How to save on gasoline and diesel: tricks that drivers do not know

Need pushes you to use the car every day, so you end up spending a lot of money on fuel every month.

Car expert Matas Buzelis from the carVertical vehicle history checker platform recommends a few simple habits and solutions that can help you drastically reduce your fuel costs.

1. Driving without haste

Fuel consumption increases when you approach an aggressive driving style, ie strong acceleration and braking. Studies show that such a style can reduce fuel efficiency by 40%.

An easy way to solve this problem is to avoid strong acceleration and use the gears for braking. Aggressive driving habits rarely reduce the duration of each race by more than a minute or two, failing to compensate for additional fuel consumption. In addition, quiet driving also helps preserve the engine, tires and suspension.

2. Reducing air conditioning consumption

In the case of climate control systems in modern cars, the air conditioner often works even when it is not needed. The compressor for the air conditioner is a powerful unit and can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%.

Air conditioning systems are very convenient on hot summer days or on rainy autumn days, as they cool and dry the air at the same time. However, a key piece of advice on fuel efficiency is to use it sparingly.

3. Check the tire pressure regularly

Each car manufacturer calculates the optimum tire pressure for each model, which is required for the best level of performance, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, so the engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.

As such, it is a good idea to check the tire pressure regularly. According to studies, each 1% decrease in tire pressure correlates with a 0.3% reduction in fuel economy.

4. Try to reduce unnecessary weight

Fuel consumption increases with the weight of the vehicle, as more power is needed to move a heavier car. Car engineers replace spare wheels with aluminum or even plastics instead of steel to minimize the weight of the car.

It is important to note that your car is not a warehouse.

5. Avoid traffic jams

People should make it a habit to avoid traffic jams whenever possible. Constant stopping and starting overloads the engine, suspension and gearbox. As many of you probably know, one of the reasons why driving in the city is considered the least economical is due to traffic jams.

Choosing a longer route with lighter traffic is often more convenient.

6. Plan the roads

Drivers who drive short distances face the worst fuel economy, and one of the reasons is that engines use a lot more fuel when they haven’t warmed up. An engine needs to warm up like the human body before exercising – excessive stress without preheating will eventually cause damage.

7. Choose a car that is fuel efficient

In many cases, choosing a car with less fuel consumption is a great start. SUVs and sedans will never be as economical as compact and modest family models. For those who drive mainly in the city, any car that can hold all the people and their luggage can be fine.

8. Take care of your car every day

People often overlook the fact that the condition of a vehicle plays a key role in fuel efficiency. Elements such as engine, suspension and electrical systems affect fuel consumption. For example, a faulty oxygen sensor can lead to double fuel consumption. In other words, regular maintenance of the machine should never be ignored.