At 24:00 on July 31st, domestic refined oil prices will be adjusted. This round of price adjustment, which uses a 10 working day statistical cycle, is now halfway through its duration. Due to the recent significant increase in international oil prices, the crude oil change rate has reached 14.64%, and it is expected to raise oil prices by 780 yuan per ton. Based on the current expected increase, gasoline and diesel prices will continue to rise significantly next week, by 0.59 yuan to 0.70 yuan per liter. Find six fuel-saving tips below to keep handy.
Driving Habits: The "Core Switch" for Fuel Consumption
Stepping hard on the accelerator when starting or frequently braking suddenly can cause fuel consumption to spike by 30%! When starting, press the accelerator gently to let the engine speed rise smoothly, avoiding high-load operation. While driving, maintain a steady speed. On city roads, try to keep between 60-80 km/h, and on highways, do not exceed 120 km/h (most cars are most fuel-efficient in this speed range). When encountering a red light or traffic jam, release the accelerator in advance to coast, rather than braking hard at the last moment. This reduces brake pad wear and saves fuel.
Lighten Your Vehicle: Don't Let Your Car "Carry a Heavy Load"
Long-term clutter in the trunk, roof racks, and external trunk storage boxes might seem insignificant, but they all increase wind resistance and weight. According to tests, for every 100 kilograms of extra weight, fuel consumption increases by 5% to 8%. Regularly clean out unnecessary items from the trunk and remove long-unused external equipment. Letting your car travel "light" will naturally lower fuel consumption.
Using Air Conditioning: Choosing the Right Mode is More Effective Than "Not Using It"
Many people think using air conditioning uses more fuel, but blindly opening windows actually wastes more fuel! When driving below 60 km/h, opening windows for ventilation is more fuel-efficient than using air conditioning. However, when driving over 80 km/h, the wind resistance created by open windows consumes more fuel than the energy used by the air conditioner compressor. Additionally, when using the air conditioner, first open the windows for 2 minutes to expel the hot air inside the car, then close the windows and start cooling. Set the temperature to 24°C to 26°C and use the internal circulation mode. This reduces the load on the air conditioning system, further saving fuel.
Regular Maintenance: Let the Engine "Work Efficiently"
The engine is the "heart" of the vehicle, and improper maintenance directly leads to increased fuel consumption. Change the oil on time (using the manufacturer's recommended grade); oil that is too thick increases engine running resistance. Regularly clean the air filter; a clogged filter restricts engine air intake, leading to incomplete combustion. Check tire pressure; low tire pressure increases the contact area and rolling resistance. For every 0.3 bar drop in pressure, fuel consumption may increase by 1%.
Route Planning: Avoiding Traffic Jams is Fuel Saving
When stuck in traffic, the vehicle idles, and fuel consumption only increases! Before heading out, use a navigation app to check real-time traffic conditions to avoid congested roads and peak hours. Try to choose routes with fewer traffic lights and unobstructed roads to reduce frequent starts and stops. For the same distance, a smooth route can save more than 20% in fuel consumption compared to a congested route, and it also saves travel time.
Attention to Detail: These Small Habits Can Also Save Fuel
When idling for a long time (over 3 minutes), decisively turn off the engine. For example, when waiting for a red light or for someone, turning off the engine can avoid unnecessary fuel waste. Filling up in the morning or evening is more cost-effective. Due to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, the density of fuel is higher when the temperature is lower in the morning and evening, so you can get more fuel mass for the same volume. When refueling, don't insist on filling the tank to the brim. For short city trips, it is recommended to fill the tank halfway to reduce vehicle weight. Consider filling up for long trips. This avoids the extra driving to and from gas stations. Reduce aggressive acceleration during overtaking; the instantaneous high engine speed during overtaking drastically increases fuel consumption. Avoid frequent lane changes and overtaking unless necessary.
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