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The AA has noticed more motorists running out of gas, as high petrol prices put pressure on wallets.
Callouts by AA members who had run out of petrol while driving was up 3.3 per cent for the year to date, AA spokesman Simon Lambourne said.
Compared to 2007 figures the number of callouts was up every month this year, except January.
The highest increase was a 21 per cent rise in May.
Mr Lambourne said the trend of increased callouts was "of concern".
Running out of petrol was inconvenient for motorists, raised safety issues and in older cars the sediment on the bottom of the petrol tank could get into the engine, causing bigger problems.
"Motorists are hurting in the wallet, they are delaying filling up, but it's self-defeating. If you misjudge it, it's not worth it."
Fuel gauges should be used only as a guide, he said.
The Automobile Association will take petrol to members who run out. The service is free, but members have to pay for the petrol.
Mr Lambourne said the AA had no intention of dropping, or charging for, this service, but wanted motorists to be aware of the problems surrounding running out.
The AA will "keep a close eye" on the situation for the next few months, he said.
The Wairarapa had the biggest increase, of 40 per cent, from 10 to 14 callouts.
Other regions with increased callouts were Auckland up 3.2 per cent, Waikato 30.1 per cent, Wellington 18.5 per cent and Canterbury 23 per cent.
All other regions recorded a decrease.
Motorists in city areas were more likely to run out of petrol than those in rural areas because of increased difficulties of getting help in isolated areas.
- NZPA
