How to reduce gas mileage in a car
How to save money at gas stations?
The desire to save on fuel consumption is something immortal. Even with the cost of a liter of gasoline being 10 kopecks (this has happened in history!), Homo sapiens went to any lengths to reduce fuel costs. Today, as we know, gasoline costs slightly more than 10 kopecks, and therefore interest in the topic is alive and well.
Well, let's remember the main ways to implement the idea.
cleaning gasolines
As for talking about comparing, for example, 92s and 95s, you shouldn’t count on real savings. In addition, Europe has already abandoned 92.
Engine oil
Engine oil
You can't save much here. Almost all modern oils (above SL) can be considered energy-saving, and therefore we can only talk about some kind of gain in comparison with the ancient mineral water 15W-40 class SJ. However, the numbers in this case can be quite good – 5–6 percent. And in certain modes - for example, minimum stable idle - up to 10%. True, lately they have been trying hard to accustom us to 0W-20 oils - they say, the savings are obvious: oil is like water. Well, in winter, yes, it’s possible. But in the summer there can be troubles.
High voltage wires and spark plugs
spark plug
Everything is clear with candles. The energy of the spark discharge gives impetus to the flame front, the speed of propagation of which directly affects efficiency, power, ecology, etc. The speed of flame propagation depends on the squared temperature, and the temperature in the initial phase, when the flame is still “sitting” in the interelectrode space, depends on the discharge energy. This dependence is especially noticeable when ignition is difficult - at low voltage in the primary ignition circuit, at minimum idle speed and low load conditions, when there are a lot of residual gases in the chamber. Our tests have shown that a well-chosen pair of spark plug plus wire can improve engine efficiency by 2–3%.
A lot also depends on the gap in the spark plugs. The larger the gap, the larger the spark, and therefore the size of the initial source of ignition. And the speed of propagation of the flame front strongly depends on the geometric size of the initial ignition zone. But as the gap increases, so does its resistance. This means that breakdown will occur at a higher voltage in the secondary circuit. And it is important that this voltage is generally enough for a breakdown! Therefore, for injection engines, in which the voltage in the secondary circuit is higher than that of carburetor engines, it is recommended to set larger gaps. In addition, as the gap increases, the likelihood of shunting the electrodes with all sorts of “soot bridges” decreases - this is also important.
From candles to wires. Owners of old ladies should know that good wires regularly contribute their two cents to economic theory. The quality and tightness of the contact tip, the tightness of the cap, the amount of distributed resistance, as well as the length of the wire play a role here. The last circumstance is especially interesting. Almost all wire manufacturers offer consumers products of different lengths for ease of installation. However, in this case, spark discharges have to travel different distances, and therefore the uniform operation of the internal combustion engine is disrupted. If the wires had zero resistance, then, of course, there would be no difference, but according to ISO standards, radio interference tolerances must be met. Therefore, resistance is present both in the spark plugs and in the wires, and no one tracks the total resistance of the pair. That would be nice.
Air filter
Oil filters also affect consumption, but relatively little. And here the filter size influences to a certain extent. After all, it acts as a small engine oil cooler, which can contain up to 10-20% of the total oil volume.
According to the results of our tests, installing a “cool” filter can improve the efficiency of the machine by a couple of percent.
Gas station
Which is better: compressed or liquefied? Compressed is methane, liquefied is a propane-butane mixture. Liquefied is significantly higher in calories, and the cylinders for storing it are more compact. But it is heavier than air, and therefore, if you store a car in a garage, there may be problems: if there is a leak, it does not rise up and is not ventilated like methane, but accumulates below. He loves pits and all sorts of cellars: it’s not easy to pump him out of there. And this is a fire hazard. Such cars are often simply not allowed into underground parking lots.
Fuel equipment for liquefied gas is simpler and cheaper, and there are significantly more gas stations - also an argument in its favor. Compressed gas is cheaper, less fire hazardous, and more environmentally friendly - after all, it is methane, and it burns better than a propane-butane mixture.
Additives of all stripes
Gas station in Africa
Let’s be careful: never pour any kind of drugs into at least warranty vehicles. After the warranty period expires, experiment for your health. As for the Zarulev tests, in some cases small fuel savings were actually achieved - within a couple of percent.
We have never recorded the promised 8-10 percent or more. Let us immediately note that the promised effect can usually be used to judge the seriousness of the authors of the idea. Only charlatans promise savings of 20, 30 or more percent. In any case, in our experience, no one has yet been able to unearth tens of percent savings hidden inside in a well-functioning and perfected design of an internal combustion engine. If we see it, we'll let you know right away.
Energy saving tires
Simpler methods include following the instructions regarding the pressure in standard tires when driving at high speeds. By raising the pressure by 0.2 bar before a long journey, we will ensure slightly lower fuel consumption. And we advise all, all, all car enthusiasts to simply monitor the tire pressure. A reduced tire worsens the economy, handling and resistance of the tire sidewall to punctures on the potholes of our roads. And over-inflated tires make the car too harsh.
Remove the stock catalytic converter
catalyst
This, of course, is not Zarulev’s approach to business, but you can dream up. If the neutralizer is in working condition, the behavior of the motor will remain virtually unchanged. Its resistance is not so great as to “jam” the release. But if it is completely clogged with deposits and acts as a kind of “plug” at the outlet, then the engine will, of course, feel it. If we consider such sadism as a way to save money, it will work, of course. But at the same time you become a criminal, polluting the atmosphere.
Magnets for motor efficiency
The most remarkable fuel savers known. There is no sense, but, as a rule, there is no harm either. We won’t discuss it: we’re tired of it. For those interested, read here.
What if you apply everything at once?
Once we conducted a similar experiment on a standard VAZ engine, bringing together the winners of the examinations of recent years. The idea was simple: first we drove the engine in standard configuration on regular gasoline, and then slowly began to throw “candy” to the engine. We started with cleaning gasoline, then changed the spark plugs to iridium ones, then changed the air filter to a Bosch filter, and filled in Shell cool oil. And every time we monitored: is there a difference in the behavior of the motor?
There is a difference – and a significant one. The best components at the time of testing, installed on a conventional engine with the Cinderella package, gave a total effect on fuel consumption of about 9%. It is curious that the simple sum of the effects recorded from each product in “single skating” turned out to be higher. This is how it should have been - there is a complete analogy with the children's problem mentioned above. A simple addition of effects does not work - there is always a mutual influence of processes in the motor.
Why isn’t all this improved technology used on an assembly line? Because of the money, of course.
Ultimate Weapon
The planet Mars
The famous science fiction writer Robert Sheckley had a creepy story called “The Ultimate Weapon.” A lost arsenal with unimaginable weapons was found on Mars, and the last thing they found was a box with the inscription “Absolute Weapon.” They foolishly opened it - a certain cloud floated out and began to devour everything - it needed protoplasm. And he didn’t care about force fields and other tricks of less advanced types of military equipment. In short, everyone died.
Most drivers simply cannot imagine how they can drive a car without sudden braking and acceleration. You need to be the first to leave the intersection, and attempts to get in front of your nose should be nipped in the bud. Meanwhile, the main reserve in terms of savings is precisely here: after all, the main energy is required precisely to impart acceleration to the mass. Therefore, fuel consumption on the same car under the same conditions can easily differ by tens or even hundreds of percent!
ZR conducted similar experiments several times. A typical example was described here, and the reaction of NAMI specialists was also noted there. The point is that a production Volvo S60 car with an automatic transmission and a 170-horsepower engine easily covered 1,440 km on one tank, running from Moscow to St. Petersburg and back without refueling. At the same time, I can’t say that it was a snail’s pace - not at all. But nevertheless, the information then caused a very negative reaction among many: since I bought a powerful car, there is no need to worry about my wallet: I pressed the right pedal and rushed.
Yes, of course - most people drive like that. But we are now discussing ways to save fuel. And the majority mentioned above have to refuel the car even on a one-way trip. I've driven 500 kilometers, and the 70-liter tank is already winking - they say, it should be added. Here's a savings of hundreds of percent: 500 or 1440 km - is there a difference?
Instead of an epilogue, or Do no harm
Overloaded car
As you can see, there are relatively few ways to save fuel. But in return there are a whole bunch of options to waste it aimlessly. For those who are not afraid to recognize their own in one of these options, we invite you to look here.
Good luck to everyone on the roads... and at the gas station!
We have collected the best publications about fuel in the thematic collection “Fuel at gas stations: everything you need to know.”
Ways to save fuel: myths and reality
Owning a four-wheeled vehicle once again confirms the fact that a car is not a cheap pleasure. The biggest expense item, perhaps, is refueling the iron horse, and therefore recently a great many gadgets have appeared on the market that, according to their manufacturers, are capable of putting your car on a fuel diet.
Devices for saving fuel in a car: justified skepticism
Technological progress seems to have reached the most unimaginable areas of our lives. More recently, we could not even think that the widest range of all kinds of technical tricks responsible for reducing the car’s appetite would be presented on the market. However, as practice shows, in reality these promising innovative “things” do not always bring any tangible effect, and, accordingly, no financial benefit. So how can you reduce your car’s fuel consumption using mechanical gadgets, and is it worth doing at all?
Recently, the most advertised device in this area is the so-called cavitator . It is worth recognizing that behind a very vague word lies an explanation for the effectiveness of this device that is no less difficult for the average person to understand. According to its developers, the operating principle of the device is to instantly convert fuel into a gaseous state, which in turn leads to an increase in its combustible characteristics. In reality, this miracle of engineering looks like a small tube of variable cross-section that is integrated into the car’s fuel system behind the fuel pump. Of course, we can assume that a device with a claim to the scientifically proven nature of its origin is an excellent option for those who want to save on gasoline. However, in practice, this rather expensive device does not produce noticeable results. At the very least, you will have to travel more than one thousand kilometers to at least pay for the “gadget” itself.
Another very popular device for reducing fuel consumption are magnets . In theory, they allow fuel to be broken down into its basic elements. In practice, everything is much sadder: not only is this device expensive, but it can also cause damage to sensitive car electronics.
Ignition amplifiers also continue to remain afloat . True, their usefulness raises huge doubts due to the frankly dilapidated scientific background. Yes, during the inception of the internal combustion engine, this system, quite possibly, could have been called a more or less effective device for saving fuel, but in the conditions of far-reaching technological progress in engine building, the use of ignition amplifiers has lost all relevance.
Another know-how, which upon closer examination appears to be just unnecessary tinsel, is an engine ionizer . Installing it will definitely not help you reduce fuel consumption. Moreover, the use of this design can be fraught with very negative consequences: for example, its improper installation can cause a short circuit, and hence a fire.
Gasoline saving and driving style
In any driving tutorial you will find the most reliable information on techniques for reducing car fuel consumption. And they all boil down to one recommendation - improve your driving skills. How exactly should you drive to reduce fuel consumption?
Firstly, every experienced driver knows that you should not press the brake pedal thoughtlessly. This does not mean at all that you have to ram other road users - you just need to choose the distance wisely so as not to push the brake pedal to the floor later.
Secondly, you should avoid sudden acceleration when starting from a traffic light. Those who like to “shoot” when the signal is green will have to be prepared for the fact that their excessive ardor will be punished with a ruble during the next refueling.
Some car enthusiasts sometimes reach the point of outright absurdity, insisting, for example, that it is necessary to use comfort benefits such as air conditioning, heated seats, and an audio system as little as possible. Proponents of this theory claim that when driving with the air conditioning turned on at full power, fuel consumption can increase by an average of 15%, and with the multimedia system always on - by 7%. In the same category, which can be conditionally called dubious advice, it is worth including the opinion that you should try to drive with the windows up: they say, an open window creates unnecessary aerodynamic turbulence that does not help save gas on a car. Perhaps there is some truth in this, but even if more fuel is consumed in this case, these figures are truly scanty. But street racers and tuning enthusiasts should really pay attention to the fact that spoilers, wide wheels, popularly called rollers, and other unauthorized technical interventions in the car’s design can actually noticeably worsen the aerodynamics, which will cause an increase in the car’s gluttony.
Car overload is another factor that does not contribute to fuel economy. There is an opinion that by overloading the car, we unknowingly cause an increase in fuel consumption. According to statistics, an additional 100 kg of weight on board leads to an increase in fuel consumption by about 10%.
However, the driver's total concentration on only thoughts about fuel economy can become a kind of distraction from much more important things, such as, for example, monitoring the traffic situation. Thus, you should not focus too much on ways to save gasoline.
Does the technical condition of car components affect the reduction of fuel consumption?
Before purchasing various fuel-saving devices and changing your driving style, it is advisable to think about this: is everything technically normal with your car? As experts assure, flaws in the operation of certain vehicle components can lead to increased fuel consumption.
For example, driving a car with a cold engine can increase fuel consumption by an impressive 10%. Contamination of elements such as the air filter and fuel injectors can also have an adverse effect in this regard.
It is worth paying attention to the tire pressure. Studies have shown that under-inflated tires are the second most important determinant of increased fuel consumption after a clogged air filter. The pressure indicators recommended by the manufacturer can always be found by looking at the vehicle’s operating instructions.
Thus, a car owner should be very savvy in the matter of fuel economy so as not to follow the lead of marketers who want to impose expensive and sometimes not very effective devices for saving gasoline. Identifying devices that truly meet their intended purpose from those on the Russian market today is an extremely difficult task. In pursuit of savings, you risk losing even more due to the thoughtless purchase of pseudo-economical fuel devices. So it turns out that it’s better to use the old-fashioned method and slightly adjust your driving style. And of course, you should never forget about the technical condition of your car, much less treat it with negligence.
Don’t overload your car with all sorts of newfangled options that are often imposed when buying a car. Of course, their presence is unlikely to lead to a significant increase in fuel consumption, but, in fact, more than half of them will not be useful to you. In the end, no one will stop you from purchasing this or that device if there is an urgent need for it.
Secret savings. How to reduce fuel consumption in a car by 2 times?
No gas attacks
Fuel consumption is affected by many factors. First of all, these are aerodynamics, engine power and thrust at low speeds, as well as road surface resistance. A lot of energy is spent accelerating to cruising speeds, but then the force is spent exclusively on overcoming the resistance of the environment. Therefore, to reduce emissions of harmful substances from the exhaust pipe, environmentalists recommend resorting to a simple mechanism for handling the gas pedal. You can press it only at the start, but after a speed of 30 km/h, light touches are enough. Then the engine will not spin above 2500 rpm. And this is quite enough for living in the city.
Modern engines have good low-end performance. Thanks to direct injection, it is possible to achieve 80% of the torque at 1200 rpm. If the engine is also equipped with a variable valve timing system, then 80% of the thrust is available from 1000 rpm. This means that for a smooth start and acceleration there is no need to accelerate. By the way, according to the standards of the average European cycle, acceleration to “hundreds” is carried out in 30 seconds, and such dynamics occur within 2000 rpm.
Keeping the engine from overrevving is not easy. If the car is equipped with a manual manual transmission, then you can smoothly release the pedal already at idle, and the engine, equipped with electronic injection, will raise the thrust slightly so as not to stall. New BMW and MINI models already have a driverless start system. To avoid unnecessary gas changes, the electronics itself sets the correct fuel supply level.
The higher the better
But then you need to reach top gear as quickly as possible. At a speed of 30 km/h, you need to turn on the fourth stage, and at 60 km/h you need to put it in “sixth”. Then the engine will spin below 2000 rpm, fuel consumption will drop significantly. For example, at 3 thousand rpm, 3.5 times more fuel is consumed than at 1500 rpm.
Thus, driving at a speed of 50-60 km/h in top gear will reduce the consumption of the 1.6-liter engine to 4-5 liters per “hundred”. This technique is useful when the fuel level is zero, when you need to use your last strength to reach the nearest gas station.
In addition, modern cars use a Start-Stop system that automatically turns off the engine during forced stops. On the “old ladies” you can turn off the engine yourself. Standing in traffic jams and in front of traffic lights without a running power unit adds up to another 5% fuel savings. But here we must remember that frequent starts harm the mechanics, and it is better to turn off the engine at stops lasting more than one minute.
Tires and aerodynamics
Well-inflated tires help save fuel. Many manufacturers, under standard conditions, recommend inflating the front wheels to 2.2 bar, and the rear wheels to 2.3 bar. This is the most comfortable pressure for R16 and R17 wheels. But many do not take care of their tires for months, allow the pressure to bleed and forget that on a loaded car the tire sags, increasing the contact patch, which leads to increased wear and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, to travel with your family to the country with simple belongings in the trunk, you need to increase the tire pressure. Each car model and wheel size has its own value. For example, on a Focus II with 205/55 R 17 wheels, it is recommended to run 2.8 bar in the rear tires. And on the Ford Mondeo, the rear wheels 215/50 R 17 are recommended to pump up to 2.9 bar. Then the contact patch of the wheels with the asphalt will be straightened to standard values and will decrease by approximately 1.5 times compared to the minimum pressure threshold. As a result, rolling resistance on asphalt will decrease. And this is approximately 10% fuel savings. But before pumping up the wheels, you need to look at the instructions.
“The pressure recommended for a particular car can be found on special stickers, which are usually located on the gas tank flap, in the door opening or on the glove compartment,” says Alexey Zayakin, head of the brand promotion and internal communications group at Nokian Tiers LLC . “Following the automaker’s recommendations will have a positive impact on tire performance: traction, aquaplaning resistance, fuel efficiency and tire mileage.”
But the most important thing is that in order to avoid an increase in fuel consumption, the aerodynamics of the car must not be disrupted. A roof rack, ridiculous sports body kits and collective farm wings can significantly distort the passage of air flow through the car body. Turbulent turbulences arise behind the stern, forming a zone of low pressure that sucks the car back, preventing its movement. Now all cars are blown in wind tunnels, where engineers try to arrange the body in such a way that the air flow is dumped and chaotized far aft. The most optimal body type from an aerodynamic point of view is a sedan.
In general, these simple tips can help you save on gasoline. Tests in domestic magazines have shown that thanks to a set of these rules, it is possible to reduce the consumption of a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine in C-class cars with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive to 3.5-4 liters of gasoline per 100 km. True, driving so economically is a lot of work.
How to reduce gas mileage in a car
The number of car owners is growing every year. But not every one of them is ready for such expenses. If it is impossible to abandon the vehicle, then you can reduce the cost of servicing it. The easiest way is to save on fuel. This means it's worth exploring ways to reduce gas mileage without harming your car.
Principles of gasoline consumption
Fuel consumption (the amount of gasoline that a car consumes per unit of time) is considered a relative value. This parameter depends on:
- The volume of a vehicle's engine - the larger it is (in this case, we mean the total volume of the cylinders), the more gasoline is burned during 1 cycle of engine operation. Now there are special devices that help reduce fuel costs. Such devices include the injector and throttle valve.
- The mass of the car (the ratio of the mass of the car and the engine power), acceleration, speed, and therefore fuel consumption depend on this. The heavier the car, the more difficult it is to make it move, which means that an increased supply of gasoline will be provided to the combustion chamber.
- Aerodynamic qualities - the less the car resists the air flow, the less the engine needs to work, and therefore consume gasoline.
Reasons for increased fuel consumption
The main reason for increased gasoline consumption is the unsatisfactory technical condition of the car.
In this case, neither the presence of additives nor measured driving will help you save money. This applies to the following faults:
- malfunction of the power unit (spark plug, stretched drive belt);
- failure of the sensors that are responsible for monitoring the operation of the fuel injection system;
- breakdown of the suspension, transmission or entire braking system;
- clogged filters (air, fuel);
- decrease in pressure in car tires, operation of tires whose type does not correspond to the season, tire wear;
- Incorrectly set camber or toe angle.
Excessive fuel consumption can also be caused by prolonged warm-up (three minutes is enough to achieve the goal, after which you can start driving the car at low speeds).
17 ways to save fuel
There are many ways to save gasoline for domestic and foreign cars with automatic and manual transmissions. By combining these methods, maximum fuel economy can be achieved. Let's consider options on how to reduce fuel consumption.
The car needs to be inspected periodically
Periodic inspection will help maintain the optimal technical condition of the vehicle. Thanks to this, the vehicle will not exceed consumption indicators.
Technical inspection includes:
- regular replacement of filters;
- checking the correct operation of the ignition;
- determining tire pressure levels, etc.
It is necessary to select the right oil
During engine operation, all its moving parts are subject to friction. To reduce it and thereby protect parts from premature wear, oil is used. Only a high-quality certified product that matches the engine parameters copes with the task.
Do not use an aggressive driving style
A car is an object that is simultaneously subject to the forces of attraction, resistance and friction. To start moving, you need to supply fuel, then mix it with air, ignite it, resulting in the generation of energy that needs to be transferred to the drive wheels. Thanks to this, the car is able to overcome all the forces listed above. It is almost impossible to do this while the product is motionless. It follows from this that a sharp start requires increased fuel consumption. This also applies to sudden braking.
Affects fuel consumption and engine speed (this cannot be avoided during aggressive driving). To reduce it, it is recommended to pick up speed evenly and maintain medium speed throughout the journey.
Aerodynamics and seasonality of tires
This requirement is related to the laws of physics. While driving, the tires come into contact with the ground, causing friction. If the tires are flat, the friction force will increase, which means the gas mileage will increase. Therefore, you need to regularly check the pressure, which is not only a way to save money, but also a safety requirement.
The seasonality of tires is also important. For example, if you try to drive on summer tires on a slippery surface in winter, then due to the lack of friction the car will stand still (or drive slowly), but at the same time the number of engine revolutions will increase.
Monitor the status of all working devices
The operation of all available devices in the car requires increased gasoline consumption.
This applies to the air conditioner, car radio, constantly working headlights, heating stove. Their use is not always advisable. Their rational inclusion will save a lot of money.
Get rid of some decorative elements
At first glance, decorative elements are in no way connected with the engine, and therefore cannot affect the amount of fuel. But that's not true. Tuning elements can reduce the aerodynamics of the car, which is why air flow resistance increases, and with it fuel consumption. This also applies to spatial body kits and the installation of larger wheels.
Choose the right fuel brand
Different brands of gasoline differ not only in cost, but also in octane number. The higher this number, the better the dynamic characteristics of the car. But at the same time, fuel consumption also increases. Therefore, to save gasoline, it is recommended to carefully study the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. This will help you find out whether you can fill your car with gasoline with a lower octane rating. As practice shows, the older the car, the fewer requirements are placed on the fuel used.
Use additives
Additives are special substances that are designed to save fuel. This method allows you to reduce fuel consumption by a maximum of 10% (manufacturers claim this, but, as practice shows, the percentage does not exceed 3-4). It is not recommended to resort to these actions if the car is still under warranty.
Take into account the weight of the car
The vehicle's technical passport indicates its weight and consumption rate. As weight increases, gasoline consumption also increases. The weight of the vehicle may increase due to loading passengers and carrying luggage. This additional load increases the load on the vehicle's chassis. The car compensates for this load by increasing fuel consumption.
When loading, it is worth considering the following statistics - every 50 kg of cargo increases gasoline consumption by 2%.
Avoid ventilation and air conditioning
Avoiding air conditioning and other electrical appliances will help reduce fuel consumption. Most often, such devices are powered by the engine, which can be found out if you stop the vehicle and turn on, for example, the air conditioner. After this, you can notice changes on the tachometer - the number of revolutions will increase.
Other electrical appliances can be powered by a battery, but this is powered by a generator, which is powered by the engine. This is associated with increased gasoline consumption. In winter, it is recommended to abandon the built-in stove and use autonomous heaters
A sufficient level of vehicle aerodynamics is one of the key factors in the rational use of fuel. Even open windows or a sunroof can reduce aerodynamics, so in order to save money, it is recommended to travel with the windows up.
Install gas equipment
The most radical way to save gasoline can be considered the installation of gas cylinder equipment (LPG). Among the advantages are not only reduced financial costs for fuel, but also reduced noise levels, increased exhaust purity, and smoother engine operation. But when choosing, it is worth taking into account the appearance of some inconveniences, among which the main ones are a decrease in trunk volume and a decrease in driving dynamics (the acceleration speed will also decrease).
Remove the stock catalytic converter
This method will only be effective if the catalytic converter is faulty. If the part is in working condition, then its resistance is not enough to slow down the release. Problems arise if the neutralizer is clogged with deposits.
Monitor your speed limit
Each manufacturer in the car instructions indicates the recommended crankshaft frequency, which corresponds to the selected speed. When regularly driving at high speeds, there is a risk of excessive fuel consumption, since this is required by the selected engine operating mode.
Insulate the engine
It is necessary to insulate the engine with the onset of the first cold weather. This will reduce the warm-up time (and this will lead to a reduction in fuel consumption and saving personal time). For this purpose, it is not necessary to cover the engine with blankets; moreover, they are flammable, which is not suitable for motorists due to safety precautions. Specialized stores offer a wide range of compact insulation materials that can retain heat and withstand both high and low temperatures. Therefore, in the summer it is not necessary to remove the insulation.
The use of such materials allows you to maintain the desired temperature level of a heated engine for a long time, while the owner of the vehicle gets out of it to do his business.
Use savers
This method of saving fuel is considered unconventional. Now there are several types of savers:
- Magnetic. They are marked Fuel Free, Fuel Saver. These devices are installed on the gasoline supply hose, and they should be installed as close as possible to the supply units and main cylinders. The principle of operation of magnetic savers is as follows. Neodymium magnets create a powerful magnetic field that directly affects the molecular structure of gasoline. When magnetic field lines intersect, the characteristics of the fuel change (distortion of surface tension, increased polarization of molecules, increased solubility of oxygen, decreased detonation resistance).
- To equalize the operation of the electrical network (Fuel Shark) - an electrolytic capacitor. Powered by the vehicle's network. Serves to reduce the load on the battery. Thanks to the work of the saver, the operation of the electrical network is leveled, which guarantees a stable voltage supply to the ignition system. The result is efficient combustion of fuel. This device is installed in the cigarette lighter socket.
- Cavitator. Converts liquid fuel into gaseous fuel. In the liquid state, fuel molecules form long chains, which results in low combustion efficiency. This device destroys these chains, but the dynamic parameters of the car will be preserved. The cavitator has a variable cross-section tube and a filter. The device is installed behind the fuel pump.
- ATW impulse. Suitable for cars with a 12 V battery. This saver must be connected to the battery terminals. The device helps speed up battery charging, thereby reducing the energy costs of the generator.
Choose manual over automatic transmission
An automatic transmission does not allow the driver to control fuel consumption, while a manual transmission is more rational to use.
Statistics show that cars with automatic transmission consume 10% more gasoline.
The most economical in this case is a robotic gearbox.
Make a travel plan
This method of saving is most effective in case of a long trip. You can calculate in advance the shortest and optimal path to your destination, and then clearly follow the constructed route.
If the car is used for daily trips to work along the same route, then you can always take travel companions with you. In such cases, the cost of gasoline can be divided among several people. This principle is also effective for out-of-town trips.
How to reduce fuel consumption in a car with an automatic transmission?
An automatic transmission does not allow you to independently regulate engine operation, so the methods described are not always suitable for such cars. In this case, you can adhere to the following recommendations:
- when stopping, it is better to put the gearbox lever in neutral position, this will disconnect the transmission from the engine;
- when driving on country roads, experts advise turning on cruise control;
- If a car with an automatic transmission has a Winter mode, then you should use it as often as possible (this mode serves to significantly reduce the load on the engine, this happens by engaging a lower gear at low speeds).
Cars with an automatic transmission a priori consume 15% more gasoline than cars with a manual transmission. If these recommendations are followed, this difference can be reduced to almost zero, which will also increase the effectiveness of other saving methods.
Gasoline savings can be reasonable. It doesn't take much effort. You can refuse the air conditioner, put old dumbbells out of the trunk, and also contact specialists in a timely manner for technical inspection and repair of breakdowns. Knowing how to reduce gasoline consumption in a car, you can reduce your own financial costs, and therefore improve your quality of life.
How to most effectively reduce fuel consumption: advice from auto experts
Having a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine requires regular refueling with gasoline or diesel. At the same time, the money spent on purchasing fuel constitutes one of the main expenses associated with operating a car. Naturally, after several visits to gas stations, any car owner has a desire not only to reduce the cost of refueling the car, but also how to reduce fuel consumption. In this case, the most optimal solution is to purchase an economical vehicle, however, since the choice has already been made, then all that remains is to rely on personal feelings and/or listen to the opinions of more experienced drivers and auto mechanics.
Causes of excessive fuel consumption
The main reasons for high fuel consumption lie in the technical condition of the car. If it is in unsatisfactory technical condition, then no amount of tricks (economical driving, use of various additives and fuel savers) will help solve this problem. Among the large number of breakdowns that can contribute to an increase in fuel consumption, the most common malfunctions are:
- power unit (the spark plug has failed, the timing belt has stretched, the ignition has failed, etc.);
- one of the sensors that monitor the operation of the fuel injection system (lambda probe, mass air flow sensor, oxygen sensor, etc.);
- suspension, braking system or transmission.
- No less often is the use of filters clogged with dirt: air and/or fuel;
- Excessive consumption of gasoline or diesel is also facilitated by the abuse of prolonged warm-up of the power unit. In practice, you should not warm up the car engine for more than three minutes. This time is quite enough to disperse the engine oil through all friction units and pairs. After 3 minutes, you can start driving at low speeds (up to 2000 rpm) - in this case, fuel consumption will be less and the engine will warm up faster;
- When it comes to fuel economy, not the least important thing is the tire pressure of the car, which must be regularly monitored and maintained within the limits specified in its operating manual. The type (winter, summer, all-season), tread pattern and amount of wear of the tires installed on the car also matter;
- significantly affects the consumption of gasoline or diesel and an incorrectly set wheel camber/toe angle. It is recommended to check it every 15...20 thousand kilometers;
- Excessive enthusiasm for external body kit (tuning) also leads to increased fuel consumption. This is especially true for elements made using handicraft methods. But the standard trunk, fly swatter, false arches and other body kit elements significantly worsen the aerodynamics of the car, which also leads to its overspending;
- open windows worsen the aerodynamics of the car, especially when driving at speeds over 60 km/h;
- The driving style of each individual driver cannot be discounted. An overly aggressive driving style, with a constant sharp increase in speed and no less sharp braking, causes unreasonably high consumption of gasoline or diesel;
In addition, if for no apparent reason the consumption of gasoline/diesel has increased significantly, you must visit a licensed service station, where, using special instruments, experienced specialists will be able to identify and eliminate the malfunction.
Ways to reduce fuel consumption
In practice, there are a large number of different techniques that allow you to maintain the fuel consumption that is normatively established for a particular vehicle. At the same time, numerous experts and specialists consider the most important condition for ensuring its optimal value to be keeping the car in good condition.
Advice from experienced drivers and auto experts will tell you how to reduce fuel consumption. In their opinion, the following will help get rid of such problems:
- refusal to use additives that increase the octane number instead of gasoline recommended by the car manufacturer;
- turning off the stove when the engine warms up in the cold season - this will reduce fuel consumption by about 5%;
- replacing the air filter after 10...15 thousand kilometers - especially in the summer, when there is a lot of dust on the road (fuel savings can be up to 10%);
- replacing spark plugs at least every 15 thousand kilometers, which will give about 10% fuel savings;
- regular monitoring of tire pressure (reducing fuel consumption by up to 7%);
- lack of a trunk (box) on the roof of the car and other body kit elements;
- braking with the engine rather than the brake pedal;
- Regularly checking the correct alignment of wheel camber/toe angles. At the same time, in addition to fuel savings, which can reach 15%, long-term operation of the tires will also be ensured.
Note: the percentages of fuel savings indicated in the text are nothing more than an increase in its standard consumption if the recommendations are not followed.
In addition, there are fuel savers that help avoid a large increase in fuel consumption. Among them, the most effective means are:
- Magnetic fuel savers Fuel Free and Fuel Saver
Magnetic savers are installed on the fuel supply hose in the immediate vicinity of the fuel supply units to the cylinders (injector, carburetor, high-pressure fuel pump). Their principle of operation is based on the influence of the magnetic field, which is created by powerful neodymium magnets (an alloy of boron, neodymium and iron), on the molecular structure of the fuel. At the moment of intersection of magnetic field lines, its structure changes, surface tension decreases, oxygen solubility increases, molecular polarization increases, combustion rate increases, detonation resistance and other properties of the fuel decrease. Under its influence, fuel combustion in the combustion chamber becomes significantly more efficient, and the amount of exhaust gases is reduced. According to the manufacturers of these devices, fuel consumption is reduced by approximately 20%, while exhaust toxicity is reduced, etc.
- Fuel Shark fuel saving device
Structurally, Fuel Shark is a high-capacity electrolytic capacitor, which, when connected to the vehicle's on-board network, reduces the load on its battery. At the same time, the operation of the power supply system is leveled, which ensures a stable voltage supply to the spark plugs and a high-quality spark. As a result, the fuel burns more efficiently. The economizer is installed in the cigarette lighter socket and, according to the manufacturers, saves up to 30% of fuel.
The principle of operation of the cavitator is to convert liquid fuel into a gaseous state. Structurally, it is a tube of variable cross-section, which is installed after the fuel pump. It is known that fuel at the molecular level has long chains of molecules that have low combustion characteristics. With the help of a cavitator, they are destroyed, which contributes to faster and more efficient combustion of fuel. In the general case, the economic effect is achieved due to the fact that while maintaining the existing dynamic parameters, the car consumes significantly less fuel. In addition, the cavitator separates heavy fractions from the fuel and is equipped with an additional filter. Therefore, the mixture entering the combustion chambers is highly purified, which increases the efficiency of the entire system and reduces the likelihood of engine breakdowns.
The ATW impulse device is designed for all types of cars equipped with a 12-volt battery and is connected directly to its terminals. The pulses generated by the device contribute to accelerated charging of the battery, due to which the generator spends significantly less time and power on this process. In turn, this reduces the load on the engine and reduces fuel injection time. In accordance with the technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer, fuel consumption is reduced by 10...20%. The advisability of using the device with worn-out batteries is especially noted. During operation, ATW impulse not only saves fuel, but also protects (restores) the battery plates, increasing its service life by 2...3 times.