The military conflict in Iran is once again driving fuel prices at gas stations to dizzying heights. However, in this tense situation there are ways that drivers of petrol and diesel cars can not only protect the environment, but also save a lot of money. The basis is proper preparation of the vehicle itself and changing some driving habits, he writes in Swiss.
The first step should be adjusting the tire pressure. Experts advise to inflate them up to 0.5 bar more than the manufacturer recommends, which not only increases safety, but also saves approximately 3 percent of fuel. Another important principle is to get rid of unnecessary burden. Every 20 kilos of unnecessary cargo, such as forgotten snow chains in the trunk, increases consumption by 1%.
The removal of unused roof racks has an even more radical impact. Due to their aerodynamic resistance and extra weight, consumption can increase by up to 39 percent. You should also pay attention to electronics – by limiting the heating of the seats or mirrors to only the necessary time, you will save seven percent and by turning off the air conditioning when the outside temperature is below 18 °C (except for defogging the windows), another 5% of fuel will be saved.
Driving style alone can do wonders, while the greatest potential – up to 45% savings – is hidden by driving at low revs. Drivers should shift to a higher gear as soon as possible. When driving uphill, it pays to choose the highest possible gear, even at the cost of pressing the gas pedal almost to the stop, which can save 30 percent. On the contrary, when driving downhill, you just need to take your foot off the gas and leave the gear in gear; thanks to the automatic disconnection of the fuel supply, the immediate consumption drops to zero.
Smooth driving is the key to success. The use of cruise control, which maintains a stable speed, as well as anticipating approaching traffic lights or intersections instead of sudden braking, can reduce consumption by 10 percent. Switching off the engine when stationary contributes to another 10% savings.
If your vehicle is equipped with a start-stop system, be sure not to turn it off – fears of engine damage are unfounded, according to experts. If you don’t have this system, it’s worth turning the engine off manually every time you stop, whether at a red light or when opening the garage door.
