Saving fuel - our tips for more fuel in your tank

High fuel prices frustrate car drivers. Since the situation at the fuel pumps will hardly relax in the near future, with a few tricks you can nevertheless save up to 20% fuel. What matters is a fuel saving driving behaviour. Here are some tips that help you to get more out of your tank.

1. Think twice and change early

The statement that engines consume less fuel in the middle speed range is no longer true. Today, modern fuel-injected engines work most efficiently at low speed range. Hence, diesel engines for instance reach their maximum torque at approximately 1759 revolutions.

2. With 50 km/h in the fifth gear

When accelerating, the damper flap is wide opened and engines work economically. Already below 2000 revolutions it is worthwhile to change into the higher gear and depress firmly the accelerator pedal. Who jump-starts the engine with little gas, pours the money down the drain. Thus drive your desired speed in the highest possible gear. This means that you can even drive 50 km/h in the fifth gear!

3. Leave the accelerator, do not declutch

When approaching an obstacle, just step off the accelerator instead of de-clutching, when the car rolls on even course. Fuel-injected engines immediately interrupt the fuel supply, once you step of the accelerator. The engine brakes the car, without consuming any fuel. Who heads for a red traffic light and de-clutches too early, letting the car role freely, consumes as much fuel as in neutral.

4. No stop and go

Be an anticipating and consistent driver. You save more fuel, if you keep an additional buffer distance to the safety margin; in this case you don't have to brake each time your preceding endorser does. Since braking loweres the energy, which you invested before when accelerating.

5. Avoid maximum speeds

Don't drive at maximum speeds. The effect is well-known; driving fast means consuming a lot of fuel.

6. Switch off hidden fuel consumers

Don't use the rear window heating, the seat heating, the accessory headlights or the air conditioning system if not necessary. The air conditioning system, for example, consumes up to 1,5 litres on 100 kilometers; whilst the rear window heating leads to an increased consumption of approximately 0,4 litres.

7. Away with unnecessary load

Leaving your roof luggage rack installed for weeks, costs money. With 80 kilometers per hour a roof luggage rack consumes approximately 0,7 litres; a bicycle on the roof can even rise fuel consumption up to 3 litres on 100 kilometers. And also additional weight in the boot becomes apparent: 100 kilos of additional load mean up to 0,6 litres increased consumption.

8. Pay attention to the correct tyre pressure

If tyres are not correctly inflated, rolling resistance increases. With increased air pressure however, tyres run smoothly and hardly impair the suspension comfort. You find the correct air pressure for your tyre in the operating instructions of your vehicle, in the gas cap or at the door crossbeam. With the correct tyre pressure you can save fuel up to 5%.