10 Tips for Lower Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption depends not only on the vehicle -- driving style accounts for 15-25% of the difference. With the right habits, you can save hundreds of euros per year without sacrificing comfort.
1. Drive Anticipatively
The most important measure of all. Taking your foot off the gas early and letting the vehicle coast, rather than braking hard just before a traffic light, saves significantly. In city traffic, anticipatory driving can reduce consumption by up to 20%. Keep enough distance from the car ahead to drive smoothly.
2. Maintain Steady Speed
Every acceleration costs energy. On the highway, a steady speed of 120 km/h compared to constantly alternating between 100 and 140 km/h saves up to 15% fuel. Use cruise control where it is safe to do so.
3. Shift Up Early
Modern engines have their optimal torque already at 1,500-2,500 RPM. Shift to the next gear by 2,000 RPM at the latest. High RPMs mean high consumption -- at 4,000 RPM, an engine uses twice as much as at 2,000 RPM.
4. Turn Off Engine During Waits
From a waiting time of 20 seconds, it pays to switch off the engine. Modern start-stop systems do this automatically. Those without such a system should turn off at longer railroad crossings, in traffic jams, and while waiting for passengers. This saves 5-10% fuel in city driving.
5. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance and thus consumption. Just 0.5 bar too low increases consumption by 3-5%. Check tire pressure at least once a month and set it to the manufacturer's recommended value -- at full load, use the higher value.
6. Remove Unnecessary Weight
Every kilogram of extra weight increases consumption. 100 kg of additional weight costs about 0.3-0.5 L/100km. Clear out your trunk regularly: water crates, tools, sports equipment -- anything not urgently needed should stay at home.
7. Improve Aerodynamics
Roof racks, roof boxes, and open windows massively increase air resistance. A roof rack alone can increase consumption by 10-15%, a roof box by even 20%. Remove roof racks when not needed. Above 80 km/h, prefer the air conditioning over open windows.
8. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
The air conditioning uses an additional 0.5-1.5 L/100km. Do not set it to the coldest level but to a comfortable temperature (22-23 degrees). In cooler weather, ventilation alone often suffices. Park in the shade in summer to shorten the initial cooling phase.
9. Avoid Short Trips
In the first 3-5 kilometers, a cold engine uses 30-50% more than when warm. Short trips under 5 km by car are the most expensive kilometers of all. Use a bicycle for short distances, walk, or combine multiple errands into one trip.
10. Refuel Cheaply
Fuel prices fluctuate by up to 15 cents per liter throughout the day. The cheapest time is between 6-8 PM, the most expensive in the early morning (6-8 AM). With a 50-liter tank, correct timing saves up to EUR 7.50 per fill-up. Use fuel price apps and avoid highway gas stations, which are 10-30 cents more expensive.
Bonus Tip: Track Your Consumption
Keep a fuel log or use an app like Spritmonitor to track your actual consumption. Only those who know their consumption can identify changes and apply saving tips effectively. Many drivers overestimate their savings -- a fuel log provides clarity.