Every car with a combustion engine also consumes fuel. Diesel or petrol are burnt in the combustion chamber of the engine and ultimately provide the propulsion. However, some drivers find that their vehicle’s fuel consumption is simply too high.

Especially with rising prices for petrol, topics such as saving fuel come more into focus again. So what should you do? In our guidebook, you will find valuable tips and learn how you can perhaps save a little fuel.

What you can do as a driver

High fuel consumption is often directly related to the driver’s behaviour. Before optimising the car, the driver should examine his own behaviour. Small changes and tips can sometimes save a lot of fuel.

• Driving style is too brisk
• Driving at high speed
• Short-haul operation
• Weight of the vehicle is too high
• Use of the air conditioner
• Automatic start-stop switched off

Adapt driving behaviour

Many drivers complain about their vehicle’s high fuel consumption, but at the same time reveal a rather nippy driving style. However, constant heavy acceleration and high revs not only put a strain on the drive and the engine. This driving style also increases fuel consumption.

Similarly, a car consumes much more fuel when it is moved at high speed. Especially at speeds above 120 km/h, fuel consumption can be greatly increased. The culprit is the high resistance of the air, which retards propulsion.

Short distances and vehicle weight

If a vehicle is frequently operated on short trips, fuel consumption also increases. This is due, among other things, to the fact that engines have to inject more fuel when cold. The oil also does not lubricate the engine optimally when it is cold.

An underestimated tip for saving fuel is to reduce the weight of the vehicle. This by no means requires complicated conversions. After all, the driver often carries objects around in the car that he or she does not need. Cleaning out the boot therefore helps to save fuel.

Air conditioning and start-stop technology

The air conditioner in the car is driven directly by the engine. If the driver uses the air conditioning, the engine has to provide power for this. This in turn increases the consumption of diesel or petrol. If the air conditioner is off more often, this also helps to save fuel.

Many modern cars are equipped with a start-stop system. This automatic system switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary, for example at traffic lights or in stop-and-go traffic. Some drivers find this annoying and switch off the automatic system, but this increases consumption.

How the car can save fuel

It is not always the fault of a fast driving style with high revs if the car burns too much fuel. Sometimes it is also due to the vehicle itself. In addition to a defect in the engine or the drive, lack of maintenance is often the decisive factor for the excess consumption.

• Maintenance was neglected
• Fuel system not working optimally
• Tyre pressure is set too low
• Winter tyres increase consumption
• Oil change was not carried out
• Air filter is dirty

Lack of maintenance increases fuel consumption

If a car is rarely or never maintained, this can increase fuel consumption. Stuck and sluggish components increase the resistance against which the engine and electrical components have to work. This reduces fuel efficiency.

If the fuel system and the injection do not work optimally, the car sometimes consumes more fuel than necessary. This applies to injection systems with injectors as well as carburettors. Therefore, the components as well as all probes should be checked.

Tyres and air pressure

The pressure in the car’s tyres also has a direct influence on fuel consumption. If the tyre pressure is too low, not only does cornering deteriorate, but the rolling resistance of the tyre also increases. Thus, fuel consumption increases even with slightly too low pressure.

The tyres themselves can also have a negative impact on fuel consumption. Winter tyres, for example, can lead to higher fuel consumption in summer due to their greater rolling resistance on warm roads. Some tyres also cause higher fuel consumption due to their design. This is recorded on the European tyre label for new tyres.

Engine oil and air filter

The engine oil in the car can also have an influence on fuel consumption. If it has not been changed for a long time, it can no longer lubricate the engine optimally. In addition, the oil can thicken over time. Sometimes the wrong engine oil is filled in, which can also worsen engine running and increase fuel consumption.

One of the lesser-noted fuel economy tips is to check the air filter. If the air filter is clogged or very dirty, it is difficult for the engine to suck in air. This can also cause the car to consume more fuel than necessary.

How can motorists save more fuel?

Many drivers wonder what they can do to use less fuel. If you take every tip from our guide to heart, you will be well on your way to becoming a fuel-efficient driver. In addition, you should always drive with foresight and, in the case of cars with manual transmissions, shift gears early to avoid high revs.

Decluttering the car and making it lighter can also save a litre or two of fuel in the long run. As far as the vehicle itself is concerned, the tip to take to heart is regular maintenance. This not only saves petrol, but also avoids high repair costs. If you want to get the last percent of savings potential, you can think about changing your tyres to low rolling resistance tyres.

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