Given the volatility of international economic policy, there is a permanent threat of escalating armed conflicts, or the price of fuel runs the risk of reaching historically high values. You can go from a sporadic concern to a permanent need. But this premência is not limited to the economic question. Driving more efficiently helps reduce emissions, prolongs the useful life of your vehicle and contributes to a more sustainable future. Good news? You don't need to change your car or invest in miraculous gadgets. Most of the time, it is enough to change some habits.
In this article, Help Flash brings together some practical, effective and accessible measures that any driver can apply every day.
1. Maintenance is an investment, not a waste
A vehicle in good operating condition consumes less fuel, emits less and runs better and better. Ignoring maintenance may seem like a form of non-immediate poverty, but the result is the opposite: more consumption, more savings and more wear and tear over the medium and long term.
- Use the correct oil and replace it in accordance with the maintenance plan recommended by the brand. A suitable lubricant in good condition reduces internal debris and improves efficiency.
- Check to press both tires once a month. Tires with too low pressure increase rolling resistance, which translates into higher consumption. Also, circulating with pressure unless (or more) reduces the useful life of the tires and causes slightly uniform wear.
- Take care of the candles and filters : especially in modern engines, clean and temperate replacement of the candles and two filters (oil, fuel and air) guarantee their performance and reliability.
2. Efficiency is preventive driving
Avoiding sudden acceleration and traffic is the most effective way to reduce fuel consumption and is also a way to drive with greater comfort and safety.
- Smooth starting, especially if the engine is cold
- Anticipate traffic and lift the accelerator pedal whenever possible and avoid sudden movements.
- Maintain a constant speed and take advantage of the geography of the terrain. Do not disengage the car when it runs out, modern engines cut off injection during deceleration, which will wear out at idle (in addition to being a safety issue).
- Avoid idling or idling for long periods. Disconnect the engine, it is known that it will be stopped for more than a minute.
3. Less weight, less consumption
Transporting traffic in the car is how to walk with a backpack that is not necessary. Each kilo increases the effort of the engine and, therefore, the consumption.
- Empty the baggage holder and remove unnecessary objects from inside.
- Remove roof supports or external luggage when not in use. Owing to the fact that these cause us to increase consumption by 25% on the road.
- Avoid driving with open wheels at high speed, as this will prejudice aerodynamics and penalize efficiency.
4. Shorter distances lead to lower fuel consumption
Planning relocations is one of the simplest and most effective ways to plan. It does not only avoid waste, such as reduction or stress at the wheel.
- Group tasks together without traveling. Cold starts are better than continuous runs like the engine at ideal temperature.
- Use navigation apps , just like driving. Diverting it from entrapments can save huge fuel and time.
- Consider sharing tickets with colleagues or neighbors. It is for the carteira, for the traffic and for the environment.
5. Check your vehicle's technologies
Even if they are hybrid or electric, many modern vehicles include solutions that help them power.
- Active or “Eco” mode available. This adjusts the general performance (accelerator, engine and air conditioning) to reduce consumption.
- Use the automatic Start/Stop system , especially in heavy traffic, since this allows you to increase between 7% and 26%.
- Follow the feedback from the on-board computer about your driving habits. It can help you improve even more efficiency.
How to calculate your car's fuel consumption?
Even if your vehicle does not have an on-board computer, you can do the calculation manually:
- Check the reserve and put the tank on top (fan or cart to remove the balls of water from the channels) and make a note of two liters.
- Set the partial odometer to zero
- Drive normally until the tank is (quase) empty or until it reaches the reserve.
- Refuel and divide the kilometers traveled by the liters consumed.
- The result is the average consumption in km/l or, if preferred, converted to l/100 km.
Never ask for security: Help Flash is your ally
If, for any reason, you are stopped on the road, due to mechanical failure or due to failure without fuel, never compromise your safety. Always use your Help Flash emergency lighting device to signal your vehicle with maximum visibility. It is fast, automatic and very easy to use.
Drive with intelligence. Drive safely. Drive with Help Flash.
