How to save fuel while driving

LONG MARCHES

Fuel consumption is also considerably reduced if we drive in the highest possible gear, even in town, always within the limits. The fact is that today’s engines allow and respond well even if we drive in high gears at very low revs with the engine at very low revs and consuming the minimum amount of fuel. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you do not engage the low gears unless you are starting on a steep hill. It is also worth bearing in mind that before you reach 50 km/h you should already be in 4th or 5th gear. Back in the city and if the car is not equipped with the Start/Stop system, it is highly recommended to stop the engine at a standstill.

ANTICIPATION

It has been proven that 30-50% of fuel consumption depends on the way we drive. One of the guidelines to follow would be to drive at a moderate and constant speed, without ups and downs or constant changes of pace, and to keep a safe distance, which will allow us to drive at a constant speed without having to keep an eye on the brakes. When exiting traffic lights, accelerate progressively and shift using the best engine performance. Otherwise you will arrive at the next traffic light a few seconds earlier than the rest, but you will consume three times as much fuel. It would also be interesting, if possible, to anticipate and stop accelerating when you see a slower car, lorry or bus in the distance in order to arrive with inertia at a standstill without wasting fuel. This is much better than continuing to accelerate until you catch up with the vehicle in front and then braking, only to have to recover that speed and then have to rev the engine again at great expense. Anticipating not only saves fuel, but also brake pads.

THE LUGGAGE

Running the air conditioning unnecessarily means that consumption increases by 10-20%. This is why it is important to optimise their use and, of course, to keep the windows closed on the road. Because anything that breaks the aerodynamics of a vehicle is inevitably associated with higher fuel consumption.

If the luggage compartment is too small, it is advisable to use an aerodynamically shaped boot or roof rack, and not to put your luggage on a roof rack tied up with octopuses, as this will not only be dangerous, but will also increase fuel consumption. And perhaps there would have been more luggage in the boot if it had been cleaned before setting off on a journey. Spanish drivers tend to turn the boot of their car into a kind of storage room where everything you can imagine can fit in, and in reality nowadays there are very few things that are necessary.

Finally, before setting off on a journey, it is advisable to consult the DGT website (infocar.dgt.es/etraffic/) where you can find real-time information on all kinds of incidents (traffic jams, road works, rain, alternative routes…) to avoid wasting fuel in traffic jams. In addition, if our destination is new, it is best to be guided by a navigator who will advise us on the best route.