A few years ago, the price of fuel in Spain reached its historical peak, hitting average prices of €2.129/litre for petrol and €2.1/litre for diesel. Currently, prices have dropped, but they remain above the pre‑pandemic average. This is why more and more people are looking for options to reduce fuel consumption.

In this article, we explain how to save fuel and provide tips and information on the most cost‑effective fuels and systems. At Ralarsa, we offer services such as window tinting to ensure the optimal temperature inside your vehicle and help reduce consumption. Keep reading to start saving!

Learn what to do to save fuel

The litres of fuel consumed per 100 km is one of the most popular and telling figures to know if a car is fuel‑efficient or not. However, there are certain measures that can be taken to reduce consumption in any vehicle:

  • General maintenance. It’s important to take care of basic needs such as windshield replacement, oil change, and filter changes, as these improve driving smoothness and efficiency.
  • Tyre pressure. For safety reasons, tyres should always be inflated within the manufacturer’s guidelines. This also saves fuel, since a tyre with lower than recommended pressure increases fuel consumption by between 2% and 6%.
  • Efficient driving. On downhill roads, the car’s own weight can often be enough to maintain an adequate speed. On flat terrain and in urban areas, it’s more economical to decelerate early instead of keeping the accelerator pressed and then braking suddenly.
  • Speed control. The higher the speed, the higher the fuel consumption. Therefore, maintaining a steady speed (without necessarily hitting the maximum allowed) can result in significant savings.
  • Higher gears. Higher gears rev the engine less than lower ones, using less energy and therefore less fuel, even if it means pressing the accelerator further.
  • Air conditioning and windows. On highways and motorways, it’s best to use air conditioning, since driving with windows down affects aerodynamics and increases fuel use. In urban areas, the opposite is true — open windows are more efficient.
  • Engine off during long stops. Turning off the engine when anticipating long idle times saves considerable fuel over time.
  • Organised and minimal luggage. Extra weight slows the car down. Take only essential luggage and keep it well‑organised to avoid unnecessary bulk.

Which fuel lasts longer?

Depending on the type of fuel and car model, fuel consumption will vary. It’s no surprise that electric vehicles are today the lowest‑consumption option. Their consumption data is measured differently, using kWh instead of litres.

As for traditional fuels, diesel is denser and generally cheaper, but if you drive under 20,000 km per year, petrol is still recommended. Diesel offers long‑term fuel savings, while petrol engines are perfect for less frequent use.

Lastly, we have hybrid cars. This system allows electricity to replace fuel for certain tasks, extending its range. Currently, hybrid cars can consume as little as 4.5 litres per 100 km.

How can you save fuel? Choose Ralarsa

Now that we’ve explained how to save fuel, we invite you to find out if turning air conditioning on and off uses more fuel. At Ralarsa, glass specialists, we offer a variety of services to maintain a comfortable interior temperature so you don’t have to waste more fuel.

Our window tinting service and many others are available on our website. There you can learn more about everything we offer and find your nearest workshop. At Ralarsa, we have over 240 centres, so we’re always close to you. Find yours and start saving today!