Fuel prices have hit record highs in many countries around the world as the global fallout of the US and Israel's war with Iran continues to drive up oil prices and make its mark on filling station prices.
For drivers keen to avoid painful trips to the pump, there are three essential tips that experts recommend for reducing fuel consumption during everyday driving.
A quick way to cut fuel costs is by getting into the habit of pulling away gently rather than flooring it for faster acceleration. At the same time, you can also try to reduce speed by coasting instead of braking.
Drivers who move smoothly through traffic, change up gears early and avoid rapid acceleration and abrupt braking will lower their fuel consumption in the long run — and, thanks to a more relaxed driving style, probably their stress levels as well.
At predictably longer waits, such as level crossings, leaving your engine on is a needless waste of fuel. Many cars now have a start-stop system that switches the engine off automatically at traffic lights and quickly restarts it when the clutch is pressed.
Experts say the additional strain on the starter motor and battery is negligible, particularly when the engine is warm.
Correctly adjusted tyre pressure is not only advisable with a view to reduced tyre wear and better driving characteristics, it also saves petrol.
According to inspection agency Dekra, 0.5 bar less pressure than the manufacturer recommends results in around 5% higher fuel consumption.
This makes a noticeable difference in what you end up paying at the pump, as a simple calculation shows: assuming a consumption of 10 litres per 100 kilometres, that is 0.5 litres more over that distance.
How much tyre pressure is needed for which load condition is stated for most vehicles in the owner's manual or on stickers on the B-pillar or on the inside of the fuel filler flap. – dpa
