked, or even just too much oil in the engine

If you’re keen for the details, here’s a quick read on injector repairs.

Wrong tyre pressure – Seriously, we see this every day. Underinflated tyres on a Santa Fe after a Bain Ave pothole, and suddenly your fuel use jumps. Always double-check pressure, especially before heading out to Raglan or Tamahere. Here’s a checklist if you’re curious.

Ignition issues – Spark plugs, coils, the lot. Missfires (especially noticeable in some older VWs), rough running – burns more petrol and clogs everything up. If you smell petrol or it feels sluggish, could be time for an ignition service.

What we do to help in Hamilton

When you bring your car in for a high fuel consumption problem, one of our techs will hook it up to a scan tool, check all the usual problem areas, and even test components like airflow meters or O2 sensors. Sometimes it’s a quick clean of a blocked filter, sometimes it’s a replacement part job. Common things we sort out look like this:

So, if the fuel bills are creeping up or your car just feels off, swing by Grimmer Motors in Hamilton. We’ll give it a proper look-over and sort you out with straight-up advice, no mucking around. Keep your motor running smooth and the fuel costs down, whether you’re zipping over to Chartwell or up to Huntly. Easy as.

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