Saving Fuel on Your Way to a Vacation: A Guide
Are you planning a road trip or a long journey? If so, you'll want to make sure you have plenty of cash saved up for expenses. Here's some tips to help you save money on fuel consumption and refueling while traveling by car.
Deal with traffic jams more easily if you're not constantly worrying about high costs. Here are some ways to save a few euros on gas and refilling.
Compare prices: One easy way to find the cheapest gas station along your route is by using fuel efficiency apps.
Refuel at night
The ADAC recommends filling up between 9 and 10 PM when prices are the lowest. Diesel is up to nine cents cheaper during this time frame, and Super E10 is up to eight cents cheaper, according to the car club. On the other hand, gas is most expensive at 7 AM.
Choose off-highway gas stations
Fill up at gas stations instead of service stations to save money. These types of gas stations are "significantly" cheaper. In a 2023 study by ADAC, a liter of diesel at a service station cost nearly 36 cents more, while Super E10 cost around 42 cents more.
Save weight and reduce superstructures
The more weight your vehicle carries, the higher its fuel consumption. Every kilogram counts, as per TÜV Nord's research. Having an additional 100 kilograms on board can increase fuel consumption by up to 0.3 liters per 100 kilometers.
Removing rooftop luggage and bicycle carriers can also help reduce fuel consumption by lowering air resistance. It's better to transport bicycles on a rear rack to save fuel," advises the ADAC. These items increase fuel consumption by up to 40% when not in use.
Campers can save weight by not filling up their water and toilet tanks until they reach their destination. Buying heavy items like tins and gas cylinders at your destination can also help save weight. According to TÜV Nord, using lightweight camping utensils and gas bottles made from aluminum instead of steel can also reduce weight.
Check and adjust air pressure
It's crucial to ensure your vehicle's tire pressure is correctly adjusted according to additional weight. If tire pressure is too low, it can increase rolling resistance and lead to higher fuel consumption. The ideal tire pressure can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap or in your vehicle's manual.
Drive with foresight: An optimal driving style can help you save up to 20% on fuel, reports the ADAC. Keep your speed consistent on the highway, and try to maintain a steady pace.
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- To save money on fuel while using Android apps for navigation, consider refueling at night when diesel and Super E10 are cheaper, as advised by the ADAC.
- Instead of filling up at service stations, opt for off-highway gas stations to save money on fuel, as indicated in a 2023 ADAC study.
- For iOS users, there are also fuel efficiency apps available that can help you find the cheapest gas stations along your route, similar to their Android counterparts.
- When planning a vacation with a car, consider reducing weight by removing rooftop luggage and bicycle carriers, as suggested by ADAC, to lower fuel consumption due to reduced air resistance.
- Regardless of the operating system, it's essential to check the tire pressure of your vehicle before setting off on a trip to ensure optimal fuel efficiency and reduce rolling resistance.
Source: www.ntv.de
