Vacation Departures: How to Save More Than 30% on Gas on Your Car Trips

One of the first steps to saving on gas is to adopt a smooth driving style : driving smoothly can significantly reduce fuel consumption, by up to 20%, according to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME). To do this, prioritize gradual acceleration, anticipate braking by lifting your foot off the accelerator rather than braking suddenly, and maintain a constant speed as much as possible.

Also avoid driving too fast: fuel consumption increases exponentially with speed. For example, driving at 120 km/h instead of 130 km/h can reduce your consumption by 10%. For a 100-kilometer journey, it will take you four minutes longer to reach your destination, but you will save an average of 1.26 euros.

Maintain your vehicle regularly

A well-maintained vehicle consumes less fuel. Remember to check your tire pressure regularly, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption. According to ADEME, properly inflated tires can save up to 5% on fuel. Additionally, a well-maintained engine and clean air filters improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Vehicle load also influences fuel consumption. The heavier your car, the more fuel it will consume. So try to limit weight by carrying only what's strictly necessary. Avoid leaving unnecessary items in the trunk and on the back seats. Likewise, remove roof racks, roof bars, or bike racks when not in use, as they increase air resistance and therefore fuel consumption.

Turning on your air conditioning in your car increases your fuel consumption by an average of 20%. In hot city driving, it's best to open the windows. However, above 80 km/h, driving with the windows open increases the vehicle's air resistance... and results in higher fuel consumption than with air conditioning.

The best solution is therefore to drive at night or during the coolest hours of the day, to avoid having to cool yourself artificially as much as possible. But if you have no choice, in the middle of summer on the highway, air conditioning your car will still be the most economical and ecological solution.

Planning your journeys will save you time, peace of mind... and money. Using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you find the shortest route and avoid traffic jams. These apps often take into account real-time traffic and can suggest faster, more fuel-efficient alternative routes, as well as toll-free routes.

Over long distances, using cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which is more economical than changing speed frequently. Cruise control helps prevent unnecessary acceleration and keeps the vehicle within an optimal fuel consumption range, ensuring you maximize your fuel reserves.

Compare prices and choose the right time to fill up

Not all gas stations display the same prices. Apps like Gaspal or Essence & CO can help you find the cheapest stations along your route. Fuel prices also often vary depending on the day of the week: prices tend to be higher at the end of the week, especially Fridays and Saturdays, when demand for weekend trips is high, and can decrease at the beginning of the week (Mondays and Tuesdays), when demand decreases.

Finally, some advise filling up during the cooler hours of the day, early in the morning or late in the evening, because the fuel is denser when it is cold, and therefore, you will get a little more for the same price. This tip should be taken with a grain of salt, because according to several specialists , the variability is minimal, except in cases of extreme heat.

The latest vehicle technologies can help you save fuel. For example, many vehicles are equipped with Start & Stop systems that automatically shut off the engine when stopped and restart it as soon as you press the accelerator. This helps reduce fuel consumption in city driving.

Favor journeys outside of rush hour

Traffic jams are not only stressful, but they also increase fuel consumption. When you're stuck in traffic, your engine continues to consume fuel without moving forward. Try leaving early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid rush hour. If you can, plan your departures and arrivals around times when traffic is lightest.

Use all available alternatives