Go the distance on less fuel these holidays

If you're racking up the kilometres these holidays, don't pay more for it than you need to for fuel - challenge yourself to cut 10% off your fuel bill.

Ecodriver founder Mark Whittaker recently proved the point by driving from Cape Reinga to the Bluff on less than two tanks of fuel, and averaging 3.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.

"Doing it in really fuel efficient new Mini certainly helped," says Whittaker, "but it was good driving technique that saved us 10% of the car's stated fuel use and got us there under the two-tank mark."

"Efficient driving technique isn't rocket science," says Terry Collins, Products Manager at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), "And it's not just your fuel bills that benefit from it."

"These are things anyone can do, regardless of the car you drive. And there's a huge environmental benefit - if every New Zealand motorist cut 10% off their fuel bill with efficient driving practices, it would be like taking 250,000 cars off our roads."

Go the distance these holidays using less fuel with these simple driving techniques:

• Drive smoothly. Accelerate and brake gently and smoothly, including in and out of corners. Look ahead so you can adjust your speed early.
• Watch your speed. Travelling at 100 km/h instead of 110 km/h can cut around 10% off your fuel bill.
• Use your air-con wisely. Air conditioning can add up to 10% to your fuel use, so only use it when you really need to - open your windows instead.
• Care for your car. A well-maintained car can use up to 10% less fuel. Check your tyre pressure monthly, service your car regularly, and keep your wheels are properly aligned.
• Lighten and streamline the load. Unnecessary load or drag can add up to 5% to your fuel bills. If you're not using something, take it out of the car. Take off the roof racks and cycle racks if you are not using them regularly.

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