Saving fuel: these are the best tips for reducing fuel consumption

And there is no improvement in sight: the war in Ukraine is likely to have a permanent impact on the world energy market and keep prices high.

Reduce the weight of the car

If you want to take it to the extreme, you can also park the rear headrests of the unused back seat, the double loading floor or the trunk cover in the garage. Everything that is not needed: out with it! But: Warning triangle, safety vests and first aid kit must stay inside!

Improve drag to save fuel

Aerodynamics plays an important role in vehicle construction. Because the more streamlined a vehicle is, the better it performs in terms of fuel consumption. If you transport your bikes on the roof, you have to reckon with around 40 percent more consumption. At the rear, however, the higher consumption is significantly lower – by 20 percent.

If bicycle and luggage racks are not needed, they should be removed from the roof. This reduces weight and air resistance.

The best place for the roof rack is in the garage or basement. So if you don’t have to transport anything on the roof at the moment, you should also remove the carrier, because it consumes between 0.5 and one liter of fuel per 100 kilometers.

Correct tire pressure for less consumption

The correct tire pressure also plays a major role in fuel consumption. Just 0.5 bar less in the tires than the manufacturer recommends increases consumption by five percent.

Check the pressure in the tires every 14 days. You can also choose a slightly higher value than recommended by the manufacturer.

Take care of the car and do it good

Use low-viscosity oil: Optimized motor oils can use up to three percent fuel save up. Optimizing the ignition system: wear and tear on the ignition system (spark plugs and also spark plug connectors) and incorrect engine settings cost fuel. Something can also be done with low-friction tires: five percent less rolling resistance saves one percent fuel.

The air filter should also be checked at regular intervals and changed in good time. A dirty filter reduces engine performance and increases consumption.

Driving style: accelerate vigorously, switch gears early

The rumor persists: if you rev ​​your car slowly, you save fuel accordingly. However, this false assumption actually leads to higher consumption. As soon as you set off, shift straight into second gear, then quickly accelerate the vehicle through and upshift as early as possible. In the city, a speed of 2000 revolutions is usually sufficient.

On country roads and highways, however, 2000 revolutions are not sufficient. The following applies here: the lower the engine speed and speed, the lower the consumption. Sounds logical, but consumption can also be reduced here. The solution is very simple: drive more slowly. Because at high speeds, not only does thirst increase, but also air resistance.

There are also some fuel-saving tips for driving on the Autobahn.

Example: At 160 km/h on the motorway, consumption is around half that of driving at 100 km/h. A vehicle that consumes 6.5 liters at 100 km/h needs almost ten liters of fuel at 160 km/h. If you drive at 80 km/h on country roads and do not drive faster than 120 km/h on the motorway, you may arrive at your destination slightly later, but in the end you will have more fuel in your tank than a speed driver.

Drive with foresight and save fuel

If you brake less, you have to accelerate less and thus save fuel. Is a red one Traffic light in sight, take it out of gear and let it taxi. If you only have to brake a little, the engine brake is often sufficient (do not disengage the clutch, leave the gear in and slow down). Thanks to overrun cut-off, the engine no longer consumes anything. This also protects the brakes.

Even “jumping between gaps” is not advisable: what is wanted in the zipper process is not worthwhile when traffic is flowing and costs up to 30 percent more fuel.

Air conditioning and Co also eat fuel

A popular fuel guzzler is the air conditioning. Because the stronger the alternator is required by electrical consumers, the higher the consumption. With the air conditioning switched on, consumption in city traffic is around 1.8 liters per 100 kilometers. But the small consumers, for example the rear window heater, suck on the fuel line. You have to reckon with around 0.1 liters of fuel per hour.

Turn off the engine more often

If you stand at a level crossing for a long time, you should not only switch off the engine to protect the environment – because the engine naturally consumes fuel even when it is idling.

Whether at the level crossing or at the traffic light, if the red light phase is longer, the engine is off!

The same applies to a longer red phase at a traffic light. However, many modern cars are fine in this respect thanks to the automatic start-stop system.

Ride with others

Leave the car at home sometimes

Big gas guzzlers are short trips. If the car has just been started, consumption is between 30 and 40 liters per 100 kilometers. After one kilometer it is already 20 liters. After about four kilometers is the engine warm and consumption normalizes. So if you just want to go to the bakery around the corner, you should leave the car and walk or ride your bike. Saves fuel and is healthy.

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Save fuel and money when travelling

Taking regular breaks is important, especially on long trips. Nevertheless, every new start costs extra fuel. Therefore, it is best to decide in good time.

Price comparison services such as the clever-tanken.de app are easy to use and can help save money at the gas station.

On the freeway, the following applies: the less abrupt the lane change, the more propulsion is maintained – and you don’t have to put your foot on the gas again. And, of course: get off the autobahn to fill up!

Compare fuel prices, don’t refuel on the Autobahn