Driving style can reduce fuel consumption up to 15%. It is enough for the driver to apply some simple practices while driving.

Choosing the right relationship in the gearbox optimizes consumption. Although it may need to maintain a constant speed at times, low revs still help with economy.

With a manual transmission, the highest gear must be selected. If the car has a gearshift indicator, the highest possible ratio must be maintained at the lowest possible engine speed. When the engine runs at low revs it consumes less, even if it gives the impression that it is straining.

The driver must use the gas pedal calmly choosing the most suitable transmission ratio for the specific moment. At 50 km/h, driving in 5th rather than 3rd gear results in a consumption reduction ranging from 20% to 25%. When the car is stationary, e.g. at a traffic light the driver should have a dead stop. If your car is equipped with a Stop & Start system, the engine will automatically shut off. This function offers significant fuel savings, especially in the city.

Nervous or aggressive driving, with sudden accelerations and decelerations, increase dramatically and for no reason the consumption. Driving too close to the car in front tires both the engine and the brakes.

When traveling, if the car has cruise control or a speed limiter, it is advisable for the driver to use it in order to maintain a constant speed. Also, the braking should not be at the last moment, with the deceleration being done with the engine. When the car is “rolling” at speed in the box, then it will have zero consumption.

The heavier the car, the more difficult the engine’s work and the more the consumption increases. Things and objects that are not necessary must be taken out of the car. Roof loading has a negative impact on aerodynamics as well as fuel consumption. Even the bars on the roof increase the aerodynamic resistance, thus the consumption.

When the tyres have reduced pressure, rolling resistance is higher than normal. The engine has to work harder and this causes an increase in fuel consumption. A deflated tire can overheat, reduce road holding and wear to the point of a blowout. Changes in ambient temperature cause fluctuations in tire pressure. For example, the pressure drops with the cold (transition from summer to winter). The pressure should be in line with the manufacturer’s instructions, while the check should be done when the tires are cold. Winter tires significantly increase rolling resistance on dry ground. On the other hand, they contribute to safety in bad weather conditions.

There must be planning of the route, while it is good for the driver to avoid traveling during peak hours. If the car has to stop for a few minutes, the engine should be switched off. The same happens when the driver wants to stop for a few minutes.

The colder the car, the more energy it needs to move. On short journeys during the winter season, the car’s fuel consumption can increase by up to 50%. When the driver puts forward, he should not let the engine idle to warm up. It is enough to start immediately, but it must move at a low speed until the engine warms up. The engine heats up faster when the car is moving.

Driving at speeds over 50 km/h with an open window or sunroof significantly increases aerodynamic drag. This also applies to open cars. When the windows are closed there is fuel saving. The air conditioning system is particularly effective when the car is moving at high speed. All electrical systems are powered by the engine, thus increasing fuel consumption.

The air conditioning uses energy from the engine. When temperatures are high, consumption can increase by up to 25% if the driver tries to “freeze” the interior.

If the car is parked in the sun for a long time, the driver must first move at a low speed, with all the windows open to remove the “glare” from the cabin, and then turn on the air conditioning.

Finally, for the car to maintain its maximum efficiency, it must be well maintained. Engine oil, for example, lubricates but also contributes to engine performance. This applies to most of the consumables used in the car.