Anyone who has a car knows the importance of worrying about Fuel Economy. In fact, the search for ways to save fuel is a constant concern for conscientious drivers. However, the vast automobile world is full of popular beliefs, some true and some less so, about how to save gas or Diesel.
In this article, we'll explore myths and truths related to fuel economy to help you make informed decisions about how to optimize your vehicle's fuel consumption. There are more than 20 tips so you can really save fuel in your vehicle. Let's go!
1. Accelerating and braking suddenly consume more – TRUTH
Driving aggressively, accelerating quickly and braking sharply, requires more engine energy and therefore consumes more fuel. Smoother and more constant driving is certainly more economical.
2. Driving with open windows IN THE CITY consumes less – TRUTH
At lower urban speeds, driving with the windows open is generally more efficient than using air conditioning, which places an additional load on the engine. However, on high-speed roads, aerodynamic drag from open windows can harm fuel economy.
3. Using adulterated fuel makes the car consume more – TRUTH
Without a doubt, the use of adulterated fuel can cause a series of engine problems, including decreased fuel efficiency. Always refuel at trusted stations and avoid suspicious fuels.
4. Tire conditions do not affect fuel consumption – MYTH
Worn tires or tires with inadequate pressure can increase friction, which can lead to higher fuel consumption. Certainly, keeping your tires in good condition and at the correct pressure is essential for fuel economy.
5. Driving with underinflated tires does not increase consumption – MYTH
Underinflated tires have more friction with the road, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. This results in higher fuel consumption.
6. Calibration affects fuel consumption – TRUTH
Proper engine calibration, including tuning the injection and ignition systems, can improve fuel efficiency. A well-calibrated engine runs more efficiently.
7. Automatic transmission helps you save more – MYTH
Although cars with automatic transmissions have improved in efficiency over the years, cars with manual transmissions still tend to be more fuel efficient as they give the driver greater control over the gears.
8. Driving a heavy car interferes with consumption – TRUTH
A heavier vehicle requires more energy to move and therefore consumes more fuel. Avoiding carrying unnecessary cargo can help save fuel.
We generally make the car heavier when traveling, as there are more people and luggage in the vehicle, in this case consumption may be lower than in the city, but not because weight has no influence, but because constant speed makes the car more economical. If the car is light during the trip, it will probably be even more economical than when traveling in the city.
For more travel tips, see our article “Travel Safety: What Precautions to Take?”
9. Keeping your revisions up to date helps you save money – TRUTH
Maintaining your vehicle with regular maintenance, including oil changes and filter replacements, helps keep your engine running efficiently, which results in better fuel economy.
10. Driving with the car in neutral uses less fuel – MYTH
Driving in neutral in most modern cars does not save fuel and can even be dangerous as you lose control over the vehicle.
11. Disengaging the vehicle when going downhill saves fuel – MYTH
Driving down hills with the car in neutral does not save fuel and can be harmful to the braking system.
12. Using premium gasoline helps save money – MYTH
Additive gasoline is designed to keep the injection system clean, but does not necessarily improve fuel consumption. For you to know our line of additives, visit our store.
13. Air conditioning on increases fuel consumption – DEPENDS
Air conditioning places an additional load on the engine, which results in higher fuel consumption. Using air conditioning sparingly can help save fuel. On the road, when speeds are higher, keeping the air conditioning on can be more economical than leaving the windows open. This is because open windows will influence the vehicle's aerodynamics.
14. Accelerating gradually uses less fuel – TRUTH
Accelerating gradually allows the engine to operate more efficiently, saving fuel. By demanding less from the engine, less fuel will be consumed.
15. Choosing the right lubricant helps save fuel – TRUE
Using the correct lubricating oil and following the change intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can improve engine efficiency.
16. Driving fast uses less gasoline – MYTH
Driving at high speeds increases fuel consumption due to increased air resistance. Maintaining moderate speeds is more economical.
17. Ethanol uses more than gasoline – DEPENDS
The efficiency of ethanol in relation to gasoline depends on the relative price of fuels and engine efficiency. In some cases, ethanol may be more economical than gasoline in Flex vehicles.
For example, if the price of gasoline is R$6, the price per liter of alcohol (Ethanol) must not exceed R$4,20 (corresponding to 70% of R$6 or R$6 multiplied by 0,7). This rule is based on the fact that Flex vehicles generally consume 30% more alcohol (Ethanol) compared to gasoline.
18. The best speed to avoid consuming too much fuel is 90 km/h – MYTH
There is no exact ideal speed for fuel consumption. The ideal speed for fuel economy may vary depending on the vehicle, but in general, maintaining a constant speed on roads is more efficient than constantly fluctuating between speeds.
19. Keeping the tank full uses less fuel – TRUE
Keeping your tank fuller reduces fuel evaporation and helps keep your fuel system running efficiently.
20. Cars on the highway are more economical than in the city – TRUE
In general, cars tend to be more economical on highways, where they can maintain constant speeds, compared to urban traffic, where there is more stopping and starting.
21. Riding in fifth gear reduces fuel consumption – MYTH
Riding in fifth gear may be more efficient on highways when traveling at a constant speed, but in urban areas with variable traffic, it may not make a difference.
22. Can driving mode increase or decrease consumption? TRUE
The way you drive, including the speed and smoothness of acceleration and braking, has a significant impact on fuel economy.
23. Remapping reduces fuel consumption – DEPENDS
The main objectives of those who want to remap vehicles are generally to increase power, speed limiter adjustment and accelerator pedal delay solution. What will lead to fuel savings is the way the driver will drive the vehicle after the remap.
In the case of fuel consumption in agricultural machinery, remap can certainly generate savings for rural producers, as an agricultural machine engine with Remap, working in an area with a lower turnover, will consume less fuel in the same area worked. Also check out the main Myths and Truths about REMAP.
24. Driving with your car on reserve is harmful to your car – TRUTH
Driving with the tank on reserve can cause debris from the bottom of the tank to enter the fuel system, damaging the engine.
25. Installing economizers is an effective method of saving fuel – MYTH
Many “fuel saving” devices on the market have not demonstrated real effectiveness in saving fuel and purchasing them can be a waste of money.
26. In traffic jams, the car consumes more – TRUE
Sitting in traffic or congestion consumes more fuel than driving steadily at moderate speeds. This is why the vehicle tends to be more economical on highways than urban roads.
27. An engine with a smaller displacement will necessarily consume less than a larger one – IT DEPENDS
A smaller engine does not always consume less fuel. Additionally, fuel consumption depends on several factors, including engine efficiency, vehicle weight, and driving conditions.
28. Aerodynamics interfere with fuel consumption – TRUE
A vehicle's shape and aerodynamic design can significantly affect fuel consumption, especially at high speeds. Furthermore, the simple fact of leaving the window open on the road will influence aerodynamic drag, which will affect fuel consumption.
Fuel Economy
Separating the myths from the truths when it comes to fuel economy is essential to making informed decisions about improving your vehicle's efficiency. Remember that ultimately, how you drive and maintain your vehicle plays a huge role in fuel economy.
Adopting conscious driving practices and keeping up to date with maintenance are essential steps to saving fuel and money in the long term. For more tips on how to improve fuel consumption, click here.
Strike Brasil – Remap is not all the same!
Remap, or Electronic Injection Reprogramming, is a technique that helps increase the power of a vehicle. Without a doubt, it is being increasingly sought after by drivers, precisely because it is not necessary to make changes to the mechanical part of the car.
Are you looking for an effective solution to improve your vehicle's performance? Then consider investing in STRIKE BRASIL's Remap service. With the remap service, you can achieve impressive results with the purpose of increasing the performance and power of your vehicle, as well as fuel economy in agricultural machinery.
A Strike Brasil é the largest authority on Remap (electronic injection reprogramming) in Latin America, counting on more than 50 units in the region and more than 20 thousand reprogrammed cars. Furthermore, our maps are developed by a specialized team of European engineers, highly trained and following strict quality standards. Finally, Check out this article and understand everything about Electronic Injection Reprogramming (REMAP)!
