A simple decarbonisation of the engine can reduce pollution of the car by up to 20% and reduce consumption by up to 10%
Cars, motorcycles, RVs (with 3,500 kg MMA or less) and pick-ups currently have a maximum generic speed limit of 90 km/h on conventional roads. Although the owner of the road can set a limit of up to 100 km/h (except for pick-ups). On highways and highways, the limit for all is 120 km/h, according to the DGT.
Reducing the speed on highways to 100 km/h is one of the government’s recommendations to reduce fuel consumption due to the situation caused by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Reducing the speed limit on highways by 10 km/h saves fuel. From the International Energy Agency (IEA), they point out that about 290,000 barrels of oil per day can be saved in the short term. The savings for the end consumer depend on the kilometers travelled. Traffic indicates that going from 90 km/h to 120 km/h in the city means an increase in consumption of up to 30%. However, keep in mind that speed is not the only or most determining factor.
However, there are also other actions that consume the car up to 10% less. Changing your driving style or inspecting the vehicle properly can make a difference. “With a simple decarbonisation, i.e. eliminating carbon from the engine, polluting emissions can be reduced by up to 20% and fuel consumption by up to 10%,” says Víctor Pardo, Market Manager and Workshop Projects at Norauto. If you add more respectful and responsible driving to that, the benefits are much greater.
1-Perform responsible driving. The company emphasizes the importance of respectful driving and avoiding sudden acceleration and braking. The main thing is to maintain a uniform speed and try to go in long marches.
2-Turn off the vehicle’s engine during extended stops. If the car has the Start & Stop system, it will do it automatically.
3- Make rational use of the vehicle, avoid unnecessary trips and combine the car with other more sustainable forms of mobility such as electric bicycles, electric scooters, scooters, electric scooters or public transport.
4-Prevent traffic jams as much as possible by planning routes in advance and being proactive. It is necessary not to take the vehicle during peak hours and drive through the city center, where the constant stopping and starting can increase consumption.
5-Check the vehicle so that it pollutes less, especially the engine and the carbon that can accumulate inside. This carbon can cause costly breakdowns and increase polluting emissions and it may be advisable to decarbonise the engine. “If the vehicle consumes more than usual, has less power or is emitting too much black smoke, this is undoubtedly the most appropriate time to carry out a decarbonisation. Otherwise there is a higher risk of expensive breakdowns, the vehicle will perform less well, consume more and it will be more difficult to pass the ITV as polluting emissions will increase,” notes Víctor Pardo. This engine and exhaust decarbonization service can be performed on both petrol and diesel vehicles.
In this line it is recommended to clean the injection systems along with checking the spark plugs and heaters, the air filter and the oil level.
It is also advisable to carry out a diagnosis of gas emissions, also specific to diesel or petrol. Knowing the state of polluting emissions will help to know if the car’s engine is working properly and if it passes the ITV gas test. This service also checks the fuel consumption status.
6-Condition of the tires and their pressure. They can help reduce fuel consumption. Labeling allows the user to get information as important as fuel efficiency or rolling noise. Another striking factor is the durability or composition. The fuel pump symbol represents the rolling resistance of a tyre. The lower it is, the less power it requires and thus the lower the fuel consumption. That is why Norauto recommends tires with the A label.
As for tire pressure, if we have lower tire pressures or slightly inflated wheels, the tire’s rolling resistance will increase and thus its consumption. Carrying 1 bar of pressure below the recommended pressure can mean an additional cost of a fuel tank per year, according to the manufacturers. It is also not recommended to wear high pressure. It is advisable to follow the directions of the brand so that it is noticed in the bag and in security.
7- The use of additives can reduce fuel consumption by about 3 to 5%. Just pour it into the fuel tank.
There are also oils with additives that improve their performance. The amount and types of additives used contribute to the quality of the final product. Remember that the oil is responsible for lubricating all parts of the engine. «For cars with a service life of more than 20 years, it is recommended that the engine oil be changed every 7,500 km, while modern vehicles should be changed every 15,000 or 20,000 km. Many oils are suitable for both petrol and diesel engines. However, you should always follow the vehicle’s specifications and the manufacturer’s instructions to choose the most suitable oil,” says Víctor Pardo, responsible for the Norauto Workshop.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
