Truck fuel consumption is a topic that worries all freight carriers and truckers. Everyone strives to reduce it, but this is not always possible. Drivers often complain that the norms they receive for the performance of transport work are not real and it is impossible to meet them. In turn, the owners of fleets (carriers) claim that hired drivers dump and sell fuel all the time, therefore, no matter what rate you give them, there will still be no sense, since they will not meet it. But if you look at each individual case, the picture may become clearer. That is why this article was written. If you read it carefully and make correct conclusions then you will understand how to reduce the fuel consumption of a truck.
Economical truck operation
The economical operation of a road train is the careful operation of a prudent owner, since it is not possible without a caring and careful attitude towards your truck.
Only those who approach business economically, in an organized and disciplined manner work stably economically. We also note that the correct economical operation of the road train is also safe driving. Now we will explain everything in more detail.
Some aspiring entrepreneurs and truckers naively believe that there are some miracle recipes that allow you to transport goods practically in the air. It was on these misconceptions, as well as against the backdrop of a constant rise in fuel prices, that an entire industry for the production of various catalysts, ionizers, modifiers and other useless nonsense was created. But there is only one recipe here - you just need to save energy and use it correctly.
The main secret to achieving fuel economy lies in the driver. It's that simple! He must drive the car correctly, carry out repairs and maintenance in a timely manner. Only from his ability to drive a car, choose the right speed mode And right time movement depends on the final fuel consumption.
An empty road train is the enemy of economy!
Remember a simple thing - an empty road train will never save anything. It would be good if he kept within the real consumption rate of diesel fuel, which was determined for him. Only a loaded car can save.
An empty road train has a small mass (relative to windage), which does not allow accumulating the energy expended for acceleration in the inertia of movement, as well as successfully overcoming aerodynamic resistance, various slopes, and headwind. On an empty road train, it is much harder to move in snow and ice. By by and large, strong winds can blow an empty road train off the road when the road surface is slippery. An unloaded road train will not even move down efficiently in high gear without additional fuel. Besides, empty car and the trailer (even with air suspension) is more prone to breakdowns and depreciation wear than a loaded one.
Therefore, try to reduce the number of empty trips by minimizing the number of idle runs!
Proper distribution of cargo in the body
Try to evenly distribute the load throughout the body. And fix it well.
If the load is poorly secured, then there is a danger that it will “leave” on the right or left side, the awning will inflate, which can lead to the trailer tipping over on slopes. In this case, there can be no question of any economical driving. When the load is loaded in such a way that the entire load falls on the driving axle of the tractor, and the wheels of the semi-trailer are empty, the driver experiences uncertainty and discomfort. Wherein chassis the tractor is working with maximum load, and the semi-empty semi-trailer does not allow the road train to brake and stop effectively. This is because in this case the pressure regulator on the brake pads of the tractor experiences maximum load, and the pressure regulator on the semi-trailer pads - the minimum. Although it should be the other way around rear wheels road trains should be “taken” first, while the front ones should be taken last (at the very least, simultaneously). On slippery road it is very important!
If the load is located at the rear of the semi-trailer (or only in the trailer), the road train experiences constant jerks on bumps, which reduce speed, interfere with normal movement, and also adversely affect the condition of the transmission, hitch and engine operation. Such loading can lead to slipping and stopping of the road train on the first rise. Moreover, ice is not needed for this, just a wet road will be enough.
If the load cannot be placed evenly in the body, we advise you to move it closer to truck tractor or placed on a trailer towing car (steam locomotive).
Choosing the Right Route
Carefully develop the route and coordinate it with the customer of transportation.
Not all short roads are the fastest, safest and allow you to save fuel and gain time. Driving on a good track, even a longer distance, is often much more profitable than driving on a short route, but on bad road. You yourself suffer less, and do not ruin your car. In addition, good traffic smooth roads leads to lower fuel consumption.
Choosing the right traffic schedule
The correct driving schedule will allow you to choose and observe the desired speed mode, which will lead to fuel economy. Try to avoid moving in adverse conditions- traffic jams, traffic jams, fog, extreme heat, ice, strong headwind. If there's a big traffic or traffic jam ahead of you, it's best to wait somewhere until it clears up. Instead of crawling in low gears and burning expensive fuel for nothing, it's better to rest and have a snack. Then, on a free road, calmly catch up!
The same applies to movement in adverse weather conditions. It is often better to wait them out than to drive inefficiently and economically. In addition, you will not endanger your life and the lives of other road users, cargo and equipment entrusted to you. As a rule, several hours are enough for the fog to disperse, the strong headwind to subside, the road to be cleared of snow, and the ice crust to be broken or sanded on the roadway.
Try not to go to big cities at peak times. Do it earlier if possible. Build your schedule in such a way as to minimize the number of stops and starts. When stopping for more than 2-3 minutes, turn off the engine.
Thermal mode of the engine
Observe the correct thermal mode of operation of the motor. Be sure to warm up the engine before driving, because operation of a cold engine will cause premature wear piston group and excessive fuel consumption. If the car is empty, let it run for idling from three to five minutes, then you can drive without allowing high speeds, finally warming up the engine already in motion. A loaded car should take longer to warm up, since the load on the engine will immediately be large enough.
Engine temperature should be 75-85 degrees Celsius. An overheated or under-temperature engine cannot run economically. If necessary, in winter period insulate it further.
On a hot summer day, when the ambient temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius, the oxygen content in it drops sharply. When operating in such conditions, the motor loses its efficiency, since the filling of the cylinders with air deteriorates and for the preparation of a rational combustible mixture not enough oxygen. In extreme heat, engine power is noticeably reduced.
Asphalt melts at this temperature. It becomes sticky and sticky, which increases rolling resistance. In addition, the car on such a surface does not feel stable and confident. In addition to this, the wheels also get hot, and the temperature of the rubber often exceeds the permissible operating limits. As a result, tires "shoot", but they are not cheap!
Therefore, we advise you to refrain from driving in forty-degree heat. It is better to ride in the cool of the night. The motor will “breathe” clean air, the tires will not heat up, and the truck will not drive on molten asphalt. In addition, the driver is much more comfortable to move in the cool of the night than in the crazy heat, when there is nothing to breathe.
Technical condition of the truck
The car must be kept in a technically sound condition, as this directly affects its fuel consumption. Those who believe that consumption depends only on the serviceability of the engine and fuel system car.
In a car, almost everything affects its consumption:
- The condition of the fuel and air filters . They must be clean and productively provide the engine with clean fuel and air.
- Engine condition. The compression should be normal, the valve clearance is adjusted correctly, the turbocharger should work efficiently, exhaust manifold, catalytic converter and exhaust pipe must be in good condition. Do not neglect this, because from the state exhaust pipe cylinder ventilation directly affects engine power and fuel consumption.
- Intercooler condition. Check its tightness in all connections and the cleanliness of the radiator itself.
- Battery condition. There is nothing to comment on here.
- The condition of the wheels of the road train. Rubber must be inflated in accordance with the requirements that the manufacturer makes. The lowered tires get very hot and wear out faster. In this case, the car will not have the necessary roll for economical driving.
- Pneumatic system status. There must be no air leakage. It happens that at the road train immediately after stopping, the pillows (pneumatic springs) “fall”, then the driver has to gas for half an hour, spend expensive fuel to pump air into the system.
- Condition of the brake pads. The brakes on the road train must always be in good condition, properly adjusted and work efficiently. Without it, it is impossible to drive safely, smoothly and economically.
- Shock absorber condition. With defective shock absorbers, you will have to brake before every bump in the road to prevent the tractor or semi-trailer/trailer from reaching a critical amplitude of heave, which can lead to malfunctions and loss of control of the road train.
- State fuel equipment . She should be fine. It must be protected from dirt, water and other foreign mechanical and chemical impurities. Everything starts with timely replacement fuel filters, cleaning meshes, sedimentation tanks, preventive checks of injector nozzles, ending with refueling with high-quality diesel fuel. Make sure that the fuel injection angle on the injection pump is set correctly.
Note that the color of the exhaust gases will tell you about the problems of the car's fuel system.
- Black (dark gray) smoke color indicates a very large fuel supply, inefficient operation of the turbocharger, clogged air filter, worn and dirty injectors or incorrect installation moment injection injection pump. Black smoke can also indicate the low quality of diesel fuel used.
- Blue (bluish-gray) smoke says that in the engine cylinders it burns out engine oil, bad compression or the oil scraper piston rings are not working effectively.
- White (grayish-white, bluish) smoke indicates that the engine is not warmed up well, or fuel is leaking from the injectors, or fuel enters the oil due to leakage from the "return" of the injectors, or the injection point of the high-pressure fuel pump is knocked down.
In the end, we will give a rather banal advice - refuel with high-quality diesel fuel. High-quality fuel will provide good engine traction and reduce fuel consumption. WITH quality fuel reduces the likelihood of breakdowns in the fuel system, which means that the engine will last longer. And it's also a significant money saver.
Also read.
Significant savings in fleet maintenance freight transport or heavy equipment achieved by reducing the cost of fuels and lubricants, fuel, spare parts and repair work.
Currently transport companies are ready to spend significant funds on the installation of tachographs (according to the law) and GLONASS devices in order to exclude fuel fraud by drivers. However, do not forget about other ways to save fuel.
We save gasoline
What factors determine fuel consumption during freight transportation? by car? If the movement heavy truck directly depends on the operation of the engine, transmission and wheels, then, accordingly, it is necessary to pay attention to the speed of movement, as well as to aerodynamics (resistance vehicle oncoming air). Proper use of the laws of physics in the system will actually prove their practicality, which, of course, is not new to an experienced driver. At low speeds air resistance is negligible.
However, with an increase in the speed of movement, the machine is forced to overcome the force of the oncoming air flow. With the regular operation of a multi-ton truck and heavy equipment at speeds above 70 km per hour, it must be taken into account that the share of fuel consumption under such conditions increases significantly. To this it is worth adding the ability to accelerate quickly enough (slow acceleration increases the amount of gasoline or diesel fuel consumed) and drive evenly.
There is another basic indicator - the effect of rolling on tire resistance. It takes a certain amount of effort to keep a vehicle moving at a constant speed. A multi-ton truck and heavy special equipment needs to spend a large number of energy that is supplied to the mechanisms due to fuel in order to move along the highway at a certain uniform speed.
During the movement of the car, a systemic deformation of the tire occurs: rubber, made of 80% rubber, stretches and recovers, acquiring its original appearance. Moreover, the speed of movement does not have a significant effect on this process. Tire rolling resistance is largely dependent on vehicle weight, load weight, tire pressure, tread pattern, tire wear, appearance And design features wheels and tires.
This indicator is currently indicated by the manufacturer in technical specifications sold tires. The lower the rolling resistance, the greater the fuel savings can be in truck transport.
We stop theft
Century innovative technologies offers to control fuel consumption using electronic devices. On Russian market transport telematics, the Omnicomm company has long and firmly established itself, which sells fuel and fuel consumption control devices. FMS-system guarantees the return of fuel deductions in big company in the amount of 30-40%.
When working in test mode, the main stages of the loss of fuel and lubricants are clarified. It all starts from the moment you fill up. Gasoline and diesel fuel are not topped up at gas stations. Working with a tanker exacerbates the situation. In the event that refueling is carried out at night during non-working hours in the absence of an operator, the system rounds up the number of liters of gasoline sold.
FMS devices installed on heavy machinery and trucks will clearly indicate the date, time and amount of fuel poured into the tank. Fuel losses at this stage are about 15%! With the same ease, the device will detect fuel drains. During transportation by trucks, the device records the consumption by engine hours. That's why a sharp decline diesel fuel in the tank of a heavy truck is immediately reflected in the readings of the system.
As an experiment, heavy equipment operators, knowing about the FMS control system, were nevertheless convicted of attempting to drain. The company recorded an additional fuel consumption of 15%. In this case, the device will immediately detect the loss of diesel fuel from the tank when the engine is running at Idling, or through the "return" passed into the canister.
We repair ourselves
Services of service centers are rapidly rising in price. The cost of imported spare parts and components is growing. Owners of trucks and heavy equipment are forced to switch to independent maintenance of their vehicles. A number of companies have opted to outsource repair technicians.
Another significant way to save money is the purchase of non-original, but similar components. However, it is possible to purchase spare parts from official dealers, but more affordable price, which can be formed, for example, due to discounts, promotions or special programs manufacturer.
Experts ascertain the fact of the increase in the cost of servicing imported cars. In the conditions of the economic crisis, the companies that have domestic trucks and heavy special equipment on their balance sheets win. Spare parts, repairs, maintenance and the possibility of concluding partnership agreements - this luxury has become more affordable for owners of cars produced by Russian car factories.
If trucks and heavy equipment are not on warranty repair, then you should try to repair it yourself. To do this, it is necessary to have a highly qualified mechanic and a solid repair base. An important note: do-it-yourself repairs of imported cars, as well as components and assemblies, should be treated with caution. You can install low-quality "left" parts that will ruin the entire mechanism. Therefore, cars made in Russia still remain in a priority place in this matter.
The psychology of most people is arranged in such a way that they are ready to spend in full the means that they can earn. The more wage, the greater the cost. This also applies to the trucking business. Of course, you should invest finance only in those projects that will subsequently bring income.
For example, to hire a competent mechanic or to install a fuel control system. Faced with the need to reduce costs, it is necessary to analyze their validity. Perhaps such a policy will help the company not only ride out the hard times, but also develop subsequent success in its field.
Video: Rental of special equipment and cargo transportation services without intermediaries!
The cost of fuel accounts for about 30% of the total cost of maintaining a fleet of trucks. ExxonMobil collected recommendations from many experts, drivers and truck owners, and based on this information, specifically for drivers and truck owners, formulated 10 simple ways work optimization truck and fuel economy.
1. When driving a truck smooth braking- one of the main factors in fuel economy. When braking, kinetic energy is converted into unnecessary heat, so the driver must be prepared for potential danger and be able to take preventive measures so that the brake pedal has to be pressed as rarely and with minimal effort as possible.
2. Tire wear and maintenance play a critical role in the operation of trucks. Low pressure increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption. Optimal pressure And good grip— the key to safety and fuel economy. Tires should be inspected and checked regularly.
3. Commercial hauliers wishing to optimize the performance of their vehicles should implement the most Hi-tech. For example, freight forwarders McLaren Racing switched to trucks with Euro VI engines, implemented analysis from FleetBoard into their processes and began using Mobil Delvac 1 oils. As a result, they managed to improve fuel economy by 6% in six months.
4. The speed gained by the truck when driving on flat terrain should be used to overcome uneven and hilly sections of the road with the least expense fuel. Inertia movement can bring tangible benefits. It makes sense to calculate maneuvers in advance, especially if ahead Roundabout Circulation, turning, exiting, etc., as well as slowing down and using the terrain less often, so that the movement requires as little energy as possible.
5. The clutch pedal is your best friend and helper in fuel economy. Studies show that every upshift results in nearly 30% fuel savings. So move as far as you can high gear and if necessary, upshift through one. With proper use of the clutch, the engine should not run on high revs needlessly: they entail only increased consumption fuel and engine wear. In addition, in most trucks, especially modern ones, double release clutch is not needed and only increases fuel consumption.
6. Alan Wirgow, winner of the first Mobil Delvac 1 competition for McLaren Racing Truck Drivers with the Most Efficient Driving Technique, says that changing his driving style and using Euro VI technologies has allowed him to reduce idling fuel consumption to zero and drive a truck on optimum speed in terms of economy.
7. Drivers should strive to find the speed at which fuel consumption is optimal and stick to it whenever possible. The engine has a zone optimal speed- this is the name of the speed at which it works as efficiently as possible. Usually it is no more than 1500 rpm. The manufacturer will provide you with detailed information about the characteristics of your truck's engine and the optimum RPM zone.
8. Many truckers make a big mistake when choosing engine oil for their vehicles. High performance engine oil helps optimize truck performance and improve fuel economy. This statement is also proved by recent independent tests conducted by the British company Millbrook, one of the world leaders in the field of testing and development of vehicles. Tests have shown that Mobil Delvac 1 LE 5W-30 improves fuel economy by an average of 1.8%.
9. It's not just engine oil that affects truck performance, however. Cargo carriers should also remember that a lot depends on the oil in the transmission and rear axle. An example is fully synthetic transmission oil High performance Mobilube 1 SHC™ 75W-90 suitable for all drive types. Built with cutting-edge base oils and additives, Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 is proven to provide excellent transmission protection and fuel economy.
10. Brake system plays a crucial role in the operation of the truck, but if the car is equipped with a retarder, use it if possible so that the brake pads wear out less. Retarders are especially useful for slowing down or maintaining a constant speed on downhill slopes, as they help you maintain control by preventing the car from accelerating. They prevent premature wear and loss of efficiency. brake pads, inevitable with intensive use of friction brake mechanisms, and can significantly increase the life of the brake system.
Economy tires: is it possible to reduce fuel consumption due to tires
In the advertising materials of tire manufacturers, along with the words "durability", "good grip", "fast braking", there are always assurances of "economy", that is, a noticeable reduction in fuel consumption. Explained similar effect lower rolling resistance.
Of course, the speed with which the fuel level indicator in the tank tends to zero is influenced by many factors: from driving style to the mass of passengers. Also, there is no need to talk about the "thrift" of winter tires, since during their operation completely different qualities come into play, incompatible with the ease of rolling. Therefore, today we will get acquainted with the most common summer economical (or energy efficient) tires on the Russian market and find out whether it is worth counting on serious budget savings when using them.
A bit of theory
For novice car enthusiasts who first learned about tires with low rolling resistance, a logical question arises: what resists what and how does this relate to fuel consumption? The fact is that the outer (aka running) part of the tire, in contact with pavement, somewhat deformed - from rounded becomes flattened - and forms the so-called contact patch. When the car starts to move, the deformation process becomes continuous, the "spot" moves along the tire and provides traction. Thus, the less energy required to overcome the change in tire shape and the more easily the contact patch disengages from the pavement, the lower the amount of rolling resistance.
The deformation and contact patch is best demonstrated by a half-flat tire.
Main design characteristics tires that affect how easily it rolls on the road are the elasticity of the tread and sidewall materials, as well as the "stickiness" of the tread material to the road.
Among tires of the same diameter, wider tires with a larger contact patch have increased rolling resistance. Not economical and sports tires designed for driving high speeds, since the composition of the material from which they are made should provide maximum grip with the road surface.
By the way, the easiest way to reduce rolling resistance is to pump up tires. Here, the deformation decreases, and the contact patch becomes smaller. It’s just not worth pumping the wheels above the recommended values, since this significantly increases the braking distance, the car breaks into a skid more easily, and the ride comfort noticeably suffers, especially on rough roads.
Because in the usual passenger car Since tire resistance accounts for about 20% of all fuel consumption, it is not surprising that tire manufacturers are trying to increase the attractiveness of their products through this indicator. On average, reducing resistance by 10% saves about 1-2% of fuel.
What manufacturers promise us
Let's see how manufacturers try to reduce this "harmful" indicator, how effectively innovations manifest themselves in real conditions and, most importantly, how such changes affect such important properties tires like stability on the road various conditions and braking speed.
In tests summer tires, conducted by order of reputable domestic and foreign automotive magazines, the product of companies most often has the characteristic "low rolling resistance", and. Of course, almost all manufacturers offer such rubber today, but we will limit ourselves to the brands mentioned above that are popular in Russia.
Tires are the flagship of Nokian Tires' energy-efficient products. As stated on the concern's website, the rolling resistance of these tires is reduced by 15% compared to the previous model - . If we take "normal" tires, then the reduction reaches 40%.
Attempts to understand how such impressive results, end with the usual press release phrases about "specially designed tread and unique composition rubber compound". The only detail voiced by Nokian marketers is that the tires contain Finnish pine oil.
Another well-known manufacturer tire also has in its arsenal a "thrifty" tire -. However, here, too, they speak very sparingly about technology and design. Michelin is proud to be the first to add silicon (or, as it is also called, silica) to the rubber compound. However, today this mineral has become an integral part of the tires of any manufacturer. But on the merits of the issue, there is practically no information: "Reduced weight, unique composition, innovative design ..." Tire buyers are promised eighty liters of fuel savings over the entire mileage of a set of tires, which, in turn, will be ten thousand kilometers longer. All this, of course, is on average and compared to the same "ordinary" tires.
However, it would be naive to expect that tire manufacturers will begin to generously share the developments of engineers and technological secrets. So Pirelli announces "innovative materials" and "ELRR (Extra Low Rolling Resistance)" - an ultra-low rolling resistance system used in tires.
Slightly more verbose, GoodYear says that the EfficientGrip tire has an "improved carcass using special materials, lightening the weight of the product; an improved process for the development and production of a rubber compound with a new compound that delivers superior mileage, wet braking and rolling resistance." It also claims to reduce fuel consumption by 1.9% "compared to the top four competitors." , what kind of competitors, however, is not reported.
The advantages of an economical tire should be "a new silicon composition of the tread material, a modified contour and an asymmetric tread shape." The rolling resistance of this tire is 12% lower than that of the predecessor ContiEcoContact EP.
Summarizing the disparate information, we can conclude that in last years the main efforts of designers are aimed at reducing the weight of the tire by reducing the number of cord layers and tread thickness, as well as using it as part of a rubber compound synthetic materials, which have minimal energy loss during deformation.
Practice is the criterion of truth
Well, it's time to move on from the beautiful promises of the manufacturers of automobile "shoes" to practical results and see what the car owner gains and loses by purchasing economical tires.
The main question of all tests: is it possible, with a significant reduction in rolling resistance, to maintain high level tire qualities such as handling and traction on dry and wet road, hydroplaning resistance, good braking, etc.? And here the test reports are inexorable: perfect combination no manufacturer has yet been able to achieve efficiency and safety.
Yes, all "economy" tires that took part in the tests show a significant reduction in rolling resistance and more. low consumption fuel, but this always leads to a noticeable deterioration in other characteristics, albeit not fatal. So, the "green tire" Hokian demonstrates mediocre traction and handling on dry surfaces. A car with tires will not have the best better handling on wet pavement and hydroplaning. Pirelli's ultra-low rolling resistance system results in a noticeable increase stopping distance especially on wet surfaces. Owners Goodyear Efficient Grip it is worth being as collected as possible during the rain, especially if there are deep puddles on the way. Tires keep the driver in suspense on wet pavement and give a noticeable increase in braking distance on dry pavement.
In fairness, we note that all of the listed shortcomings are more or less noticeable in tests conducted in extreme conditions specialized landfills. During normal driving around the city and country roads, the probability of a serious impact of the "minuses" of economical tires on safety and driving comfort is extremely small.
The most complete defects of tires can be identified only at the test site
Thus, ceteris paribus energy efficient tires really live up to their name and are able to reduce fuel consumption. Another thing is that even the maximum results achieved under ideal test conditions are measured by 100-200 grams per 100 kilometers or saving several tens of liters per year. Accordingly, with daily (including weekends) trips of 100 kilometers, gasoline costs will be reduced by 100-150 rubles per month. In reality, the reduction in costs will be even less.
So it turns out that when choosing a new thing for your “iron horse”, you should first of all pay attention to the conditions in which it will be operated, handling and good grip. And if economy (albeit small) is also attached to this - wonderful, nice bonus hasn't bothered anyone yet.
From 15 to 60% savings on gasoline. That is how much you can get if you apply all the methods I have listed in this article. It's amazing how much gasoline we burn in vain literally out of the blue.
Find out how many extra liters YOU are wasting!
Method #0: Visit the service
Out of competition.
Increased fuel consumption can be caused by a number of breakdowns. Everything written in this article assumes that your car is serviceable.
Visit the service regularly.
Method #1: Decreasing Cx
Cx is the coefficient aerodynamic drag. How more machine similar to a bar of soap, the smaller it is.
For example, Gelendvagen, Cx=0.55:
Lada Priora, Cx=0.32:
Toyota Prius, Cx=0.25:
Racing car: Cx=0.16:
“Well, okay, I understand. And what should I do with my Gelendvagen? Is it a sledgehammer sharp corners tap?"
We will not tap the corners, but we will remove some of the unnecessary - good idea. Here is a useful table:
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If you have already forgotten the last time you used the roof rack, why not remove it?
And why every third mutilates his car with a “fly swatter”, I, apparently, will never understand. You can try to enlighten me in the comments.
Method number 2: Reducing the weight of the car
Well, this is understandable: less weight - less consumption.
Check if you are carrying unnecessary items with you ( Baby chair, winter tires and cylinders with "non-freezing" in the summer).
Have you thought about installing additional soundproofing? Remember that it will increase the weight of your car by 50-100 kg, and the consumption by 0.4-0.7 liters. That is, you will pay for sound insulation for the entire life of the car.
In countries with excellent roads, it is wise to remove the spare tire. True, I heard that new cars there are not equipped with it anyway. In Russia, such a "trick" can hardly be called successful. I don't know how the roads are in Ukraine.
Method #3: Change your driving style
For some, there are endless savings here (And according to the boring German Traffic Safety Council - up to 25%).
What is the most economical driving style?
Ask your grandfather: "smart" speed selection, smooth acceleration and deceleration. You also need to take into account the work of traffic lights and traffic situation generally. In a nutshell: the less you use the brake, the less consumption.
Method #4: Choose your travel time wisely
If you're stuck in traffic, you're wasting gas.
Maybe it makes sense to leave with a margin? Maybe even at 6 am? Yes, you will arrive earlier, but you will save time and fuel, and the remaining hour can be devoted, for example, to reading Lifehacker.
I also do not go to the center on weekdays. I save all these things and do them in one fell swoop on Sunday, when the roads are much freer.
Method #5: Choose Your Route Wisely
Lifehacker regularly articles about navigators. Many navigators are equipped with traffic alerts. On other days, this can save you several hours of time and a couple of liters of gasoline.
By the way, friends, it will be great if you write your favorite service in the comments. I'm just looking at this topic.
Method #6: Use cruising speed on the track
Cruise speed is the speed at which fuel consumption is at a minimum. Most often, it is achieved last gear at a speed of 2-2.5 thousand rpm.
The more powerful the car, the higher the cruising speed. For my “suffocating” Ford Fiesta (83 hp), this speed is about 90 km / h.
An increase in speed above cruising will inevitably lead to an increase in consumption. How much? Take for example the VAZ 2105:
- 80 km / h - 7 liters per 100 km
- 100 km/h - 11 liters per 100 km (.
Often cruising speed indicate in service book car. See if you have it listed there.
Method number 7: Choose the right gear
As I said, fuel consumption is minimal when the tachometer is 2-2.5 thousand rpm. Try to always choose such a gear to move at these speeds.
IN modern machines sometimes a special prompt is installed that signals when to switch up or down. At the end of the trip, such a car may even give you an "evaluation for the environment."
If you have an automatic, then, of course, you don’t have to think about the chosen speed.
Method number 8: The choice of rubber
Some tires use more fuel than others. The difference can reach 0.5 liters per 100 km. Agree, a lot?
Choosing economical tires, do not rely on the manufacturer's data, but on real tests that are carried out by all leading auto publications.
Method number 9: Do not put wheels of a larger radius
Many put wheels on their cars larger radius, for example, R16 instead of R14. Of course, we can agree that the car looks “cooler” this way:
But, unfortunately, you will have to pay for this with an increase in consumption.
How much?
I did not find reliable data, but there is a belief that 1 cm of radius adds 1 liter per 100 km to the consumption. Not a lot.
Method number 10: Correct tire pressure
I will not advise you to pump tires. Yes, it will reduce consumption, but at what cost? It is wiser to pump them up according to the upper bar recommended by the manufacturer.
Here it is said that pressure reduction from 2.0 kg/sq. cm up to 1.5 kg/sq. cm leads to an excessive consumption of fuel by about 3%.
Keep an eye on the pressure in your tires. Or pay in rubles.
Method number 11: Buy a heated garage
Warming up a car in winter is not easy, and while it is warming up, precious gasoline is burning. A heated garage can solve this problem in the bud.
Method number 12: Get a discount card
You will laugh, but I stopped by the same gas station for years, and only recently thought of getting a discount card there. This took me 5 minutes. Now I save 3% on every refill. I'm sure most major chains have something similar.
Bad Method #1: Turning Off Electrical Appliances
Of course, if you turn off the air conditioner in the heat and sweat, then the consumption will decrease significantly (by about 2 l / 100 km). Opening windows is not an option. You remember that in this case the aerodynamics of the car will deteriorate. "Behind the wheel" even somehow conducted an experiment: what eats more fuel - air conditioning or open windows. For the life of me, I don't remember the result. Write in the comments who also read this article, how it all ended for them.
From the same series turning off headlights, music, heated seats.
I do not consider this method of saving successful. If you are going to give up comfort in the car, then you have to go all the way and switch to a bicycle.
Bad method number 2: Driving in the "air shadow" of a large truck
On the track, you can fit tightly behind a crawling truck and ride in its "aeroteny". They say that this way you can save as much as 3% of gasoline.
I would like to see a person who cares so much about the environment that he is ready for a long time"swallow" the exhaust of Kamaz. And the truck driver, it seems to me, will not endure such a “hare” for a long time and will try to do something. Yes, and about "Keep your distance" you can forget.
In short, a way for freaks.
Bad Method #3: Engine Additives
I mean "wonder additives" that are poured into the gas tank or crankcase and which promise fuel economy. I have followed this topic in my time, but not once has any automotive publisher been able to identify any significant savings.
For myself, I put an end to this topic. Or do you have other experience? Write in the comments.
Bad Method #4: Driving in Neutral
When the car rolls down a hill or coasts to a traffic light, you can put the gear lever in the neutral position. The car stops braking by the engine, which means we save. Here is such a theory.
However, it is proved that even fuel economy cannot be achieved. At the same time, driving in neutral can be dangerous - in right moment you just can't pick up speed quickly. And this may be necessary, for example, in the event of a skid.
To tell you the truth, sometimes I do it myself. I will survive!
Bad Method #5: Buying an Electric or Hybrid Vehicle
Electric cars have big benefits in some countries: tax breaks in Japan and Norway, free parking in London, dedicated lanes in Norway.
The owners of hybrids, and even more so of electric vehicles, are wonderful people who make our air cleaner. But I can’t recognize the successful purchase of an electric car only as a means of saving money. Even in the US, a hybrid starts to pay for itself only after 90,000 km. I won’t be surprised if in Russia it doesn’t pay off in principle. No benefits for you, and the prices for these cars are sky high.
What ways to save money have I missed?
Write in the comments!
I will also be happy to laugh with you at bad ideas.
