Fueling the car has not been the cheapest task in the world for some time. Fuel consumption is becoming more and more expensive as there are sometimes two or three increases per year. In addition, there are differences between the values ​​depending on where you are. And they can be quite significant.

If you don’t live without traveling by car or love to travel, filling up your tank should be a habit, right!? And have you done anything to spend less? Have you ever wondered if there is a way to save fuel, even if it runs so much?

First of all, understand that the economy, in this case, is directly linked to your attitudes as a driver: driving correctly, doing preventive maintenance and knowing the reputation of the position you routinely choose.

That said, it’s time to get some guidance on good practice. Maybe no one has spoken to you before, or you just let it go because you thought it was all nonsence. It is not!

• Perform preventive maintenance at the right time: we talked about it in the introduction, and there is nothing more fair than starting there!

  Maintenance is always necessary and, in terms of fuel consumption, fundamental. Checking the items that make up the engine from time to time, as well as filters and spark plugs, is the certainty of savings.

• Exchange tips: making changes at the proper rotation is also a good way to save. Therefore, avoid stretching the gears. Newer car models have an indicator of the most opportune moment for shifting gears. If it is the case for your vehicle, always use it. And if your car is one of those that have transmission options above the farm, remember them when you’re on the highways.

• If you love to set foot on the road, be prudent behind the wheel: Do you know that rush, born on the highways? When you see it, someone suddenly appears in a tremendous hurry. Most of the time, it is unnecessary. It’s nice to have a powerful, stable, safe car. But, better than that, it is to respect the limits imposed by the traffic regulation, running at the maximum allowed speed. In addition to maintaining the health of your vehicle, a smoother journey is the guarantee of safe traffic.

• Close the windows: It is not a myth. Riding with closed windows improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics, especially at speeds above 80 km / h. Consequently, fuel economy is greater.

• But, if it is hot, it will be necessary to turn on the air conditioning: well … there is a balance that must be done. Take the test and realize what is most beneficial for your vehicle: leaving windows open or turning on the air. We know that air conditioning demands from the engine, which makes it spend more fuel.

• Driving in neutral: many drivers believe that neutral is an ally when it comes to moderating spending. But they are mistaken! In addition to taking a big risk, especially on slopes. Without the aid of the engine brake, the brake system will be much more demanding and may fail. So don’t do that! Cars with carburetors! These do benefit from fuel economy when they run in neutral. But “technology” is only found in very old vehicles. The replacement system is electronic injection, which uses a chip to manage fuel usage.

• The location chosen to supply: unfortunately, we need to touch on that. Not every gas station is reliable, and enforcement is not efficient. It is very common to find adulterated fuels out there. Which means double damage, as the vehicle’s components can be damaged. So, evaluate the location where you supply and try to maintain the frequency.

• Vehicle weight and change from original features: you can place your house inside it, however, be aware that the fuel consumption will be higher. Even a small suitcase already demands more from the engine. What does that mean? Avoid running with unnecessary items. There are studies that show that 10 kg more, a consequence of things that did not need to be there, are enough to meet the savings you want. Likewise, assess the real need for installing accessories such as airfoils, support and non-standard wheels. Any change can significantly increase consumption.

• If your car is available, pay attention to the data on the on-board computer: the technology shows immediate and average consumption, just program it.

• Alignment and balancing always up to date: they are responsible for the performance of the vehicle, since they act directly for the good performance of the tires, maintaining their friction with the ground in the right measure.

• Speaking of which, be sure to calibrate the tires: you may have heard that a flat tire makes fuel consumption much higher (it can reach 3%). And it’s true! The ideal is to maintain the calibration every 15 days, respecting the correct pressure indicated in the vehicle’s manual.