The price of fuel continues to be one of the biggest expenses for drivers. Beyond looking for the cheapest gas station, there are habits and techniques that can help you reduce your gasoline or diesel consumption considerably. Here are some of the most effective tricks.
1. Drive smoothly and steadily.
Acceleration and sudden braking significantly increase fuel consumption. The ideal is to maintain a constant speed and anticipate traffic. Relaxed driving not only saves fuel, but also reduces wear and tear on the engine and brakes.
2. Use high gears whenever possible.
Driving in low gears at high rpm increases fuel consumption. Try to change gear as soon as possible (without forcing the engine) and keep the revolutions in an efficient range: between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm in diesel engines and between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm in gasoline engines.
3. Maintain proper tire pressure.
Underinflated tires generate more resistance and increase consumption up to 4% more. Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
4. Reduces unnecessary weight.
Each extra kilo forces the engine to use more energy. Remove unused items from the trunk and avoid carrying luggage racks or roof racks if they are not necessary, as they generate more air resistance.
5. Take care of the aerodynamics and keep the windows closed on the highway.
Driving with the windows down at high speeds increases drag, and therefore fuel consumption. The same applies to external accessories (boxes, roof bars, bicycle racks). Use them only when strictly necessary.
6. Control the air conditioning.
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. Use it sparingly and, when possible, ventilate the car before starting to cool the passenger compartment.
7. Plan your trips.
Avoid traffic jams and busy routes by using real-time navigation apps. Constantly starting and stopping in a traffic jam is one of the biggest enemies of fuel economy.
8. Maintain the car properly.
A well-maintained car uses less fuel. Changing air filters, spark plugs and keeping the oil in good condition ensures more efficient combustion and lower fuel consumption.
9. Do not overheat the engine.
Leaving the car idling for a long time is not necessary in most modern vehicles. Start and drive gently until the engine reaches its optimum temperature.
10. Use apps to find the cheapest gas station.
There are apps that show real-time prices at nearby gas stations. A small change of station can mean significant savings in the long run.
11. Use cruise control on the highway.
On long highway trips, cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, avoiding unnecessary acceleration and reducing fuel consumption.
12. Avoid overfueling.
Filling the tank to the brim adds unnecessary weight and can also cause evaporation losses on hot days. It is more efficient to keep the tank at a medium-high level.
13. Turn off the engine during long stops.
If you are going to be stopped for more than a minute (for example, in a traffic jam or waiting for someone), it is better to turn off the engine. Consumption at idling speed can be between 0.5 and 1 liter per hour.
14. Take advantage of the car’s inertia.
When approaching a curve, traffic light or slow traffic zone, lift your foot off the accelerator before braking. Taking advantage of the car’s inertia reduces fuel consumption and brake wear.
15. Keep the drive chain or belts in good condition.
In cars with chain or belt drive, proper maintenance ensures that engine power is transmitted efficiently, avoiding energy losses that increase consumption.
✅ Conclusion.
Saving fuel not only benefits your pocket, it also helps the environment by reducing polluting emissions. Adopting these tricks can save up to 15% on your monthly gasoline or diesel expenses, in addition to extending the useful life of your car.
