Simple ways to save gasoline

Driving slowly, maintaining proper tire pressure, having your vehicle serviced regularly, and turning off the engine when stopped will significantly save you on fuel costs.

High gasoline prices are always a headache for everyone. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can still save a significant amount on fuel if you follow these steps.

1. Drive slowly

With some proper driving techniques, fuel consumption can be significantly reduced. Photo: Frankautoservice.

The amount of fuel needed to accelerate a car is very expensive. For example, a 1000-horsepower Bugatti Veyron only needs 250 horsepower to reach 241 km/h, but it needs an additional 750 horsepower to accelerate from 241 to 402 km/h. Therefore, according to EPA calculations, if you are traveling above 80 km/h, you will save 7% on fuel costs for every additional 8 km/h of deceleration.

2. Use the correct type of fuel recommended for your vehicle.

Users can save an additional 1-2% simply by switching to the type of fuel recommended by the manufacturer for their vehicle. Furthermore, this helps maintain engine performance and extends its lifespan.

3. Don't tie anything to the roof of the car.

In this case, the car's air resistance will increase, causing fuel efficiency to decrease. At speeds of 104-120 km per hour, the EPA estimates that removing cargo from the roof of your car will save you 25% on fuel.

4. Clear out unused items from your car.

Having more items in your car means it's heavier, and that will consume more fuel to carry them. The EPA says that for every 45 kg of cargo removed, fuel costs will decrease by an additional 1-2%.

5. Turn off the engine when the vehicle is stopped.

Leaving the engine running while parked might seem convenient, but it also wastes fuel. In fact, a car will consume an extra 1.9 to 3.7 liters of gasoline during this time, depending on whether you use the air conditioning or not.

6. Regular vehicle maintenance

Keeping your engine and exhaust system in top condition will save you an average of 4% on gasoline. According to the EPA, fuel costs will decrease even more significantly if you repair major malfunctions such as oxygen sensors (common in older cars).

7. Keep your tires properly inflated.

This isn't just about safety; it can also save you money on gas. The EPA says properly inflated tires can reduce fuel costs by 3.3%.

8. Limit the use of air conditioning.

Use the air conditioner when driving on the highway, but roll down the windows when driving in the city. Air conditioning is considered one of the biggest fuel-consuming factors in the summer.

According to VnExpress