The constantly rising petrol prices can be quite frightening. Suddenly a hundred bucks is gone for a tank of petrol where we used to pay only half. But there are many ways for sensible modern people to get further with their petrol than before.

How do you save fuel?

Find the cheapest petrol station near you

The difference for a litre of petrol or diesel can be 5% or even more Some petrol stations change their prices daily or several times a day to attract customers at less busy times. Some petrol stations lower their prices after 10pm. Or they may have a particularly cheap day during the week when it is not so busy. There are sites on the internet, such as www.clever-tanken.de or www.einfach-autos.de/news/billig-tanken where you can search for the cheapest petrol station, but they may not be updated frequently enough.

Inflate tyres

Tyres with too little air have more resistance on the road and more fuel is consumed. The optimum tyre pressure for each car is usually found on the inside of a door or in the vehicle description.

Do not carry extra weight

For every 50 kg of weight, fuel consumption increases by about 2 percent. So remove all superfluous rubbish or the golf clubs from the last golf game from the car and don't drive around with unnecessary ballast. Snow chains are only necessary in winter and the toolbox can be reduced to the bare essentials. Mud on the underside of the car also adds a lot of weight, so check regularly.

Aerodynamics

Roof racks build up more wind resistance when driving. When not in use, remove them.

Air conditioning

Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%. It is best to only turn on the air conditioning when it is really necessary. However, at speeds above 90 km/h, the vehicle consumes more fuel with the window rolled down than with the air conditioning.

Speed

 

As a rule, the faster you drive, the more fuel you consume. According to a study, the optimal cruising speed with the lowest fuel consumption is 90 km/h. The choice of gears is also decisive. The rule of thumb is: 1st gear only for starting off, quickly change to 2nd gear, shift to 3rd gear at 40 km/h, 4th gear at 60 km/h and 5th gear at 80 km/h.

Oil change

Clean engine oil reduces the friction of the moving engine parts and optimises fuel consumption. For a petrol engine, an oil change is recommended once a year or every 12000km, for diesel engines every 6 months or after 9000km.

Driving

Accelerating and braking consume the most fuel. If possible, let the vehicle coast to a stop at traffic lights, avoid heavy braking and high revs. Drive with foresight. Stop and go' are fuel guzzlers, try to drive at calmer times. If possible, drive to work earlier and return home earlier.
Gravel roads and uneven surfaces also increase fuel consumption, so if possible, choose routes with smooth surfaces, even if they are a little longer.

Drive less

Leave the car if you don't really need to use it. Combine short trips instead of making an extra trip for each undertaking, e.g. buy the newspaper on the way to the recycling container and pick up the children on the way back.
Run from time to time, it's good for your health and the environment.

Car size

With the rise in fuel costs, it's time to consider what you use the car for most. Even with a family of five, it doesn't necessarily have to be an estate car. Buy the smallest and most economical car that is also big enough for the family, because most of the time we drive alone in the car after all. A car should not be an ego drive. Prove that you are smarter.
In the event that you do need more storage space, you may prefer to install a trailer hitch and take a small trailer with you if necessary.