Basic tips for saving fuel

Are not new, but they are worth remembering, because if you want to save fuel, these are some of the basic rules you should apply in your day-to-day life.

.

Fuel prices keep rising and it's getting more and more expensive to drive.

So any tips that can help you save fuel are welcome. Fuel costs are one of those that can be considerable in the long run.

Some are obvious, others not so obvious. Some are simple to apply, others require you to get your hands dirty. But all are essential if you want to make significant savings. Let's get to them.

.

Tire pressure

Yes, very important. When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? Checking your tire pressure regularly is one of the most neglected aspects of driving, and at the same time one that helps save a lot of fuel.

Driving with tires below the pressure indicated by the manufacturer increases fuel consumption and decreases performance, since the friction generated between the surface of the tire and the asphalt is greater, so you need more energy to travel a given route.

It also reduces tire life and safety.

Check the user manual for the correct pressure. Sometimes this information can also be found on the fuel cap or inside the driver's door.

Before long journeys, and if you're traveling with a heavier car, it's also mandatory to increase the tire pressure, according to the information provided in the manual.

.

Ideal Regime

Use the gearbox and rev counter as your ally in the fight against fuel consumption.

In gasoline cars, the ideal operating range is between 2500 rpm and 3500 rpm, while in diesel cars this range is between 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm.

It is in this rev range that the ratio between mechanical performance and consumption is most favorable to savings. Pushing the rev counter to the limit won't do you much good and could double or triple the car's instant consumption.

With this rule you can save between 1 and 2 liters per 100 km.

.

Avoid short journeys

Whenever possible, avoid using your car on short journeys. On very short journeys, the engine and catalytic converter don't have time to warm up to the ideal operating temperature.

The engine oil, for example, is colder and more viscous, thus increasing the friction of the internal parts. This means that the engine has to work harder. The catalytic converter, on the other hand, is not as efficient when it's cold.

There is also the question of the particulate filter, which on short journeys will not regenerate the particulate filter system, since the process is normally only carried out when the ideal operating temperature of the fluids and mechanical components is reached and at a certain speed, and if it is started on a short journey, it can be interrupted halfway through, which is not recommended.

In this way, the increasing clogging of the filter generates more back pressure in the exhaust, increasing consumption due to the greater strain on the engine.

If the distance is too short, consider walking - your wallet will thank you in the short and long term.

.

Correct gear ratio

The correct use of the gearbox is also one of the aspects that most influences fuel consumption. And how do you know which gear is the right one? It's as high as possible for the traffic conditions, without you hearing the engine knocking or "dying".

Most of today's cars even indicate the correct gear, with the information visible on the dashboard. In most cases, pay attention and accept the suggestions to save fuel.

In practice, this can save you between 1.5 and 3 liters per 100 km.

.

Saving the accelerator

The way you treat the accelerator is directly proportional to how much the fuel gauge wants to go down.

Therefore, the lower the load on the accelerator, the lower the instantaneous fuel consumption. If you're careful with the right-hand pedal, you'll be rewarded in your wallet.

.

Unnecessary Weight

Do you have completely unnecessary things in your car? It's easy to let useless objects accumulate, always with the thought that "one day I might need them".

All the useless weight carried by your car is ballast that will force the engine to work harder. Okay, this one isn't that significant, but it also depends on how many kilos we're talking about, but if you multiply it by several years and a few tens of thousands of kilometers, the bill to pay can be significant.

.

Maintenance

How long has it been since you had your car's steering aligned? How long is it overdue for an oil change? How long has it been since you checked the air filter? All of these influence fuel consumption, although the latter is more significant in vehicles that frequently drive on dirt roads that kick up dust and easily clog the air filter.

By carrying out regular maintenance, you can get some extra savings and save fuel.

.

Windows and Climate Control

Driving with the windows open, especially on the highway, increases fuel consumption. On the other hand, if you travel with the windows open and the air conditioning on, the waste is even greater.

Nowadays, automatic climate control is becoming increasingly common. First assess whether you need to run the air conditioning or even the ventilation. Automatic mode doesn't mean you're not consuming extra energy.

.

.

.

Source: RAZÃO AUTOMÓVEL

Translated with DeepL.com