The speed of a vehicle has a significant impact on fuel consumption. Especially on highways, choosing the right pace can help optimize consumption and thus save costs.
The connection between speed and consumption
The fuel consumption of a car is significantly influenced by the air resistance, which increases exponentially with increasing speed. While the air resistance is relatively low at a speed of 50 km/h, it doubles at 100 km/h and quadruplates at 150 km/h. These physical laws make it clear why driving at high speed leads to significantly higher fuel consumption.
The ADAC has shown in tests that the consumption increases drastically at speeds over 100 km/h. While high efficiency is achieved at a speed of 80 to 100 km/h, consumption increases up to 20 percent at 120 km/h. At 160 km/h, this value even increases to over 50 percent compared to moderate driving.
The ideal pace for bargain hunters
According to an online contribution from Wa.de, it is recommended to keep a speed between 100 and 130 km/h on motorways in order to minimize fuel consumption without losing too much time. In investigations, the TÜV Nord has determined that a pace between 60 and 90 km/h theoretically achieves the lowest consumption. However, this is hardly practical on highways and can interfere with the flow of traffic.
In practice, the following applies: A even pace between 100 and 120 km/h is a good compromise between time savings and efficiency. The fuel consumption is kept at an acceptable level, while the travel time is only minimally extended, as it continues.
The importance of a forward -looking driving style
The speed alone is not the only factor that affects fuel consumption. The driving style plays an equally important role. Frequently accelerating and braking increases the consumption considerably. Especially on highways, where the flow of traffic is interrupted by construction sites, lane change or dense traffic, abrupt brakes and re -accelerating high loads for the engine are created.
A forward -looking driving style helps to reduce consumption. This includes keeping an eye on the traffic, slowing down early and keeping an even speed. Many modern vehicles are equipped with cruise control that can help to drive a constant pace and thus optimize consumption.
Modern systems in use and environmental aspects of the fuel savings
Many modern vehicles are equipped with systems that support the driver with a more efficient driving style. This includes ECO modes that adapt the driving behavior and consumption ads that visualize fuel consumption in real time. These technologies not only help reduce consumption, but also make the savings potential tangible for the driver. Vehicles with hybrid or electrical engineering also benefit from regenerative brakes, which backs up energy and lowers consumption.
In addition to the financial advantages, a fuel -saving driving style also has a positive impact on the environment. A low fuel consumption reduces CO2 emissions and thus reduces the ecological footprint of a vehicle, as reported by the Federal Environment Agency. At a time when sustainability and climate protection are becoming increasingly important, an efficient driving style helps to protect resources and improve air quality.
The European Environment Agency emphasizes that a comprehensive compliance with speed minits on motorways would not only reduce consumption, but also increase traffic safety. Countries such as the Netherlands or Norway, which have enforced strict speed limits, have been shown to reduce their CO2 emissions in traffic, as it is said.
D. Maier / Redaktion Finanzen.net