• Savings possible through suitable driving style
• Automatic transmissions offer an opportunity to save fuel
• The tire factor should not be underestimated
Save fuel – good for the environment and your wallet
The reasons for saving fuel are clear and understandable, on the one hand high fuel prices and on the other hand environmental pollution caused by emissions from combustion engines. Regardless of the underlying motive, you can use simple tips to reduce your vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to 20 percent, according to the General German Automobile Club (ADAC). There are many different factors that affect fuel consumption, both positive and negative.
Fuel-saving driving style
A decisive step on the way to successfully saving fuel is adopting a forward-looking driving style. Every acceleration and braking process requires energy. Accordingly, it is important to reduce these to a necessary minimum, for example by observing traffic and traffic lights and paying attention to the minimum distance and the behavior of other road users. In addition, top speeds should be avoided and the engine should be kept in the lowest possible speed range. This can be achieved, for example, by shifting up the gears earlier than when the gears are extended to the maximum extent. In vehicles with automatic transmission, care should be taken to ensure that the eco mode is used, if available. Furthermore, short journeys should be avoided and the engine should be switched off if the vehicle is parked for longer periods.
The right equipment
In addition to driving style, saving fuel also depends on the equipment in the vehicle and how it is used. Power consumption is a factor that has a decisive influence on fuel consumption. Special equipment such as seat heating or air conditioning should be used with due care. In addition, the air resistance and the loading of the car should be reduced to the bare minimum, for example by doing without unused luggage racks. The tires on the vehicle also have a direct impact on fuel consumption. The tire pressure should be checked regularly, since too low a pressure results in increased rolling resistance and thus directly in increased fuel consumption. In addition, special energy-saving tires offer the possibility of saving up to 0.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, according to the ADAC.
N. Lorenz / Editor finanzen.net
Image sources: sint / Shutterstock.com