In a scenario where fuel prices remain a concern for many drivers, the demand for strategies that allow to reduce consumption during driving gain relevance. The speed to which it is circulated on the highway emerges as one of the factors with a direct impact on fuel expenditure, as well as on road safety.
In Portugal, it is common to observe drivers to circulate at very different rhythms. There are those that often exceed 120 km/h, a legal limit on the highway, and others that opt for slower driving, sometimes at a pace that could compromise traffic fluidity and the safety of the remaining road users.
According to a study quoted by the motor.es site, the ideal speed for balancing fuel consumption with safety in the highway is between 100 and 110 km/h. This speed range allows vehicles to operate in a more energy -efficient range, avoiding excessive engine efforts.
Faster walking can be expensive
According to the same source, circulating in the highway at 130 km/h represents an increase in fuel consumption that can vary between 20% to 25%, depending on the model and the aerodynamics of the vehicle. The extra effort needed to maintain higher speeds translate into greater fuel injection and greater mechanical component wear.
Explains what, for recent vehicles, the highest energy efficiency range is 90 to 110 km/h. Above these values, yield begins to decrease significantly. On the other hand, very low speeds can also pose risks.
Benefits of slightly reducing the speed
Write the same site that, by circulating an average of 110 km/h, instead of 130 km/h, you can save up to two liters of fuel per 100 kilometers traveled. In addition, this behavior implies fewer stops at supply stations, which, on long trips, represents a significant advantage.
Additionally, maintaining a moderate speed reduces the driver’s stress level, promotes smoother driving and allows a higher margin of reaction in unforeseen road situations.
The other side of the coin: Going too slowly has risks
Although fuel savings can be optimized at lower speeds, there is a limit to what is safe. Circulating at excessively reduced speed, namely below 70 km/h by highway, can become dangerous, especially in the presence of heavy vehicles that circulate on constant and higher rhythms.
According to the same study, vehicles that circulate too slowly become unpredictable obstacles on the road, forcing other drivers to more frequent and sometimes risky overtaking maneuvers. This scenario may increase the risk of collisions, especially in intense traffic conditions.
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Less consumption, more longevity for the car
Driving at a constant and moderate speed also has direct benefits on engine wear, brakes and tires. Avoid sudden accelerations and frequent speed changes, which contributes to greater component durability.
According to the cited experts, this approach also reduces emissions of polluting gases, being more friendly with the environment, an increasingly valued look by consumers and public policies.
How to maintain the ideal speed
For conductors who want to adopt this practice, the use of Cruise Control can be a useful tool. This function, available in most modern vehicles, allows it to maintain a constant speed and reduces the risk of unnecessary accelerations.
It is equally important to plan trips in advance, avoiding more congestion times, and respecting the safety distance from other vehicles to avoid sudden locking.
The middle ground is the most sensible
Although each vehicle has its own particularities, most current cars have a more efficient and safe performance when it circulates between 100 and 110 km/h. This practice not only reduces fuel consumption, but also contributes to a quieter and more predictable driving.
As the data analyzed, maintaining this speed range can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to save money, protect the vehicle and ensure a safer experience behind the wheel.
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