10 tips to reduce consumption and save money

With the 10 tips to reduce consumption that we present below, you will be able to save a lot of fuel and money on your journeys.

Sometimes we wonder what causes the high consumption we incur during our trips; we would like to know how to reduce it and make the most of that tank, which is certainly not cheap. Efficient driving and various tips that you will read below will undoubtedly help you in this task. And if you make them a habit, you will save more fuel than 90% of drivers.

1. Your driving style: this is the main factor for saving petrol. Your driving mode and how you handle the accelerator and brakes completely determine the consumption of your car. Efficient driving, avoiding sudden accelerations and not over-revving the engine, and performing manoeuvres smoothly are some of the guidelines every driver should keep in mind when trying to save fuel. Avoiding stress is another way to anticipate more aggressive driving, which will in turn generate higher consumption.
2. Avoid traffic jams: another factor that is unfortunately all too familiar, especially for those of us who live in a big city. You know perfectly well when these situations will arise (for example, rush hours when entering and leaving work, or departure days with long journeys). My advice is that if you know it is going to happen, take steps to avoid it. A good way to do this is to get up early; waking up a little earlier can be the alternative to sitting stationary for 30 minutes in traffic and avoid stress and boredom. Another is to use information from traffic services, or mobile apps that provide it in real time, which are usually very effective.
3. Reduce unnecessary loads: the boot has become a mobile attic for many people. Reducing unnecessary weight in your vehicle will make it easier to move. Poor distribution of objects can end up creating more air resistance and greater instability due to reduced grip on the front axle. So, before setting off, check that you are only carrying what is essential and remove everything you do not need from the vehicle. When you do need to load it, do so sensibly and distribute the weight evenly.
4. Drive less: yes, it may sound crazy, but it makes sense. Driving a lot with your vehicle generates more consumption, so if you want to optimise your spending to the maximum, consider other options such as public transport for your journeys, and try to avoid taking the car to places less than 10 minutes’ walk away. This will be good not only for your wallet but also for your health.
5. Wait after starting: once you start the engine, wait a few seconds so that the oil reaches the lubrication areas in proper condition. Once the car is moving, do not abuse first gear and try to reach second as soon as possible. This applies to both petrol and diesel cars, and is even more important the colder the outside temperature.
6. Watch your speed: we come back to the driver. Try to maintain a constant speed without heavy braking or unnecessary acceleration, and remember that the key to this is being very mindful of the pressure you apply to the accelerator. Patience is a virtue, and the tiny time saving gained from a sudden acceleration is not comparable to the fuel cost. If you have had to brake excessively for any reason, do not rush to regain your speed; move into the right-hand lane for a while and return to a steady speed with patience.
7. Air conditioning and windows: there is always debate about which uses more fuel, the windows or the air conditioning. The truth is that air conditioning will always consume roughly the same whether you drive fast or slow, depending on the power level you have set. However, the windows have a greater effect at higher speeds, and can consume more than the air conditioning above 90 km/h due to their impact on aerodynamics, creating wind resistance. So, if you want to open the windows, do so at reduced speeds.
8. Consider aerodynamics: remember that the faster you go, the more resistance is generated. Small details such as keeping the windows closed or avoiding bulky items on the roof can help with this. Pay particular attention to this on long journeys.
9. Avoid searching for a parking space for a long time: we have all been through those tedious moments when we search for a parking space at all costs, only to find absolutely nothing. This usually happens because we look in areas that are too crowded or we want to avoid walking much to our destination. Prevention is simple: just park a little further away to avoid these situations. You would not believe how much time and fuel you can save in one of those maddening parking searches…
10. Tyre pressure: according to Michelin, 20% of fuel consumption is caused by tyre rolling resistance. Making sure you have the correct pressure approved for your vehicle can save you a lot of fuel and increase your safety. If the car is going to be particularly loaded, it is important to increase the pressure slightly for safety reasons, as otherwise consumption will also rise.

Other tips:

Correct use of gear changes: optimising your gear changes optimises consumption. Nowadays many cars are equipped with electronic economy systems that automate this process, especially automatic cars. For those of us who still drive a manual, staying in high gears at low revs for as long as possible can be crucial for consumption. For example, third gear from 30 km/h, fourth at 40 km/h, and so on. I know this may seem tedious and you may feel silly using this method, but it is one of the best ways to save fuel.

Try not to overuse electronic features: comfort extras such as heated seats increase consumption, so avoid them as much as possible.