Fuel costs remain a major concern for millions of drivers in Spain.Although prices are no longer at historic highs, filling up the tank remains a significant expense, especially during peak travel times like summer. The good news is that there are a number of strategies and good driving habits that, according to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) and other experts, can help you Save up to 500 euros a year on gasoline or diesel.
This saving is not only possible, but also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and extending the vehicle's useful life.The key is efficient driving, good planning, and paying attention to often overlooked details. Below, we'll tell you all the keys to achieving this.
The optimal speed to save fuel
One of the most important factors in reducing consumption is speed. Driving at 120 km/h can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%. compared to doing so at a more moderate speed. Various studies agree that 95 km/h is the ideal speed on the highway to save, as it allows for fuel consumption of between 5,5 and 6 liters per 100 km in standard engines, compared to the 7,5 liters required when traveling at 120 km/h.
This small adjustment may seem insignificant, but if you drive about 15.000 or 16.000 km a year, you could save around 500 euros per year, as long as the price per litre remains around 1,60 euros.
And if you're worried about time, it doesn't make as much of a difference as you might think. On journeys of about 300 km, reducing your speed from 120 to 95 km/h means arriving only 20 or 25 minutes later. The relationship between the economic savings and the slight increase in time makes it very worthwhile..
Maintenance and tire pressure
There is no point in efficient driving if the car is not in good condition. An annual review in the workshop is essential, especially in older vehicles. Checking the engine, filters, and fuel injection system can make a big difference in performance and, therefore, fuel consumption.
Furthermore, it is vital Check tire pressure frequently. Driving with a pressure lower than that recommended by the manufacturer (for example, 0,5 bar less) can increase consumption. up to 4% on the roadIf you're loading a lot of luggage, remember to also increase the tire pressure, always following the manufacturer's instructions, which you'll find on the fuel filler cap or on the driver's door frame. The fall in crude oil prices It can also influence fuel prices and, consequently, your savings.
You can also opt for tires with low rolling resistance, available from most manufacturers, which allow consumption to be reduced by up to an additional 3%.
The importance of long marches and anticipation
Making the most of the engine's response in high gears also helps significantly. Today's cars allow you to run at low revs without straining the engine. The general recommendation is to shift into a high gear as soon as possible and keep the rpm low..
For diesel engines, the ideal gear shift is between 1.500 and 2.000 rpm; for gasoline engines, between 2.000 and 2.500 rpm. Driving in high gears at low speeds significantly reduces fuel consumption.
Furthermore, Anticipatory and smooth driving is keyAvoid sudden braking and acceleration, and always maintain a safe distance. This allows for smoother driving, less braking, and engine braking when possible. For example, if you reduce speed by lifting your foot off the accelerator at speeds above 20 km/h (XNUMX mph) while in gear, fuel consumption is practically zero.
Intelligent use of air conditioning and vehicle charging
The air conditioning system also has a significant influence. Using the air conditioning at unnecessary times increases consumption by 10% to 20%.In the city, it's more efficient to roll down the windows, but at high speeds, opening them affects the car's aerodynamics and increases fuel consumption. In that case, it's preferable to turn on the air conditioning. The electric companies are innovating in solutions to improve energy efficiency in vehicles.
Another aspect to take into account is the weight of the vehicle. Carrying a trunk full of unnecessary or poorly distributed objects has a direct impact on fuel consumption.If you need extra space, it's better to use an aerodynamically designed, enclosed roof rack than haphazardly loading items onto a roof rack, which can increase costs by up to 40% due to increased air resistance.
When to turn off the engine and how to plan your trips
A common mistake is to leave the car running during short stops "just in case." However, If the stop is going to last more than 60 seconds, it is advisable to turn off the engine.When idling, the car consumes between 0,5 and 0,7 liters per hour. In other words, every minute of idleness is costly.
On the other hand, planning your routes in advance may seem obvious, but it makes all the difference. Avoiding traffic jams, construction work or sections with hold-ups increases efficiency.Checking road conditions on the DGT website or using your GPS navigator helps you choose the best route and drive more relaxed and smoothly. It can also benefit your finances if you plan accordingly.
A longer but smoother trip can be more cost-effective than a short one with stops and heavy traffic. Ten extra minutes can add up to 14% more fuel, which in the long run has a significant impact on your wallet.
Applying these small gestures has a significant impact on the vehicle's annual consumption. The key is to incorporate simple and conscious habits while driving..
If you drive efficiently, regularly check your car, take care of your tires, optimize the use of the air conditioning and plan your trips well, any average driver who travels between 12.000 and 16.000 km per year can achieve Save up to 500 euros with no apparent effort. It can be a positive additional factor.
Furthermore, these savings are accompanied by safer, more responsible, and more environmentally friendly driving. The car will also benefit, being in better condition and consuming less fuel.
