Efficient driving: How to reduce your fuel expenses!

Thomas Wachsmuth 4 May 2022 Tips, products, information & Co.

Reading time 5 Min.

Many drivers use their vehicles every day, so it's not surprising when gas bills run into hundreds of euros every month. People often spend more money on fuel than they do on rent or food, and as oil prices soar, the situation is spiraling out of control. automotive expert Matas Buzelis from the testing platform for used cars carVertical recommends a few simple behavior changes and solutions that can help reduce your fuel bill.

1. Steady driving style

Fuel consumption increases with a more aggressive driving style, heavy acceleration and heavy braking. Scientific research has shown that aggressive driving can reduce fuel efficiency by 40%. Avoiding hard acceleration and using the transmission to brake using engine braking is an easy way to solve the problem. Aggressive driving habits rarely save more than a minute or two, but cannot compensate for the additional fuel consumption. In addition, the engine, tires and chassis can be protected if you take it easy.

2. Reduce use of air conditioning

With air conditioning systems in modern cars, the air conditioning often runs even when it is not really necessary. The air conditioning compressor is very powerful and can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. Air conditioners come in handy in a hot summer or rainy autumn days, as they cool and dry the air at the same time. However, it is important for fuel efficiency that they are used sparingly.

3. Check tire pressure regularly

Each vehicle manufacturer calculates the optimal tire pressure for each model, which is required for the highest level of performance, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, causing the engine to use more fuel to maintain speed. Tire pressure should therefore be checked regularly (at least once a month). According to studies, every 1% reduction in tire pressure results in a 0,3% increase in fuel consumption. However, carVertical experts warn against over-inflating the tires: higher pressure can lead to uneven and premature wear.

4. Reduce unnecessary weight

Fuel consumption increases with the weight of the vehicle because more power is required to move a heavier vehicle. Automotive engineers are doing away with spare wheels, opting for aluminum or even plastics instead of steel to keep the car's weight to a minimum. Note: The car is not a warehouse. If you remove your odds and ends and heavy objects from the car, it drives more economically and agilely, and you also have more space in the vehicle.

5. Avoid traffic jams

Make a habit of avoiding traffic jams whenever possible. The constant stop-and-go puts a strain on the engine, wheel suspension and transmission. As many are probably aware, traffic jams are one of the key reasons why city driving is considered the least economical. Choosing a longer route with less traffic is often more convenient. A lot of fuel and time can be saved by avoiding the rush hour. In most cities, these peak times are between 7am and 9am and 16pm and 19pm.

6. Plan trips in advance

Short-distance drivers also have to live with the highest fuel consumption because engines consume significantly more fuel when they are not warm. An engine, like a human body, needs to warm up before exercise - excessive stress without warming up can eventually lead to damage. That's why it's a good idea to do multiple things in one go - it's much healthier than multiple trips throughout the day. Furthermore, the use of a cruise control Excessive acceleration and braking when driving outside the city, resulting in better fuel efficiency.

7. Choose a fuel efficient car

Simply picking out a not-so-thirsty car is certainly a good place to start. Heavy SUVs and powerful sedans will never be as fuel-efficient as humble compact family models or small cars. For those who mainly drive within the city limits, any car that offers enough space for people and luggage can be a good choice. The global testing platform for used cars carVertical strongly reminds potential buyers to check the general condition of a car before paying. Usually, a clean vehicle story speaks for itself, saving fuel and other expenses.

8. Take care of your car

Often overlooked, the condition of a vehicle plays a key role in fuel efficiency. Parts such as the engine, suspension and electrical systems affect fuel economy. For example, a faulty oxygen sensor can result in double the fuel bills. Therefore, one should never neglect the regular maintenance of the car. Regardless of oil prices, lower fuel consumption makes you live more comfortably. Changing just a few driving and maintenance habits is often enough to enjoy lower costs and a better driving experience.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it!

tuningblog has countless other articles on the subject of car and auto tuning in stock. Do you want to see them all? Just click HERE and look around. In part, we would like to provide you with news but also off the tuning. In our category Tips, products, information & Co We have reviews of car or accessories manufacturers, new ones Tuning Wiki Terms or one or the other Leak veröffentlicht. Just click on one of the following posts!