Fuel Price Adjustment on July 31
At midnight on July 31st, domestic refined oil product prices are expected to be adjusted. The statistical cycle for this adjustment, which spans 10 working days, has now reached the 50% mark. Influenced by today's significant rise in international oil prices, the current crude oil change rate has reached 14.64%, with a predicted increase of 780 yuan per ton in oil prices. Based on the current expected increase, gasoline and diesel prices next week are set to continue their sharp rise by 0.59 yuan per liter to 0.70 yuan per liter.
Six Fuel-Saving Tips to Keep Handy
Driving Habits: The "Core Switch" for Fuel Economy
Aggressively pressing the accelerator at the start or frequently braking suddenly can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%! When starting, press the accelerator lightly to allow the engine RPM to rise smoothly, avoiding high-load operation. Maintain a steady speed while driving; on city roads, try to keep to 60-80 km/h, and on highways, do not exceed 120 km/h (most vehicle models are most fuel-efficient within this speed range). When encountering red lights or traffic jams, release the accelerator early to coast rather than braking hard at the last moment. This not only reduces brake pad wear but also saves a significant amount of fuel.
Vehicle Weight Reduction: Don't Let Your Car "Carry Heavy Loads"
Clutter left in the trunk for long periods, roof racks, and external storage boxes on the back all increase a vehicle's wind resistance and weight. According to tests, for every 100 kilograms of additional weight, fuel consumption rises by 5% to 8%. Regularly clear out unnecessary items from the trunk and remove external equipment not in use for long periods. Let your car "travel light," and fuel consumption will naturally drop.
Air Conditioning Use: Choosing the Right Mode is More Effective Than "Not Using It"
Many people think using the air conditioner wastes fuel, but mindlessly opening windows wastes even more! At speeds below 60 km/h, opening windows for ventilation saves more fuel than using the air conditioner. However, when vehicle speed exceeds 80 km/h, the fuel consumption from wind resistance caused by open windows is far higher than the energy consumption of the AC compressor. Additionally, when turning on the AC, first open the windows for two minutes to expel hot air from the car before closing them to cool. Set the temperature to 24-26°C and use the recirculation mode to reduce the load on the AC system, further saving fuel.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the Engine "Working Efficiently"
The engine is the "heart" of the vehicle. Improper maintenance can directly lead to increased fuel consumption. Change the oil on time (choose the grade recommended by the manufacturer); oil that is too thick increases engine running resistance. Regularly clean the air filter; a clogged filter prevents the engine from getting enough air, leading to incomplete combustion. Check tire pressure; insufficient pressure increases the contact area and rolling resistance. For every 0.3 bar drop in pressure, fuel consumption may rise by 1%.
Route Planning: Avoiding Congestion is Equivalent to Saving Fuel
When stuck in traffic, the vehicle idles, and fuel consumption only increases without any mileage gained! Before heading out, use a navigation app to check real-time traffic conditions, avoiding congested sections and peak hours. Whenever possible, choose routes with fewer traffic lights and smoother roads to reduce frequent starting and stopping. For the same distance, a smooth route can save over 20% in fuel consumption compared to a congested one, 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 instance, while waiting at a red light or for someone, turning off the engine can avoid unnecessary fuel waste. Refueling earlier in the morning or later in the evening is more cost-effective. Due to the principle of thermal expansion and contraction, fuel density is higher when temperatures are lower, meaning you get more fuel by mass for the same volume. When refueling, don't insist on "filling it up to the top." For short city trips, it is advisable to fill the tank halfway to reduce vehicle weight. Consider a full tank only for long-distance travel to avoid frequent trips to the gas station. Reduce aggressive acceleration when overtaking; the instant high RPM during such maneuvers causes fuel consumption to spike. Unless necessary, avoid frequent lane changes and overtaking.
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