With the prices of gasoline and diesel skyrocketing and more trips on these dates, we give you some tips to consume less fuel in summer.
Some of you will already have them more than trite, and others perhaps until now you did not think that they have so much impact on your pocket. But, in any case, with fuel prices so fired as they are today, it never hurts to review the 8 tricks to consume less fuel in summer. With figures and data extracted from reliable sources, such as the RACE or the OCU, you will see that a little effort can mean considerable savings.
And more, in a period in which we tend to move more … and more expensive. Because the summer heat implies an abuse of the air conditioning, trips to the top of lumps and other consequences that are not always so obvious. So write down these ‘golden rules’ not to waste.
Plan ahead
It is important to be clear about the route, as small detours can end up adding dozens of kilometers to the meter. The good news is that, where before you only had the everlasting paper map, now you have countless applications, such as Google Maps or Waze, that will help you in the task. But there are also other more specific things that you can program, like the cheapest gas station that you will find on the way or at your destination. Many applications and websites already indicate them to you in real time.
Lighten and avoid unnecessary weights
On the road, extra kilos translate into extra euros. And alone 100 can increase your bill by 6%, according to RACE. So think carefully if you are really going to need all those things or if some that you carry in the trunk by default could not stay at home. Also, if you have a roof rack, you should know that it not only consumes due to its weight, but also due to its greater aerodynamic resistance. Once at the destination, remove it as soon as possible.
Optimize tire pressure
It is true that in summer we must wear them lower than normal, because otherwise the risk of puncturing increases. But don’t go overboard. That it is in the lower area of what is recommended by the manufacturer (you will find it on a sticker in the doorway or on the gas cap), but never below. In addition, if you travel heavily loaded you will have to increase the pressure, so one thing is compensated with the other. Anyway, calibrate well: 0.5 bars less than correct represents an increase in consumption of 2% in urban areas, and 4% in interurban, according to the RACE.
Use the gears well
This is true for all seasons. For now, use the first one just to boot. After two seconds or just 6 meters, it changes to second. Then, if possible, use long relationships (without abuse). It changes between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm in diesels, and between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm in gasoline. And, on the road or highway, always try to keep it at around 2,000-2,200 revolutions. The most practical thing to do is use the cruise control (save between 7 and 10%) and, if your car has one, the Eco mode.
Drive smoothly
Another independent of the season. But, since in summer we tend to take more long trips, it is pertinent to say so. Avoid sudden accelerations, jerks and, as far as possible, braking. Use the engine brake whenever you can. And try Take advantage of the inertia on the descents. Do not step on the clutch (contrary to what you may believe, it is counterproductive for consumption), because just by releasing the accelerator with a gear engaged, fuel will hardly be entering the cylinders.
Shuts down the engine on long stops
We know that the temptation to stay inside with the air conditioning on full blast is strong. But consider sitting outside, on a bench in the shade, or rolling down the window. Here it is definitely worth it, because a car stopped in neutral can consume up to 1 liter of gasoline per hour with the air conditioning on. And, if that’s not enough, think about climate change.
Get the most out of your air conditioning
Keeping the cabin well cooled is very necessary, as we have explained in East and other items. Not just for comfort, but also for safety, as heat and dehydration cause drowsiness, and are almost as dangerous as alcohol. But it is not convenient to waste, because you already know that it consumes fuel. The ideal temperature? Between 21 and 23 degrees. In the city, it is best to drive with the windows down, while on the road, due to the resistance of the air, it is better to pull the air conditioner. To make the device work less, use umbrellas and, when you go to get into the car after leaving it in the sun for a while, leave the windows open for a few minutes so that a draft is formed and the interior temperature drops.
Park strategically
We go back to planning. If possible, find a shady spot or an underground parking lot. And, in case of leaving it for several hours on the surface, it may be better calculate where the sun will be when you return to guide you by their position at that moment. It may be more convenient to park it on the sidewalk where it now fits with pleasure, but later it will be in the shade.
This article was published in Autobild by Iván Fombella.