2023-07-05 00:01:41
Filling up a car is becoming more expensive as fuel prices are reaching all-time highs in many countries. In that sense, below are five tricks that drivers commonly use to save fuel. Which ones work and which ones are pure myths?
Driving at exactly 90km/h is considered by many drivers to be the most efficient way to optimize fuel. However, there is no fixed ideal driving speed., according to the RAC automobile group. The 90km/h myth, they say, arose from old fuel consumption tests, which were carried out at three speeds: in the city, at 90km/h and at 120km/h.
Speed does not necessarily affect fuel
The most efficient of the three was 90km/h, leading many to believe that this was always the best speed. However, depending on the type of car and its size, the RAC ensures that between 70 and 80km/h is more efficient.
2) Should I turn off the air conditioning?
If you’ve ever resisted the temptation to run the air conditioning on a hot summer day to save fuel, you did well. Additional power is needed to start the air conditioning system of a car and starting it can increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
The air conditioning of the car affects the use of fuelLIAL
The impact may be more noticeable on shorter trips. That’s because the air conditioner has to use more energy initially to lower the car’s interior temperature. Opening the windows might be better, but this creates another problem called “dragging”. This is where the engine has to work the hardest to compensate for the air resistance created by open windows.
If you have to choose between the two, the best option will depend on speed. The air conditioning is probably better above 80km/h because the faster you drive, the greater the resistance caused by the open windows.
Coasting is when you drive with the car in neutral or with the clutch pedal depressed. The AA automobile association does not recommend it. Not only could it be unsafe (because you couldn’t accelerate your way out of a sticky situation), but it’s unlikely to save you gas.
Driving in neutral can not only be unsafe but does not affect fuel economyShutterstock
According to the AA, most cars have electric controls that cut off the fuel supply every time you lift your foot off the accelerator, so there’s nothing to be gained by coasting.
Cruise control, a device that keeps the vehicle at a constant speed without having to use the accelerator pedal, is often considered a surefire way to save fuel by preventing unnecessary acceleration and harsh braking. However, this may only be true when driving on the highway, since it is a constant flat surface.
Unevenness is more likely to be encountered on other types of roads, so it will take time for the cruise control to adjust to the change in grade, consuming more fuel in the process. Typically, you lift your foot off the accelerator as you start down a hill. But because cruise control can’t see what’s ahead, it spends more time using power, which leads to worse fuel consumption.
5) Does incorrect tire pressure consume more gasoline?
It is important to keep the tire pressure at the values recommended by the manufacturerShutterstock – Shutterstock
Underinflated tires consume more gasoline. The advice is to check your blood pressure regularly, especially before going on a long trip. Your car manual says what is the correct pressure, but may need to be increased to the recommended maximum if traveling with multiple passengers and heavy luggage. However, any additional weight will still consume more fuel.
BBC MundoConocé The Trust Project
#tips #save #gasoline #myth