In the modern world, where environment and climate play an important role, each of us has the opportunity to be actively involved. This not only makes a valuable contribution to our environment, but also reduces costs. The following tips and information show how you can easily reduce the fuel consumption of your vehicle:

Vehicle Purchase

A comparison of manufacturer’s statements on fuel consumption when buying a vehicle is always profitable: If a car consumes two liters less fuel per 100 km, then after 30,000 km driven, this corresponds to a savings of 600 liters. Given today’s fuel prices, this is an important savings.

Checks and Maintenance

Regular checks of current fuel consumption are very important, because any significant increase usually means a technical problem which should be corrected. This usually means fouled and worn spark plugs that don’t work quite well anymore and which cause a loss of power and waste of fuel. Another important factor is the carburetor, the ignition and the idle setting. Improper settings can mean increased fuel consumption here too.

Proper maintenance means that engines are properly tuned and efficient, operating without unnecessary fuel consumption.

With respect to tires, both their size and the consistent tire pressure must be checked. Low tire pressure or wide tires can increase consumption by up to 8%. In addition, the tire pressure is a safety factor.

In the spring of the year, winter tires should be exchanged for summer tires – this also affects fuel consumption.

While Driving

• The luxury of an operating air-conditioning system increases costs due to increased fuel consumption.
• Do not let the engine warm up while idling, rather let it warm up while driving and during longer stops, shut off the engine (for example, in traffic jams). Fuel consumption at idle amounts to 1 – 2 liters per hour. This means that 3 minutes idling costs as much as driving 1 km at 50 km/h speed.
• Avoid abrupt braking and acceleration. Drive while looking ahead and try to maintain constant speeds. When in the city, according to studies economical driving habits can save up to 40% of fuel.
• Routes with usually heavy traffic (jams) should be avoided. A detour is often worthwhile to get to your destination faster and with fuel savings.
• Shift into high gear as soon as possible: In one comparison test, a test vehicle covering 100 km in fourth gear at 60 km/h consumed only 5.8 liters of fuel on a flat track. The same distance at the same speed, but in third gear increased the fuel consumption to 9 liters per 100 km.

Miscellaneous

• Drive with the minimum of unnecessary weight – every additional weight costs energy.
• All wind resistance has a negative effect on fuel consumption. So dismount unneeded roof supports (bicycle racks, ski racks).

Give our environment and your wallet a good turn – Save fuel!