From BZ/dpa
The tax rebate for fuel has expired and drivers are feeling it: they have to dig deeper into their pockets at the petrol stations. Time for a few simple savings tips.
After the end of the “tank discount”, fuel prices immediately went up. A fuel-saving driving style is all the more worthwhile again.
Here are three simple tips from the expert organization Dekra in Berlin and the ADAC:
1. Roll along
Start slowly instead of kickstarting, coasting instead of braking hard.
If you roll along leisurely in traffic, shift into the next gear early, avoid rapid acceleration and abrupt braking, you will save fuel in the long run. And – thanks to the more relaxed driving style – probably also easy on your own nerves.
2. Engine off
The engine burns fuel in a pointless way, particularly when waiting times are expected to be longer, for example at level crossings. Many cars now have an automatic start-stop system, which automatically switches off the engine at traffic lights and switches it on again when the clutch is pressed.
But doesn’t that damage the car? The ADAC writes that the additional load on the starter and battery is negligible, especially when the engine is warm.
3. Pressure control
Correctly set air pressure is not only recommended with a view to reducing tire wear and improving the car’s handling, it also saves fuel.
According to Dekra, 0.5 bar less pressure than recommended by the manufacturer means additional fuel consumption of around 5 percent.
This makes itself felt in the wallet, as a very simple example calculation shows: Assuming consumption of 10 liters per 100 kilometers, that would be 0.5 liters more for this distance. At current fuel prices, that’s about 1 euro. Assuming you drive 12,000 kilometers a year, that could add up to 120 euros.
How much air pressure has to be in the tires for which load condition is stated on most vehicles in the operating manual or on stickers on the B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel filler flap.