
Tips and Tricks to Save on Fuel
Driving Habits
- Drive smoothly to reduce sudden acceleration or braking, saving up to 10% in fuel annually.
- Maintain moderate speeds (e.g., 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h) for better fuel efficiency.
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed and reduce fuel usage.
- Turn off the engine during long idle periods, such as waiting at traffic lights.
Vehicle Maintenance
- Regularly check tire pressure to minimize rolling resistance and improve efficiency.
- Lighten your vehicle by removing unnecessary weight, such as roof racks or heavy cargo.
- Activate start-stop technology if available to avoid wasting fuel during stops.
Refueling Hacks
- Refuel early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, as fuel is denser.
- Avoid overfilling the tank to prevent evaporation losses.
- Fill up before your tank is half empty to reduce air exposure and evaporation.
- Refuel during off-peak hours (e.g., 6–7 PM or 8–10 PM) to take advantage of lower prices, avoiding peak times like 6–9 AM or 4–6 PM, which can save up to €6 per tank.
- Refuel on cheaper days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays instead of weekends or public holidays.
- Track Fuel Prices with Tankalert.de: Use Tankalert.de to monitor fuel prices in your area and set alerts for when prices drop, ensuring you always refuel at the best price.
Lifestyle Changes
- Plan efficient routes to combine errands into one trip, maximizing engine efficiency.
- Carpool or use public transport to share costs and reduce environmental impact.
- Consider switching to smaller, fuel-efficient cars or hybrids for long-term savings.
Financial Strategies
- Use gas rewards credit cards for discounts or cashback on fuel purchases.
- Join supermarket or gas station rewards programs for discounts at participating stations.
- Use loyalty programs such as: Aral: Payback points, Esso: Deutschland-Card, Shell: Club Smart Card
- Consider membership clubs like Costco or Sam's Club for lower gas prices.
Environmental Considerations
- Choose renewable fuels where available, such as biodiesel made from used cooking oil.
- Reduce air conditioning use, as it increases engine strain and fuel consumption.
- Keep your vehicle clean—mud and dirt increase aerodynamic drag, reducing efficiency.