Fuel prices have come down slightly since the federal government set a ceiling for ICMS (Imposto sobre Circulação de Mercadorias e Serviços), but the liter of petrol has increased by more than 25% in the last 12 months. Consequently BUT+ spoke with an expert to give simple tips on how to save on fuel.

Expert gives advice on how to save gas – Credit: Disclosure/ND

UFSC (Federal University of Santa Catarina) Professor of Mechanical Engineering Saulo Güts explains that there are simple solutions that can help, but some concepts also need to be demystified.

Ride “smoothly”

The engineer explains that one of the best ways to use less gas is to “drive smoothly and at lower speeds,” which can result in up to 30% savings.

For example, when starting a car, the driver must do it slowly, not allowing the engine to reach very high speeds.

“A car with a tachometer cannot make more than three thousand revolutions. If you’re stopping at a traffic light, you should let the car slow down naturally without coming to a sudden stop,” he emphasizes.

Does the air conditioner shutdown work?

The professor explains that turning off the air conditioner can save, but only 5%. Interesting maybe not to use it during short trips when you are driving at low speed.

On the other hand, at higher speeds, such as on the highway, leaving the windows open to let the air out is harmful.

“Gasoline consumption increases due to the fact that air enters the car and slows it down, which increases aerodynamic drag. When you close the windows, the air flows more smoothly and the aerodynamics improve,” explains the professor.

So you don’t have to turn off your air conditioner to save money.

Is it recommended to use the machine on “toothless”?

Putting the car in “neutral” and using the descent momentum to save fuel is not a good idea. In addition to not being profitable for the pocket, the practice, also known as “toothlessness,” is illegal, shortens the life of vehicle components such as brakes, and puts occupants at risk.

Article 231, paragraph IX, CTB (Brazilian Highway Code), qualifies the act “[rodar] disengaging or disengaging gears on a slope” as a medium offense, with a loss of four points in the CNH (national driving license) and a fine of R$ 130.16 in addition to the possible retention of the car.

“It’s dangerous because in an emergency the car gets out of control, so it’s not recommended,” says Guts.

From an economic standpoint, on steep descents, “the engine reduces fuel consumption so you don’t use gas,” he explains.

Another factor that does not affect the economy is to keep the tank full or not. “Keeping the tank full reduces evaporation from the tank, but 1% is too little. On the other hand, with less fuel to evaporate, you save money because you have a lighter car.”

But to really save money, the professor jokes that “the main thing would be to take the bus,” but the population chooses this mode of transport when it is “cheaper, faster and offers the same comfort, otherwise it’s not worth it.”

other tips

• Keeping the vehicle up to date
• Keep vehicle alignment and balance up to date;
• Maintain a constant speed;
• Check tire pressure;
• Avoid carrying too much weight in the car;
• Do not accelerate a disconnected vehicle;
• Change spark plugs every 50,000 kilometers.