
Nowadays, fuel economy is one of the main factors when choosing a rental car. High fuel prices make it important for those who haven’t opted for one of the more economical vehicles to save on fuel costs by following some basic driving rules.
Drive calmly without sudden acceleration or braking
Drive carefully and gently. Accelerate smoothly and monitor traffic conditions to avoid sudden braking. Reduce speed by gently releasing the gas pedal instead of using the brakes. Drive in higher gears with lower engine RPMs. Use the first gear only for starting. Avoid revving the engine unnecessarily, shift gears smoothly and promptly, and refrain from sudden braking unless absolutely necessary. If you get stuck in traffic or face long red lights, don’t disable the car’s start-stop system. Turn off the engine during extended stops.
Stick to speed limits
Driving at high speed may be fun and save time, but it is neither safe nor fuel-efficient. On the contrary, the 20 minutes you might save over a 300 km journey could cost you extra money for fuel and even a hefty speeding fine. Realistically, it’s not worth all the rush, is it?
Avoid overloading the car
This will undoubtedly save you fuel. The lighter your car’s load, the more efficiently it will run.
Plan ahead to avoid traffic
We know avoiding traffic can sometimes be impossible, but if you frequently travel the same route, you probably know when traffic is heaviest. Try to avoid it by taking an alternative, less congested route or traveling at a different time when traffic is lighter. By avoiding traffic, you’ll save a significant amount of fuel.
Limit the use of electrical devices in the car
Many people don’t consider this, but using electrical devices in the car can impact fuel consumption. We recommend using as few chargers and devices as possible in the vehicle. If this isn’t possible, use them for short periods and then disconnect them.
Pay attention to the gas stations you use
Driving across the city just to find a station with fuel a few cents cheaper per liter is a waste of both time and money. However, you can check for gas stations along your route and plan your refueling stops accordingly. Try to refuel in towns rather than on highways, where prices are generally higher. Also, filling up at reputable gas stations from well-known chains with guaranteed fuel quality can slightly lower your consumption.
Adapt to road and traffic conditions
Anticipate traffic situations. Experienced drivers learn to pay attention to every detail on the road. If you see you’ll need to slow down soon, adjust your speed earlier. Otherwise, you’ll maintain high speed until the last moment, only to brake sharply, wasting momentum. Avoid uneven roads and steep inclines, as these require more acceleration. Ensure your tires are seasonal, the correct size, and inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. At Travel Cars EOOD, we take care of this for you.