Seat - 7 ways to save on fuel

With fuel prices skyrocketing all over the world, efficient driving is now more important than ever, the key to economising fuel. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), this measure can help reduce fuel consumption by between 6% and 12%. That’s why an expert from SEAT S.A. has come up with 7 efficient driving tips to save on fuel and spare your wallet. 1. Drive smoothly. Sudden speed changes, like quick acceleration or hard braking, increase fuel consumption. 2. Switch off the engine when stopping for long periods. If you keep the engine running when your car isn’t moving, the engine overheats and fuel consumption increases. 3. Maintain a constant speed. Changes in speed affect fuel consumption, so it’s preferable to maintain the same speed as long as the flow of traffic and the road allow. 4. Use the engine brake. “Whenever possible, try to stop gently by taking your foot off the accelerator, to take advantage of the opposite pressure that the transmission on the engine, before pressing the brake pedal” Ángel advises. 5. Air conditioning or lower the windows? Air conditioning is one of the non-driving factors that consumes the most fuel, between 4% and 10% according to the IEA, while lowering the windows at medium and high speeds creates a drag effect: air enters the car and generates aerodynamic drag that slows it down and makes the engine work harder to keep up. 6. Keep an eye on your tyre pressure. This is a key safety aspect, but it also affects efficient driving. 7. Plan your route. A planned itinerary is vital for saving money. Unforeseen events, having to stop for traffic jams or getting lost on unfamiliar roads can make your trip unnecessarily long, and consequently, increase fuel consumption.