Less fuel, more enjoyment! Tricks for economical driving through Montenegro

Less fuel, more enjoyment! Tricks for economical driving through Montenegro

Never forget to track how much fuel you actually use. Many vehicles have built-in fuel consumption monitoring systems. There are also many smartphone apps that make this process easier.

Apps like Fuelly, Drivvo and GasBuddy allow you to track your fuel consumption, and some even offer the ability to compare with other drivers of the same vehicle model. In this way, you can get specific insight or keep a record of consumption yourself. All you have to do is record the amount of fuel you fill up and the number of kilometers traveled between fill-ups. In the long run, this practice can help you get a clear picture of how different driving styles affect your consumption. Research shows that drivers who regularly monitor their consumption often reduce their fuel consumption by as much as 10% or more because they become more aware of their driving habits. There are at least 10 ways you can reduce fuel consumption, save your budget and contribute to environmental protection.

1. Regular vehicle maintenance

It is very important to properly maintain your car, this is another reason why you will use less fuel. You should pay attention to:

Tire condition : Check the pressure at least once a month and adjust it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Air filter : A dirty air filter reduces the flow of air into the engine, which can increase consumption Spark plugs : Worn or bad spark plugs can lead to improper fuel combustion, which also Oil : Use the oil recommended by your car manufacturer. The use of oil with the appropriate viscosity can reduce engine friction and fuel consumption by up to 2%.

Maybe it's easier for you to rent a car through our platform Rentacars.me and you don't have such worries.

2. Driving at moderate speeds

When you're on the road, you might think "the faster the better," but trust me, your fuel economy won't be your friend if you go speed hunting. Driving between 50 and 90 km/h is ideal for optimal efficiency. If you want to keep your gas mileage from acting like an ever-growing Netflix subscription, stick to those speeds. On the highway, turn on the cruise control and forget about that boring drive where you have to press the gas all the time. Just relaxed, even and economical!

3.Route planning in advance

Why should you bother driving through traffic jams and wasting time? Use navigation and make sure you don't miss the best route. There are many apps that will tell you which is the shortest and most efficient, such as Google Maps, Waze, HERE WeGo, Sygic. Sure, we all love a few "unplanned" turns, but aren't traffic jams bad enough to make us use more fuel than necessary? And, it's important: when you're already out, try to combine several shorter trips into one longer one - the engine works best when it's warmed up. Do not force it in "too cold" mode.

4.Avoiding idle times

If you’re standing still for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars consume less fuel when restarting than when idling for a long time. Yes, you heard that right! Turn it off. No, it’s not the same as turning off the TV after binge-watching ten episodes in a row. One more trick – driving downhill? Use engine braking. It’s a way to save fuel, increase your safety, and give your brakes a well-deserved break.

5.Use of engine braking

When you want to stop and you're not in a race against time, downshift and let the engine do the work for you. You will slow down without applying too much pressure on the brakes. In addition to saving fuel, your brakes will last longer, and you'll be on your way to those amazing destinations in Montenegro without worrying about spending money on too many brakes. Every time you apply the brakes, you lose the kinetic energy of your vehicle. Instead, try to use inertia to slow down whenever possible.

6.Rational use of air conditioning

Air conditioning on increases fuel consumption between 4% and 10%. On a lower level, use ventilation or air conditioning only when necessary. Open windows at high speeds also increase consumption due to loss of aerodynamics. We all need a little cooling when the sun is hot, but turning on the air conditioning can be a real drain on fuel consumption. Yes, yes, you may look like a "cool" character in the car, but know that air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 10%. If you're only driving short distances, try just opening the window – natural cooling, no extra cost. And speaking of windows, driving with the windows open at higher speeds? It's like taking the aerodynamic cap off your car. No effect other than increased fuel consumption.

7.Reduce vehicle weight

Have you heard of that phrase: "Less is more"? When driving, this is more important than ever. Every extra kilo in your car can increase fuel consumption by 1-2%. Well, if you have a pile of stuff in your trunk that you don't use, maybe it's time to finally throw it out. Take it as an opportunity to tidy up, and your car will thank you. Additional weight increases fuel consumption. Every additional 45 kg can increase consumption by 1-2%. Clear the trunk of unnecessary things in order to drive as light a car as possible. Yes, and you don't have to fill a full tank of fuel and that will contribute to lower consumption because the car is lighter.

8.Checking tire pressure

Forget about just driving without worrying about tires. If they are not properly inflated, the resistance will increase consumption. It's not just something that can be ignored, and even small deviations can significantly affect your efficiency. Also, don't forget to check the pressure regularly - it's not only good for your car, but also for your driving. Improperly inflated tires increase drag and fuel consumption. Check tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the level recommended by the manufacturer. You can find information about the correct pressure on the inside of the car door.

9.Choosing an economical vehicle

When renting a car on Rentacars.me, choose models with lower fuel consumption. Our platform offers a wide selection of economical and environmentally friendly vehicles adapted to your needs. If you are not sure which vehicle to choose on Rentacars.me, be clear - economy cars are not only for those who want to save money, but also for those who want less fuel, more enjoyment and less stress while driving. If you want to feel like an environmental hero, choose one of our ecological cars.

10.Maintaining a constant speed

Anticipate traffic situations to avoid sudden changes in speed. Maintaining a steady speed reduces fuel consumption and extends the life of the car. On the road, avoid speeding like on a racetrack. Slow down, speed up, slow down - all this just increases consumption. Instead, anticipate situations and maintain a steady speed. If you want to feel like a leader with style, this is your way. Speed ​​isn't just for racing, and your fuel consumption certainly won't be faster than you'd like.

Bonus tip: Eco mode and regenerative braking

If your car has "eco mode", use it for extra fuel savings. In electric and hybrid vehicles, regenerative braking converts kinetic energy into electricity, reducing consumption. Use that technology on the way to Montenegro, where ecological driving is not only an option, but also an advantage.

Although a few percent does not sound like a lot at first glance, applying these tips can significantly affect your fuel consumption, but also your driving safety. Many of them contribute to the preservation of the vehicle, which in the long run means lower maintenance and repair costs. Through these 10 simple steps, you can save a significant amount of money that would otherwise disappear into your tank every few days. Unless, of course, you've really got your eye on the person working the pump! :)