Although it may not seem like it at first glance, any extra weight or elements placed on a vehicle that resist the advance generate greater fuel consumption. That is why there is aerodynamics in cars, at least drag gender, the less fuel you will consume.
According to studies carried out by European clubs such as the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, (ADAC), 100 kilos of extra weight can mean up to 0.3 liters more fuel consumption per 100 kilometers.
This has more effect in urban traffic due to the constant stops and starts. That is why it is recommended to remove the vehicle with boxes of drinks, skates and similar junk. And remove luggage racks, roof boxes and bicycle racks. A roof rack can increase consumption between a quarter and a half gallon per 100 kilometers.
Other recommendations to save fuel is to know the engine of your car. Make sure of its size (cylinder capacity), find out what your costs are, tank capacity and consumption. It is likely that you spend more fuel than the manufacturer says, because generally the brands do the tests at sea level and on flat terrain.
Gasoline prices vary between service stations. Research the requirements are more reliable and in the requirements it is cheaper to fill up the tank.
Check your driving. Try to travel at a constant speed, if possible. Avoid hard acceleration and braking. Try to anticipate the road course or traffic light changes by slowing down or avoiding excessive braking.
If your car has the ECO function, use it, and if it is a mechanical transmission, change gear between 2,000 or 2,500 rpm. Drive calmly, for every ten kilometers of top speed consumption increases about 9 percent.
Do a good maintenance to your car, sound, check the fuel and air filters, it will make it more efficient.
Keep the correct pressure in the tires, if you don’t you increase friction, which in turn increases consumption. Driving with a pressure of 0.5 bar (7 pounds), lower than the correct one will reduce fuel economy by 2 percent in urban areas and 4 percent on the highway.
When the air conditioning is engaged it puts more load on the engine and of course there is more consumption. Turn it on only when you really need it.
Whenever possible, plan your trips in advance to keep the route as short as possible and avoid heavy traffic. A cold engine uses more gas than a warm one, so it’s more efficient to take a longer trip with more errands than multiple trips.
