Fuel: 10 tips to save money while driving

The bill at the pump does not only depend on taxes and the price of oil : it also comes from you! Indeed, eco-driving reduces consumption by 10 to 20% and thus earns up to 335 euros per year (calculation for a Peugeot 3008 consuming 8 l / 100 km and traveling 13,000 km / year). However, preconceived ideas and bad habits are still frequent. Our advice to reduce the gasoline bill and limit pollution.

1. Reduce speed

10 km / h less, that is a saving of three to five liters of fuel over 500 km and 12 kg of CO₂ less in the atmosphere. And it’s not much longer: you only lose four minutes on a 100-kilometer journey on the motorway. It should be known in fact that the consumption increases exponentially: it doubles from 40 to 80 km / h.

2. Anticipate braking

Many motorists still tend to accelerate sharply when they see a fire green, even if it means pounding in front if it turns red. Absurd, because it generates unnecessary overconsumption. It should also be noted that many municipalities have adopted a “moderating green wave” system in such a way that speed at 35 km / h or 40 km / h allows you to go through all the green lights without stopping. Likewise, there is no need to “stick” the car which precedes you in a traffic jam as soon as the line advances a little. You can simply let your car roll by taking your foot off the accelerator … which consumes zero fuel.

3. Limit small trips

40% of car trips are less than two kilometers. However, it is precisely these first two kilometers which are the most polluting and the most expensive: overconsumption reaches 45% on the first kilometer, 25% on the second. The catalytic converters not operating optimally when cold, it also increases its emissions of CO₂ and D’nitrogen oxides.

4. Park in the shade

Even when stationary, your car can make you consume more! Indeed, a vehicle parked in the middle Sun will take longer to cool and we will tend to put the air conditioner fully when starting. In addition, part of the fuel may evaporate under the effect of the heat. In principle, an activated carbon cartridge is supposed to catch the gasoline vapor, but some of it can escape through the tank vent, piping or parts. plastic of the fuel system. On start-up, cold gasoline entering an engine that has been heated in the sun will also evaporate more quickly and lead to overconsumption.

5. Use cruise control … wisely

In addition to the comfort and peace of mind it provides (no fear of being flashed by a radar), the speed regulator makes it possible to avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration and therefore to reduce consumption. It also increases safety, since the driver no longer has theeye riveted on the meter. These advantages apply above all to regular routes. In the mountains or on winding roads, cruise control will force the car to accelerate to maintain speed. To consume as little as possible on a hilly course, you have to reduce your speed on the climbs and let go of the accelerator on the descent, while staying in the highest possible gear.

6. Shift up gears as soon as possible

Many motorists have developed the bad habit of letting their vehicle gradually increase speed in upshift, then downshift and apply strong pressure on the accelerator for good pick-up. However, it is the engine speed that determines consumption: for the most economical driving possible, the upper gear must be engaged before 2,500 revolutions on a car. gasoline and 2,000 revs on diesel cars.

7. Choose the right tires and check the pressure

From tires under-inflated lead to increased resistance rolling and therefore an excess fuel consumption of 2.4% by 0.5 bar. They are also dangerous because they degrade the quality of road holding and can even explode. For long journeys, it is also recommended to overinflate your tires by 0.2 bar, especially if the car is loaded. Namely that there are tires “Low consumption” reducing rolling resistance. The tire Energy Saver by Michelin thus saves one liter of fuel every 200 kilometers.

8. Lighten the vehicle and do not refuel

To think about before buying your car: fuel consumption increases by 7% when the vehicle is heavier by 100 kg. Even if you have a light car, consider getting rid of all unnecessary items. Another tip, do not refuel systematically because each liter of fuel represents as many kilograms to carry. Likewise, clear the car of trunks and galleries. roof, bicycle racks and ski racks when not in use: they lead to overconsumption of 10 to 20% due to the loss of aerodynamics. It is also preferable to favor trailers and bicycle racks at the rear.

9. Turn on the air conditioning only on the motorway

Almost all cars today have air conditioning, and it has become almost a reflex when the weather is hot. However, the air conditioner consumes up to an additional liter per 100 km / h. When driving at low speed, it is therefore preferable to open the Windows to refresh itself. On the other hand, when a certain speed is exceeded, the overconsumption caused by the aerodynamic drag of the windows open exceeds that of air conditioning.

10. Switch off the engine when stationary

The system Stop and start, which orders the ignition to be cut off as soon as the speed drops below 5 km / h, is becoming widespread on new vehicles. According to the manufacturers, it allows savings of up to 8%. In reality, this figure is only valid if you drive mainly in town with a lot of traffic jams; in real conditions, it is rather around 3%. This being the case, the principle remains valid all the more so as modern starters and batteries perfectly withstand frequent starting.

Finally, remember that the best way to save money is to leave your car at the garage. Have the reflex carpooling, whether for long journeys or to get to work: you will not only save money but you will help to fluidify traffic and reduce pollution.