The bill at the fuel pump continues to be one of the expenses that weighs most on many drivers’ budgets. But the problem is not always just the price per liter, the type of engine or the age of the car.
There are habits and small maintenance oversights that can make the car spend more than it should, often without evident signs in everyday life. According to , a website specializing in automotive matters, there are five factors that help explain higher consumption and that can be corrected without changing vehicles.
Tire pressure is one of the simplest points to check, but also one of the most forgotten. When tires travel with pressure below the value recommended by the manufacturer, rolling resistance increases. This forces the engine to make more effort to keep the car moving and, as a consequence, increases fuel consumption.
In addition to the impact on your wallet, incorrectly inflated tires can wear out faster, impair stability and increase braking distance. The check must be carried out regularly, preferably once a month and always before long trips. The correct value can be found in the vehicle manual, on the fuel tank cap or on a label placed next to the driver’s door.
Unnecessary weight inside the car
Another common mistake is to turn the car into a kind of mobile storage unit. Tools that are never used, forgotten suitcases, objects accumulated in the trunk or accessories mounted on the roof add weight and impair efficiency. The greater the mass that the engine has to move, the greater the effort required to start, accelerate and maintain speed.
The effect is especially noticeable in the city, where frequent acceleration and braking make the extra weight even more painful. Removing what is not necessary from the car is a simple measure, free of charge and effective immediately. The same goes for bars or roof boxes which, in addition to adding weight, also harm aerodynamics.
Air conditioning always at maximum
In the warmer months, turning off the air conditioning isn’t always realistic. Driving in excessive heat also reduces comfort and can affect concentration. Still, the air conditioning system has an impact on consumption. Air conditioning requires energy from the engine, which can increase fuel consumption, especially in urban driving and in less powerful cars.
The solution is not to give up the system completely, but to use it with some discretion. Regulating the temperature, avoiding keeping the air conditioning at maximum and airing out the car before starting a trip are simple gestures that can reduce the strain on the system. Over time, this difference can be noticed in average consumption.
Dirty air filter
The air filter is a discreet but important part for the proper functioning of the engine. Its function is to ensure that the engine receives clean air for combustion. When the filter is dirty or clogged, the air intake becomes less efficient, which can harm performance and increase consumption.
According to Razão Automóvel, an air filter in poor condition can contribute to higher consumption, loss of accelerator response and lower engine efficiency. Replacement is, as a rule, a simple and inexpensive operation. Still, it is often forgotten outside of scheduled reviews. Anyone who travels in dusty areas, dirt roads or a lot of traffic should pay even more attention to the condition of this component.
Harsh driving
The way you conduct yourself may be the biggest factor of all. Strong acceleration, late braking, constant changes of pace and high speeds on the motorway force the engine to work hard. The result appears in the tank: more fuel spent to travel the same distance.
Smoother and earlier driving helps reduce consumption. In the city, lifting your foot earlier, avoiding aggressive starts and maintaining a safe distance allows you to brake less and accelerate more progressively. On the highway, maintaining a stable and moderate speed also makes a difference. The higher the speed, the greater the aerodynamic resistance tends to be and, therefore, the greater the consumption.
Little mistakes that add up
None of these factors alone explains all the high consumption, but the sum can weigh a lot. A car with tires below the recommended pressure, full trunk, dirty air filter, air conditioning always at full blast and aggressive driving will cost more than the same vehicle driven and maintained with certain care.
In a context where fuel remains expensive, savings can start before the next trip to the pump. Checking your tires, removing unnecessary weight, keeping maintenance up to date and driving more fluidly are simple measures that help you spend less and extend the life of your car.
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