A litre of Euro 95 currently costs around 1.65 euros. And a litre of diesel almost 1.30 euros. Fuel prices have been lower in recent years. How can you – aside from filling up as cheaply as possible – still save on your fuel? Well, it's simple. By paying attention to your consumption and adopting an economical driving style.
Tip 1: take the bike
Your car uses the least fuel when you simply leave it parked. Short trips in particular, on a cold engine, are killers for your fuel consumption. So it's better to go to your local supermarket on foot or by bike.
Tip 2: drive relaxed
Some people race from traffic light to traffic light. It's better to pull away calmly and apply the accelerator gradually. Look ahead, too. Do you see that you'll come to a stop a hundred metres further on? Then take your foot off the accelerator and let your car coast.
Tip 3: shift gear in good time
In a petrol car, shift up a gear at between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm (a little sooner with diesel engines). These days you 'cruise' at 50 kilometres per hour in fourth gear. And at 80 km/h you should ideally already be in fifth. That way you can save a lot of fuel. Do you need to accelerate briskly for a moment, for example when moving from a built-up area to an open road? Then simply shift back down a gear.
Tip 4: switch off your engine in traffic jams and at the traffic light
If you're stationary for a longer period, it's quickly worthwhile to switch off your engine. For example in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or a 'slow' traffic light where you know you'll be standing still for at least half a minute.
Many of our rental cars have an automatic start-stop system. With this, the engine switches itself off when you're stationary, and starts again immediately as soon as you depress the clutch. To use this system, the car has to be at a standstill. You put the gear in neutral and release the clutch.
Tip 5: look after your car
Your tyre pressure and the weight of your car also affect your fuel consumption. So make sure your tyre pressure is correct and, where possible, keep the (load) weight down. Also note that roof boxes and bike racks are bad for your car's aerodynamics and push up your fuel consumption.
Economical driving is good for your wallet, your tyres, your maintenance costs and, of course, the environment. How do you save on your fuel costs? Let our followers know in a comment! Car hire in Born and surrounding area with Adrem? Then try to drive economically too!
