AUTONEWS

In times of crisis, it's best to save fuel without stopping using your car

With fuel prices increasingly far from affordable, trips to the pump are becoming more and more of a burden on your wallet.

However, although it's not possible to change the prices at the gas station, there are small everyday details that can have a significant impact on your car's fuel consumption and don't necessarily require you to buy a more efficient new car.

Besides the engine or the type of fuel, there are habits and mechanical factors that directly influence the efficiency of any car. In this article, we will list five reasons why your car may be consuming more fuel than it should.

Tire pressure...It's probably one of the most ignored factors and, at the same time, one of the most influential on fuel consumption. Tires with pressure below the manufacturer's recommended value increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder to keep the car moving.

In practice, this means that the car will need to consume more fuel to travel exactly the same distance. In addition, tires with incorrect pressure wear out faster and affect stability and braking. Learn how to check and adjust tire pressure.

Excess weight...The greater the mass the engine has to move, the greater the effort required, and consequently, the greater the consumption. A constantly full trunk, tools that never leave the car, or accessories mounted on the roof (which also impair aerodynamic performance) silently contribute to this problem.

The impact is especially visible on urban routes, where frequent acceleration and braking amplify the effect of extra weight. Emptying the car of what is not necessary is a cost-free measure with immediate returns.

Air conditioning...In the warmer months, giving up air conditioning is rarely a realistic option. Still, it's important to be aware that the climate control system is not energy-free: it requires engine power, which translates directly into increased fuel consumption.

The impact varies depending on the model and external conditions, but tends to be more pronounced in urban driving and in less powerful cars. Using air conditioning judiciously — adjusting the temperature instead of always keeping it at maximum — can make a difference over time.

Dirty air filter...The air filter's function is to ensure that the engine receives clean air for combustion. When it is dirty or clogged, air intake becomes more difficult, impairing the efficient operation of the engine.

The practical consequences include higher fuel consumption (up to 10%), loss of performance, and a slower throttle response. The good news is that replacing the filter is one of the simplest and cheapest maintenance operations, although it is one of the most forgotten in informal check-ups.

Driving habits...A smoother and more anticipatory driving style allows for a significant reduction in fuel consumption, especially in the city. Maintaining constant speeds on the highway and avoiding unnecessary acceleration whenever possible helps improve efficiency. Finally, and perhaps the most impactful factor of all: how you drive. Abrupt accelerations, last-minute braking, and excessive speeds on the highway force the engine to work harder.

You can significantly reduce your fuel consumption by adopting smoother driving habits, minimizing aerodynamic drag, keeping your tires properly inflated, and staying on top of routine engine maintenance. These simple changes improve your gas mileage and extend the life of your vehicle.

1. Driving Habits

Accelerate gradually: "Jackrabbit starts" waste massive amounts of fuel. Press the accelerator gently.

Maintain steady speeds: Fluctuating speeds burn more fuel. Use cruise control on the highway to keep a constant pace.

Anticipate traffic: Look ahead so you can coast to slow down instead of slamming on the brakes, which forces you to use more fuel to accelerate again.

Avoid aggressive braking: Every time you brake, you waste the forward momentum your engine worked to create.

Don't idle: If you are parked or waiting for more than 60 seconds, turn off the engine. Idling gets 0 miles per gallon.

2. Vehicle Maintenance

Check tire pressure regularly: Underinflated tires create rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. 

Check your tire pressure at least once a month.

Change your air filters: A dirty, clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, causing it to burn unnecessary fuel to compensate.

Use the right engine oil: Check your manufacturer's recommendation. The wrong oil viscosity causes excess friction and drops fuel efficiency.

3. Aerodynamics & Weight

Lighten the load: Remove heavy, unnecessary items from your trunk. Just 40 kg of excess weight can increase fuel consumption by up to 2%.

Remove roof racks: If you aren't using a roof rack, bike rack, or cargo box, take them off. They create severe wind resistance (drag), especially at highway speeds.

Manage your windows and A/C: At highway speeds, keep your windows closed to maintain your car's aerodynamics and use the A/C. At low speeds, turning off the A/C and rolling the windows down is more efficient.

4. Trip Planning

Combine your errands: Cold engines use more fuel than warm engines. Grouping short trips together or mapping the most direct route helps you save.

Avoid high speeds: Fuel economy drops off rapidly at speeds over 80–90 km/h. Driving within the speed limit is one of the easiest ways to improve efficiency.