At Moveo, we have mentioned on numerous occasions the importance of keeping the vehicle in good condition to ensure its correct operation, avoid breakdowns and try to prevent any incident that puts road safety at risk. However, a car in poor condition can also mean an unnecessary expense of fuel.
For this reason, the experts from the AECA-ITV association reveal some of the parts or systems whose incorrect operation can cause an increase in the fuel consumption of the vehicle and, therefore, a greater economic expense, as well as a greater impact on the environment. . They are next.
The air filter is responsible for ensuring that the outside air that reaches the engine is free of impurities. When it is dirty or in poor condition, the amount of air that reaches the heart of the vehicle decreases, making it work harder. If this happens, fuel consumption can increase by up to 10%. It is advisable to check or clean it regularly, as well as replace it periodically, since it is a cheap part.
Spark plugs are essential for the proper functioning of gasoline engines (diesel engines do not use them). They are found inside the engine cylinders and their mission is to generate an electric spark that causes an explosion in the combustion engine when fuel and air mix. However, if they are not in good condition -dirty or deteriorated- correct consumption or control of gas emissions cannot be guaranteed.
The vehicle battery is responsible for storing the energy that is required for the operation of other elements, such as the starter motor, the radio or the lights. When this part does not work correctly, not enough energy reaches the spark plugs, so it ends up affecting the fuel consumption of the car.
The tires are vital for the operation of the vehicle, since they are the only element that is in contact with the asphalt. In the same way, bad tires or inadequate pressure can also increase fuel consumption. In fact, the technicians point out that having tires with little air can mean that fuel consumption increases by 5%, since the contact surface with the ground grows.
In addition to vehicle maintenance and service, one of the most effective ways to improve vehicle efficiency is to practice responsible driving. And it is that, according to the DGT, good driving habits can reduce vehicle emissions by 15% and, in addition, reduce fuel consumption. From AECA-ITV they also offer us a series of tips to achieve efficient driving:
These recommendations are especially relevant at times like the present when Holy Week is celebrated, one of the most mobile times in the country. With the holidays just around the corner, many Spaniards are preparing to enjoy a short vacation. A good part of them will travel to their destinations by road and in a private vehicle. In fact, the (DGT) forecast some 16 million long-distance journeys between Friday, March 31, and Sunday, April 2.
By following these tips you can save fuel, as well as reduce the impact of mobility on the environment. And although the current price of fuels is not as high as the one we had in April 2022 (diesel A was paid at 1.84 euros per liter; gasoline 95, at 1.81 euros), it is still much higher than what had been in the same month of 2021, when diesel A cost 1.19 euros per liter and gasoline 95, 1.33 euros.
