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You want to calculate the fuel consumption of your car? Here's how!

gILANG
gILANG
November 05, 2024

 


If you look a little into the past of the car today, three things stand out: Cars have not only become more expensive, but above all larger. A VW Polo today is longer than a Golf was 30 years ago. In addition, cars have become considerably more powerful. The first Golf GTI had 110 hp, the current model is 230 hp. And cars have become more economical despite the increase in weight and power. Take the first Golf GTI, for example, which was built from 1976 to 1982. For the 810-kilogram vehicle, Volkswagen (VW) stated that it consumes 9.4 liters of premium gasoline per 100 km. The current Golf GTI, which is significantly heavier at 1,429 kilograms, officially consumes 6.9 liters of gasoline per 100 km on average.

The VW Golf 8 GTI Clubsport in side view
Source: Volkswagen
Low revs and correct tyre pressure also help to reduce fuel consumption.

New measurement methods closer to practice

The methods of measuring the consumption of a car have also changed. The factory specifications are available in three different versions: urban, extra-urban and combined. The latter average value usually comes closest to real consumption. However, it has been shown time and again in the past that the factory data, which were measured under laboratory conditions, are significantly lower than the actual consumption of the vehicles. The European Union (EU) introduced a new measurement method at the end of 2017. In contrast to the old NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) procedure, the new WLTC (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Cycle) test cycle is based on real driving data. The calculation is no longer limited to standard models, but includes different model versions. This new method makes it easier to identify fuel-efficient cars.

How can you calculate fuel consumption?

The classic method of calculating the fuel consumption of a car is relatively simple: First, you fill up the tank. After a longer distance, the tank is refueled. The litres refuelled are offset against the kilometres driven. To calculate the average consumption for 100 kilometers, there is a simple formula: You multiply the liters of gasoline or diesel refueled by 100. You then divide this sum by the kilometers traveled.

The formula for calculation: quantity (in l) x 100 ÷ distance (in km)

Modern vehicles often have a consumption display that uses the total mileage of the car, but also individual stages to calculate consumption.
Gasoline engines have the reputation of consuming more than diesel. This is partly due to the fact that they have less torque than diesel. This means that gasoline engines must be driven at higher speeds. This increases consumption, which is particularly the case for small cars with weak engines, because they usually cause higher fuel costs.

How to reduce fuel consumption

The most effective way to reduce fuel consumption is to adapt your driving style. This was also found out by the ADAC in a long-term test. A lot of short-distance traffic with a cold engine, frequent braking and acceleration drive up consumption sharply. Low revs, gentle braking – ideally with engine braking – and an anticipatory driving style are better. High speeds also lead to higher fuel consumption. Modern automatic transmissions also have different driving programs, including one for an economical driving style.
In addition, there are many other tips that you can use to reduce fuel consumption. Superfluous luggage increases the weight of the vehicle and thus also the consumption. Incorrect tire pressure can also have a negative effect. You should also not drive into the summer with winter tires due to their coarse tread, because that also costs gasoline. If you turn off the air conditioning in summer when temperatures are pleasant, you will find that you can quickly save one to two liters of gasoline. Very bad: Some people drive for weeks and months with roof racks or roof boxes. This almost acts like a brake parachute and pleases the petrol station operator at most. The condition of the engine is also important: The ADAC recommends that the engine is correctly adjusted, that the air filter and mass air flow sensor work correctly and that the engine oil is not too old.

The trunk of the Dacia Sandero Stepway 2021 can be seen
Source: Dacia
If you do without superfluous luggage and roof boxes or roof racks, you can save a lot of gasoline

With these tips you can save fuel

  • Relaxed driving style without hard acceleration and braking
  • Unloading excess baggage
  • Turn on the air conditioning only when necessary
  • Do not drive with winter tyres in summer
  • Pay attention to correct tyre pressure
  • Install roof boxes and roof racks only when you need them
  • Pay attention to the maintenance status of the engine
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