The ever-increasing cost of fuel has brought some motorists not only to white heat, but also to a healthy lifestyle. The car is in the garage or in the parking lot, and its owner walks or rides a bicycle to work.
However, if such a lifestyle categorically does not suit you, but you need to go, we suggest using practical fuel saving tips. They are very short and simple, but will help you save as much gasoline or diesel as possible.
If you are an experienced driver, then most of these tips probably already know, or you can share new ones. But for novice drivers, they are especially useful.
10. Less fuel equals more fuel.
If you often travel around the city with its eternal traffic jams, fill only half the tank. Less weight will help fuel economy.
9. Plan your route in advance
Consider taking one round trip instead of a few short trips. As soon as the engine of your car warms up, it will work as efficiently as possible, while several cold starts increase fuel consumptionalthough the total mileage may be the same. Try using one of the many route planners (for example, on Yandex.Maps) to help plan your trip in a more economical way.
8. Do not forget about MOT
Regular maintenance improves the efficiency of your machine. In addition, car service factors, such as the condition of tires and the braking system, can affect the safety, overall performance and fuel economy of a car.
- If wedging occurs during the operation of the brake system, gas mileage increases.
- And the lower the tire pressure, the more fuel the car spends when driving. Good tire condition is an energy saving requirement as it helps the engine run smoothly.
- It is recommended to check the tire pressure of the car at least once a month.
7. Lowest speed, highest gear
The secret to saving gasoline or diesel is driving at the lowest permissible speed, and at the same time at the highest gear possible. This method is called hypermilling. This method does not work in urban conditions, since driving at the same speed without shifting gears in traffic jams is unlikely to succeed. But it works great on the track.
According to experts from the Royal Car Club of Great Britain (RAC) the optimal speed for fuel economy is 88/90 km per hour, which, as a rule, is used by car manufacturers when they report the fuel consumption of a particular brand. However, fuel economy also depends on a number of factors, such as tire pressure, excess weight in the trunk, roof rack availability and driving style.
6. Cruise control is both beneficial and harmful.
Cruise control is an automatic speed control system designed to ensure safety and maximum fuel efficiency. Can such a system lead to gas overruns? Actually, yes, if you use it all the time. Cruise control helps save fuel when driving on level roads.therefore it is usually good for driving on the motorway.
One of the keys to fuel economy is driving at a constant speed. Therefore, cruise control can work efficiently on flat surfaces, which makes your driving as economical as possible, removing unnecessary acceleration.
However, if you use cruise control on a bumpy, rough road, you will run into problems when gasoline "flows like water." This is due to the fact that cruise control will respond more slowly to changes in terrain.
5. Down with excess cargo
A car is like your body: it requires more fuel to move more weight. Do not leave unnecessary items in the trunk, as they add weight to your “swallow”, which affects fuel economy.
Average every 50 kg will increase fuel consumption by 2%. This is based on the percentage of excess weight relative to the weight of the car, so overload affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
4. Roof rack - gasoline to the wind
Do not carry things in the roof rack because they create resistance to the wind and make your car use more fuel.
The roof cross members weigh from 3 kg to 5 kg, but they have a large aerodynamic coefficient. Empty roof rack increases fuel consumption about 10%.
3. When win those who blow
You can endlessly look at three things: how the fire burns, how the water flows, and how those who argue when it is hot and who blows argue. Here are proponents of fuel economy on the side of those who are blowing. Do not use an air conditioner if you can restrict yourself to an open window, as it uses engine power and therefore increases fuel consumption.
However, at a speed of 80 km / h, using an air conditioner is better for your car than opening windows.
2. Keep the air filter clean.
Whether you are the owner of a used Lada or the lucky owner of one of the most popular crossovers in the world, regularly check the condition of the air filter.
A clogged air filter increases fuel consumption by an average of 10%. It needs to be changed once a year. No need to try to wash it, after such manipulations the filter becomes clogged even faster and stronger.
1. No need to drive and brake
Sudden acceleration and braking make the car consume 40% more energy. Thus, a patient driver will always spend less money on gas than a drift fan at a traffic light. Instead of continuous braking and acceleration, it is best to gently stop and drive at a constant speed.