Rising oil prices are the reason why gasoline and diesel are more expensive than ever. Because ofof the war in UkraineThe price of a barrel of oil is at its highest level in almost 14 years. Although fuel prices continue to reach record highs, there are steps you can take to maximize fuel efficiency and take steps to save fuel on the vehicles in your fleet. In the following article we will give you clever tips and tricks on how you can save fuel and money and make the best of the situation.
Make sure your tire pressure is correct
Buy tire pressure gauges so you can make sure your tires are at the manufacturer's recommended air pressure. On average, one in four drivers drives a vehicle with one or more tires that are underinflated. For example, if the pressure of a tire is 0.3 bar lower than the manufacturer's recommended value, the vehicle's fuel consumption will increase by 10 percent, and in the long run will be reducedthe life of the tire treadby 15 percent. The minimum air pressure is indicated on the sticker on the door pillar of the vehicle.
New tire technologies can also help improve safety, increase sustainability and reduce costs.
You can fill up cheaper in the evening: where is the best place?
All gas stations typically have their highest prices in the morning. Prices are lowest between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. This is the best time to fill the tank. Independent gas stations are also cheaper than large chains.
Tip: Avoid filling up at motorway gas stations. The prices there are generally much higher than in cities or on country roads and look for the cheapest gas station online.
Refuel in cooler weather
Fill up during the coolest part of the day because this is when fuel is at its densest. The gas pumps measure the volume of gasoline, not the density of the fuel concentration.
Save fuel: Avoid unnecessary ballast
Vehicles have much better fuel economy when they are not loaded with unnecessary weight. Each additional weight of 100 kg results in up to 0.3 liters of additional consumption. Most drivers accumulate a lot of things in their trunk that are unnecessary. Remove all unnecessary items from the vehicle.
Avoid long idle times
Long periods of idle time, whether at a railroad crossing, a traffic light or stopping to make a call, use up fuel that could be saved by simply turning off the engine. Restarting an engine uses about the same amount of fuel as idling for 30 seconds.
Do not buy Super Plus fuel
Resist the urge to purchase higher octane gasoline for higher performance. If the vehicle requires this because the owner's manual specifically states it, you can use higher octane gasoline. However, the octane number has nothing to do with the performance of the gasoline; it simply indicates the volatilization factor in the combustion chamber. You can save money by using Super, or Super 95 (E 10) instead of Super Plus. Do exactly the same if you use diesel. Fill up with regular diesel.
Stick to the posted speed limit
This tip can not only save fuel, but also save lives. Fuel consumption decreases by 10 to 15% if you drive 120 km/h instead of 135 km/h.
Use cruise control when driving on the highway
You can save fuel by reducing unnecessary speed changes. Using cruise control helps reduce fuel consumption. If you set your cruise control correctly, you will no longer have to use the accelerator pedal.
Drive at low speed to save fuel
You should always drive with foresight and at low speed, for example by shifting up as early as possible. If you have a car with an automatic transmission, you can choose Eco mode because it ensures shorter shift intervals and lower engine speeds.
Save fuel: adjust the air conditioning correctly
Only use the air conditioning when necessary because it puts additional strain on the engine, which means more fuel is used. Air conditioning is one of the biggest detractors of engine performance and fuel economy. Depending on the vehicle type and driving style, it can reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 20%. Do not use the air conditioner as a fan, only to circulate air. If itSimply too hot without air conditioningyou should set the temperature to around 22 degrees.
Side windows or air conditioning?
Is it really smarter to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows while driving? Open side windows or sunroofs can also cost fuel because they slow down the car. This happens as a result of the interference with the airflow surrounding the vehicle. Only at low speeds in city traffic can you save some fuel by opening your windows.
How to save fuel: Avoid aggressive driving
Studies show that starting and accelerating quickly from a traffic light doesn't save much time and causes components like brakes and tires to wear out more quickly. Simply limiting rapid acceleration and braking can reduce fuel consumption. As you accelerate, imagine you have a raw egg under your right foot. Light, consistent pressure helps minimize the amount of fuel used and maintain a more consistent speed. If you don't drive aggressively, you can save up to 20% on fuel.
