Tips on how to save fuel
When travelling, we like to plan everything. Having everything under control, avoiding wasting time and saving on unnecessary costs is key for many of us. There can be a variety of reasons for this: a tight budget, having to work the day after our return flight, family obligations….Basically, planning our trip is important, and bearing in mind some seemingly small factors can be the difference between a good trip and a complete disaster. One of the factors to bear in mind is how to save fuel.
We travel to have fun, and seeing the fuel gauge indicator go down at the speed of light is not a pleasant experience. If you are travelling to the province of Alicante and you need to hire a vehicle to travel around in, fuel consumption is likely to be one of the factors you take into account when choosing the car. However, it is easy to overlook the expected weight and other tips on how to save fuel.
How to save fuel when driving
Controlling the temperature of the car can help to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning. If you are travelling in the city, opening the windows may be the best option, but on the motorway, this will negatively affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics. If you use the air conditioning, try to use it at comfortable temperatures, but close to the ambient temperature. Plan your stops to rest and refuel. Avoid sudden changes in speed, since this requires the engine to work harder.
How to save fuel when choosing your car
Some of the reasons our vehicle consumes too much fuel is poor maintenance. For example, low tyre pressure, which increases the rolling resistance and forces the engine to work much harder to move the car. If, in addition, the pressure is different in each tyre, the weight distribution of the vehicle will be affected and some manoeuvres will use more fuel. That’s why the tyre pressure should be checked every two or three months. Regularly checking the car can also prevent engine faults, which are sometimes almost invisible but can increase fuel consumption and polluting emissions. The same is the case with oil and brake fluid levels.
Luckily, if you rent your car from a company with a good reputation and experience in the sector, like Lara Cars, you can guarantee that any breakdown has been prevented before you receive the vehicle. This means that the only thing you need to worry about is choosing the right vehicle to suit your needs. For example, a manual vehicle usually consumes less than an automatic.
The weight of the vehicle also affects fuel consumption, so if you are few passengers with a small amount of luggage, a small and lightweight vehicle is the most efficient option. You always have to add the load weight to the empty weight, so if you think you will add a lot of weight to the car, a larger car may require less effort (and less consumption) to meet your needs. In either case, you should take the distribution of the load into account. A spacious and well distributed boot can make a huge difference.
If you have any queries, here at Lara Cars we have the best customer service and we will help you to find your ideal car. Call us, ask everything you need to know and book now. Enjoy your trip and save on unnecessary costs with your car from Lara Cars.