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Tetyana Yermolenko
Correspondent
How to save fuel – simple tips for drivers / Freepik
Fuel costs are one of the most noticeable items in any driver's budget. This is especially acute now, when gasoline and diesel prices fluctuate, and saving money is becoming not just a desire, but a necessity. Fortunately, you can effectively reduce costs without sacrificing comfort and safety. The Delo.ua editorial team learned the most effective life hacks and ways that will help you save on fuel without harming your car.
Driving style: drive more quietly – spend less
It may sound trite, but the simplest and most effective way to save fuel is to drive in a moderate and predictable manner. Sharp acceleration and frequent braking not only wear out the brake pads, but also “suck” extra liters of fuel from the tank.
Smooth acceleration, maintaining a steady speed and predictable braking can save up to 20% of fuel in the city cycle. In addition, correctly anticipating the road situation helps to avoid frequent stop-and-go traffic jams, which is also a saving.
Tire pressure monitoring for moderate fuel consumption
Incorrect tire pressure can increase fuel consumption by 3–5%. Tires that are too “loose” or, conversely, under-inflated increase rolling resistance, which means the engine works harder.
Regularly checking the pressure (at least once a month) and maintaining the manufacturer's recommended value will allow you to easily and painlessly reduce costs. In addition, it extends the life of the tires and makes the car more manageable and predictable.
We take into account the dimensions of the car
The heavier a car is, the more fuel it consumes. Cargo in the trunk, heavy additional accessories, and even unnecessary things inside the cabin – all these are extra kilograms that “eat up” liters of fuel.
Regularly clearing your car of excess cargo, using compact trunks, and careful handling of additional equipment can reduce costs by 5–10%, depending on the type of vehicle.
Technical condition for cost prevention
Timely maintenance of the engine, filters and spark plugs directly affects fuel consumption. Dirty filters, worn spark plugs or an incorrectly adjusted engine can increase consumption by 10–15%.
Scheduled maintenance and minor repairs can not only extend the life of your vehicle, but also significantly reduce fuel costs.
Using cruise control and economy modes
Modern cars offer a lot of fuel-saving technologies, which, by the way, are often neglected. And in vain! Cruise control, ECO modes and hybrid settings. On the highway, a stable speed with cruise control allows the engine to work more efficiently, reducing unnecessary fuel “emissions”.
ECO modes regulate fuel delivery and transmission operation, reducing costs even in daily urban driving.
Practical tips for daily use
After all, fuel consumption is a characteristic that can be regulated by the driver himself. It is not necessary to abandon high-quality fuel in favor of cheap and questionable, if only to make life easier for yourself and your car. Even taking into account these simple nuances can significantly reduce your costs for gasoline, diesel or gas:
- Plan your routes in advance to avoid traffic jams and extra kilometers.
- Use air conditioning and heating sparingly as they increase fuel consumption.
- Turn off the engine during long stops, instead of idling.
- Use quality fuel and the manufacturer's recommended engine oil.
Basic care and good driving habits can save you a lot of money without sacrificing comfort. Moreover, saving fuel is not just about money, but also about conscious and responsible driving.
