Why is my car using too much gas?
One of the biggest expenses in a household budget (especially if you live in Auckland and spend a lot of time in your car) is the petrol expense. It can feel like our cars are using more gas than ever before, and we’re spending more on fuel.
While the speed you drive is one of the biggest factors affecting how much gas your car uses, there are a few other reasons why your car is using a lot of gas.
Let’s take a look here at what affects our gas usage and how we can make our vehicles more fuel-efficient.
What does fuel economy mean?
The term fuel economy refers to the amount of fuel your vehicle uses per unit of distance. It’s also looked at in terms of the number of kms per litre of fuel. For example, fuel economy can be expressed as kilometres per litre (kpl) or miles per gallon (mpg).
What is considered good fuel economy?
To some degree, this is a subjective question. What we consider to be good fuel economy based on our habits and petrol budget may seem quite high compared to yours.
One source recommends that good fuel efficiency is approximately 5-6L/100km for a small car, 7-8L/100km for a ute, and 8-9L/100km for an SUV.
In New Zealand, we also have an Energy Economy Labelling programme that is administered by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA). Under this programme, the Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label (VEEEL) allows consumers to compare the fuel consumption of different vehicles when buying from a car dealer.
How to save fuel in daily life?
If you’re trying to find ways to save fuel, start by looking at two things – how you drive and what you drive.
How you drive affects the amount of fuel you use – speed, start/stop traffic, sudden acceleration, idling for long periods of time – all of these things can cause you to use more fuel.
Try to drive at a consistent speed whenever possible, rather than speeding up and slowing down trying to get ahead. Instead, turn on the cruise control and stay at a consistent speed as much as possible. Try to accelerate gradually, rather than revving the accelerated and speeding off. If you’re waiting for someone for longer than a couple of minutes, turn the engine off. As long as the engine is running, you’re using fuel.
What makes a car more fuel-efficient?
One of the easiest ways to make your car more fuel efficient is by taking it in for regular service appointments. That’s because preventative maintenance will ensure your tyres are at the optimum tyre pressure, your wheels are properly aligned, you oil is clean, your fluids are topped up, and there are no mechanical issues.
All of these things can lead to unnecessary fuel use.
How much does weight affect fuel economy?
The heavier your car, the more engine power it needs to move so the more fuel it will use. Try to avoid carrying around unnecessary items in the boot or in the roof box. Common culprits include sports equipment (hockey goalie bag, gym weights) and work supplies (classroom books, tools and other gear) that you don’t need every day. If you’ve got a boot full of stuff you’ve been meaning to take to the charity shop, then do it.
All that extra weight affects your fuel economy. Every extra 50kg of weight in your car increases fuel consumption by 2%.
Do turbos increase fuel economy?
If you have a vehicle that is compatible with a turbo charger, you may find that your fuel consumption improves. Often used with smaller engines, turbos work by pumping air into the engine’s air-fuel mixture. This creates more efficient gasoline combustion. In essence, you’re creating a compact, more economical engine.
Do fuel saving tyres work?
As well as ensuring you have the right tyre pressure to maximise your fuel efficiency, you may also want to check whether fuel saving/fuel efficient tyres can be used with your vehicle.
They work in a variety of ways. They can be more rigid and, therefore, more aerodynamic. They are sometimes made of special rubber compounds that minimise internal movement. And they can have specially designed tread patterns that create more efficient roll. All of these factors contribute to decreased resistance, which in turn lowers fuel consumption.
To get a better understanding, check out our article – Does Tyre Fuel Efficiency Matter?
How much can you save on fuel with a hybrid in NZ?
One way to reduce the amount you spend on petrol is to drive a plug-in hybrid. They usually enable you to drive between 50 to 80 kms before the petrol engine takes over. Depending on the make, model and driving habits, the fuel consumption can drop to around 2-4L/100km.
Fuel economy conversion chart
As we’ve mentioned above, fuel economy or fuel consumption is often expressed in one of two ways. You’ll hear people talk about kilometres per litre (kpl) or miles per gallon (mpg), or you’ll hear it referred to as the amount of fuel used per 100 kms
To convert from one method to the other, use this formula:
(Litres used X 100) ÷ km travelled = Litres per 100km.
|
Fuel Consumption |
Fuel Consumption |
|||
|
km/litre |
litre/100 km |
km/litre |
litre/100 km |
|
|
10.2 |
9.81 |
2.55 |
39.25 |
|
|
9.35 |
10.7 |
2.34 |
42.82 |
|
|
8.5 |
11.78 |
2.13 |
47.1 |
|
|
8.08 |
12.39 |
1.91 |
52.33 |
|
|
7.65 |
13.08 |
1.7 |
58.88 |
|
|
7.23 |
13.85 |
1.49 |
67.29 |
|
|
6.8 |
14.72 |
1.28 |
78.5 |
|
|
6.38 |
15.7 |
1.06 |
94.2 |
|
|
5.95 |
16.82 |
0.85 |
117.75 |
|
|
5.53 |
18.12 |
0.64 |
157 |
|
|
5.1 |
19.63 |
0.43 |
235.5 |
|
|
4.68 |
21.41 |
0.38 |
261.67 |
|
|
4.25 |
23.55 |
0.34 |
294.38 |
|
|
4.04 |
24.79 |
0.3 |
336.43 |
|
|
3.83 |
26.17 |
0.26 |
392.5 |
|
|
3.61 |
27.71 |
0.21 |
471 |
|
|
3.4 |
29.44 |
0.17 |
588.75 |
|
|
3.19 |
31.4 |
0.13 |
785 |
|
|
2.98 |
33.64 |
0.09 |
1177.5 |
|
|
2.76 |
36.23 |
0.04 |
2355 |
|
The experienced team at Mt Roskill Collision Centre can give you advice on how to improve your fuel efficiency. An effective way of making a car more fuel efficient is by having it serviced, so do not hesitate to get in touch.