More than once I have encountered disputes about the fuel consumption of a particular car model on thematic forums and in real life. Here, one claims that a BMW F30 in city mode consumes at least 16 liters per 100 kilometers, and another argues that this figure usually does not rise above 11 liters. It is quite funny for an experienced motorist to read such statements, because fuel consumption depends on a lot of diverse factors. Some of them can be easily influenced, others will be helped at proven service stations, and the rest in a specific situation you will just have to put up with.
Telegram channel of the creator of Trashbox about technology
cleaning gasolines
According to the advertisement, switching to gasoline with increased cleaning ability can save the owner as much as 10% of fuel.
Well, this is the honest truth - such gasolines can actually reduce fuel consumption. But this is not the whole truth. According to the advertisement, switching to gasoline with increased cleaning ability can save the owner as much as 10% of fuel. Well, this is the honest truth - such gasolines can actually reduce fuel consumption. But this is not the whole truth.
Method #4: Choose your travel time wisely
If you're stuck in a traffic jam, you're wasting gas.
Maybe it makes sense to go with a reserve? 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 don’t poke my nose into the center on weekdays. I save up all these things and do them in one fell swoop on Sunday, when the roads are much clearer.
Engine oil
Reducing consumption is possible, but is usually compared with outdated mineral oils.
Reducing consumption is possible, but is usually compared with outdated mineral oils.
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
Method number 9: Do not install wheels with a larger radius
Many people put larger radius wheels on their cars, 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 by increasing costs.
How long?
I have not found reliable data, but there is a belief that 1 cm of radius adds 1 liter per 100 km to the consumption. Quite a lot.
spark plug
Good candles can save you about a percent or two...
Good candles can save you about a percent or two...
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%.
Gas station in Africa
The authors actively dislike additives of any kind, but do not set out to indiscriminately criticize everything at once.
The authors actively dislike additives of any kind, but do not set out to indiscriminately criticize everything at once.
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 Zarulev’s 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.
Tires
Application of savers
Along with traditional methods of reducing fuel consumption, there are modern devices - savers, which allow you to reduce fuel consumption by several times.
Magnetic savers
Fuel Free, Fuel Saver are special magnetic savers that need to be placed on the gasoline supply hose as close as possible to the supply units, as well as the main cylinders. Such media work quite simply. The magnetic field, which is created by the most powerful neodymium magnets (an alloy of iron, neodymium and boron), affects the molecular structure of the fuel. At the moment when the magnetic lines of force begin to intersect, the structure of gasoline changes, the surface tension is distorted, the polarization of molecules increases, the solubility of oxygen noticeably increases, the burning rate begins to increase, and the detonation resistance decreases. Under this influence, hot combustion will become more efficient, while reducing the amount of exhaust gases.
Saver for equalizing the operation of the electrical network
Fuel Shark is a fuel saving device, it is an electrolytic capacitor. It operates from the car's on-board network, significantly reducing the load on its battery. During its operation, the operation of the machine’s electrical network is significantly leveled, which guarantees a stable voltage supply to the spark plugs and a high-quality spark is created. The result of these actions is more efficient combustion of fuel. This saver must be installed in the cigarette lighter socket. This device can save 30 percent fuel.
Cavitator
This device allows you to convert liquid fuel into a gaseous state. A cavitator is a small structure that is equipped with a variable-section tube installed behind the fuel pump. Liquid fuel at the molecular level is characterized by long chains of molecules; they give a rather low combustion efficiency. The cavitator destroys such chains, which leads to more efficient combustion of fuel. In this case, while maintaining its dynamic parameters, the car will have lower fuel consumption. The economizer cavitator can separate the heaviest fractions from the fuel.
The device is equipped with an additional filter.
That is why, when it is installed, a fuel mixture with a higher degree of purification enters the combustion chambers. All this increases the efficiency of the fuel system and reduces the risk of engine failure.
ATW impulse
This saver was developed for cars equipped with 12 volt batteries. The device is connected directly to the battery terminals. The pulses it creates speed up the battery charging process. As a result, the energy consumption of the generator is reduced. Taking into account the technical characteristics stated by the manufacturer, fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 20%.
ATW impulse is indispensable for working with used and heavily worn bacteria batteries, as it helps restore their plates and increases their service life.
catalyst
Unfortunately, owners of very shabby cars solve the issue of saving simply: down with the neutralizer!
Unfortunately, owners of very shabby cars solve the issue of saving simply: down with the neutralizer!
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
Method #7: Choose the right gears
As I already said, fuel consumption is minimal when the tachometer shows 2-2.5 thousand rpm. Try to always choose a gear so that you can move at exactly these speeds.
In modern cars, a special prompt is sometimes installed that signals when to shift up or down. At the end of the trip, such a car can even give you an “environmental rating.”
If you have an automatic, then, of course, you don’t have to think about the selected speed.
Magnets for motor efficiency
Immortal representatives of the army of scammers.
Immortal representatives of the army of scammers.
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?
There is a well-known children's puzzle: someone heard about inventions that save 10, 30 and 60% of fuel, respectively, after which he decided to put everything together and save 100%. Like, what did he do?
There is a well-known children's puzzle: someone heard about inventions that save 10, 30 and 60% of fuel, respectively, after which he decided to put everything together and save 100%. Like, what did he do?
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
What measures will help the driver reduce fuel consumption in a car - TOP 12 effective ways
1 - Choose the right oil
Fuel saving is possible on any car - NIVA, Chevrolet, VAZ, Nissan, UAZ Patriot, Ford Focus 2, Lada Vesta, Hyundai Solaris, Toyota or any other. First of all, you need to check which oil is best to use for your car. When fuel burns, the main structural units move, and if the oil does not lubricate them well, then strong friction occurs between the parts. It reduces engine life, and at the same time your costs for purchasing fuel increase. When choosing oil, you need to take into account the mileage of your vehicle, the climatic conditions in which it is used, as well as the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- TOP 10 best motor oils
The service life of the engine largely depends on the correct choice of engine oil, so its choice must be approached thoroughly, taking into account the characteristics of the composition, tests by independent experts and reviews from drivers.
2 - Getting rid of excess weight
The weight of the car does not have the best effect on fuel consumption. Experienced motorists know how to reduce fuel consumption by reducing the weight of the car. A light car consumes significantly less fuel than its heavy counterparts. Accordingly, you can remove everything unnecessary from the interior and trunk, thereby reducing weight and fuel consumption.
3 - Monitor your tire pressure
Those who have been driving for a long time know how much tire pressure can affect gas mileage. It is recommended to check this indicator before each trip. The maximum permissible deviation is +0.2 atmospheres
from the value recommended by the manufacturer. When the tires are poorly inflated, fuel consumption increases. This is due to increasing resistance to movement. Therefore, you should adhere to the optimal tire pressure on the front and rear axles, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
4 - Do not open the windows all the way when driving at high speed
If you like to drive with the windows open, which is especially important in hot summer weather, then consider creating additional resistance to movement. To overcome it, the car will need more power. Accordingly, for economical travel, it is recommended to close the windows while driving.
5 - Leave only essential electronic devices on
This includes the air conditioning system, which on average increases gasoline consumption by 1-2 liters per 100 km
.
mileage Working headlights consume about 0.5 liters
, so it is better to use daytime running lights or fog lights during daylight hours. Other electronic devices also affect consumption - stove, heated seats, radio, DVR, smartphone charging.
6 - Use additives
Additives that can be found commercially will help reduce fuel consumption in a gasoline car with a carburetor or any other engine. Their use allows you to save up to 10%
. But you should avoid them if you are still under warranty.
7 — Driving style
It takes 2-3 minutes to warm up the engine
. During this time, the engine oil has time to warm up to effectively lubricate the moving parts of the engine. There is no need to wait any longer, you will only be burning fuel in vain. When figuring out how to reduce fuel consumption in a car, you need to determine the optimal speed of movement. It is most profitable to move at a speed of 90-110 km/h, avoiding sudden starts and braking. For maximum savings, try to pick up speed smoothly. An aggressive driving style with high engine speeds leads to a significant increase in fuel consumption.
If the traffic light in front of you lights up red and there is a long distance left to it, then it is better to gradually slow down and probably when you approach it it will already be green. You won't even have to stop and you'll save fuel.
8 — How to reduce fuel consumption in a car with an automatic transmission (automatic transmission)?
The best used car for 300 thousand rubles
Buying a new car with a budget of up to 300 thousand rubles is something beyond fantasy, but you can find a good option on the used car market.
The question of how to reduce fuel consumption on an automatic transmission is much more complicated, because you no longer have the opportunity to personally control the operation of the power unit. But there are the following recommendations, using which you will achieve fuel savings:
- When stopping, you should move the automatic transmission selector to the neutral position, which interrupts the connection between the engine and the gearbox;
- Does cruise control save fuel? Yes, in connection with which we recommend using it when traveling on country roads;
- If there is a Winter mode, you should use it. It reduces the load on the engine by activating downshifts at low speeds.
9 — Take advantage of bonuses at gas stations, thereby reducing your costs for diesel or gasoline
We have already figured out how to properly save fuel on a car, but you can reduce your costs for purchasing gasoline by taking advantage of bonus offers at gas stations. One of them is to receive a bonus card. With each purchase you will receive a certain number of points, which can later be spent on refueling or purchasing the necessary components.
10 - Fill up at night - gas is often cheaper at this time of day
Many gas stations provide a discount of up to 5
% if you refuel the car after 23:00 and before 7:00. You can use this for your own benefit.
11 - Monitor the engine speed
Operating the engine at a speed of 1.5-2 thousand per minute will help reduce fuel consumption in a car.
. This is the most gentle mode that can be achieved by timely gear shifting.
12 – Don’t forget to turn off the engine when parking
At idle speed the engine consumes quite a lot of fuel. Follow one simple rule: when parking for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine.
The planet Mars
Why did we remember the Martian landscape?
Now you will understand... Why did we remember the Martian landscape? Now you will understand...
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.
Overloaded car
It's easier to do harm than to save
It's easier to do harm than to save
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.”
How to save money at gas stations?
Monitor the condition of your tires
Strict adherence to this advice will allow you to save a lot. The main movement of the car is transmitted through the adhesion of the wheels to the road surface. The smaller the contact area, the less resistance, and accordingly, the gasoline consumption decreases. If you don’t monitor the pressure and drive on low tires, you can increase your fuel consumption by up to 10%. The optimal pressure is determined by the manufacturer.
You shouldn't overdo it either. If you increase the pressure significantly more than recommended, you will experience discomfort from the trip and increase the load on the suspension elements. When driving on asphalt roads, you can increase the recommended value by 0.2 bar .
