Three tips to reduce your fuel costs on the road to vacation

As vacation departures get ready, learn the right things to do to reduce your fuel bill.

Go on vacation, it’s always nice. Especially after a period as difficult as these last months, punctuated by confinements and health restrictions of all kinds. While the constraints are easing, many French people are now preparing to take the road to vacation. But while one in two plans to use their car for travel, they will have to deal with a much less pleasant aspect: the price. Because going on vacation with your own vehicle is expensive. Between tolls, meals and fuel, the bill tends to climb quickly. Fortunately, there are a few simple tips to reduce your expenses, especially when it comes to your fuel. Auto-Moto offers three below!

=> Discover our tips for reducing the toll bill

Choose the cheapest stations or exit the highway to refuel

Before hitting the road, remember to take a look at the stations-service the cheapest that might be on your route. Some guidance applications like Waze indeed display a list of those available on your route, showing the possible detour, as well as the average price of fuel. A smart way to anticipate your journey and reduce costs.

But another solution is also to exit the highway to refuel. We know that stations located on expressways tend to be very expensive, with identical fuel. A small detour to the nearest village will then save you some money, while allowing you to break the routine of the motorway. The opportunity also to do a little sightseeing, if you have the time!

Reduce your speed and adopt the right eco-driving habits

Another unstoppable trick to reducing your fuel consumption is to simply ease off and lower your speed. Indeed, a few km / h less will allow you to consume less, and that simply by going from 130 to 110 km / h. Last year, our colleagues from Caradisiac had indeed carried out the test, and then found that a Renault Mégane dCi increased its fuel consumption from 5.5 l / 100 km to 4.1 liters by going down 20 km. / h. Also, try to accelerate gradually and practice eco-driving as much as possible.

Also try to use your air conditioner in a reasoned manner, by not lowering the temperature too much, which is also harmful to your health. The ideal is then to choose a temperature 5 ° lower than that of the outside.

Optimize aerodynamics

You don’t always think about it, aerodynamics also play a big role in fuel consumption. If you can, avoid installing a roof box on your car, and prefer the installation of luggage inside the vehicle. The best is still to travel as light as possible, so that the increase in weight remains contained, thus limiting consumption. Also remember to check the tire pressure and adapt it to the load of your vehicle.

If you are carrying bikes, the best is still to install them in the rear rather than on the roof, and if you can, also remove the roof bars, which also affect the aerodynamics of your car.