7 Driving Techniques to Save Fuel with a Rental Car
Nowadays, car rental not only makes transportation easier but also helps you save fuel and reduce costs when combined with the right driving techniques. Especially in a period when fuel prices are rapidly changing, practical methods can make a big difference for those who want a more economical journey with a rental car. In this guide, we will examine 7 techniques from an expert perspective that will provide both comfort and fuel efficiency while driving your rental vehicle.
One of the most significant factors that increase fuel consumption is sudden accelerations and hard braking. Accelerating smoothly prevents unnecessary fuel consumption by the engine and also increases driving safety. Especially in city traffic, adopting a smooth driving style is the first step towards saving fuel.
Manual cars: Shifting gears at the right time protects the engine and optimizes fuel consumption.
Automatic cars: Using Eco mode and avoiding staying at high revs for long periods significantly increases fuel savings. Driving at low revs with high speed or staying at high revs for too long increases fuel consumption and can damage the engine.
Low tire pressure negatively affects road grip and increases fuel consumption. After receiving your rental car, checking and balancing tire pressures when necessary can save 3–5%. Proper and balanced tire pressures also enhance driving comfort, ensuring a safe journey especially on long holiday routes.
Every extra 50 kg of load carried in the car increases fuel consumption. If you rent a car for holiday or business trips, carry only the items you need. Avoiding roof racks or bike carriers that increase aerodynamic resistance helps improve fuel efficiency and ensures a more comfortable trip.
Limiting air conditioning use on short city routes saves fuel. Since the AC puts extra load on the engine, it consumes more fuel. On long journeys, it is more efficient to use AC instead of opening the windows, as open windows increase aerodynamic resistance and fuel consumption. Using the AC in a balanced way during summer offers both comfort and economy.
Driving at a steady speed is one of the most efficient driving methods on long trips. If your car has cruise control, using it reduces fuel consumption and makes driving more comfortable. On highways, keeping a steady speed between 90–110 km/h ensures a safe and economical journey. Avoiding sudden speed changes and unnecessary braking is the key to saving fuel.
Although rental cars are regularly maintained, the smooth operation of the engine makes a difference in fuel consumption. A clean air filter, proper oil usage, and a healthy engine ensure the car consumes fuel close to factory values. Therefore, choosing companies that are careful about maintenance offers both a safe and economical experience on long trips.
The freedom offered by car rental, when combined with the right driving techniques, ensures significant savings during holidays and business trips. Starting your trip from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, avoiding sudden accelerations, using Eco mode or correct gear, checking tire pressure, and avoiding unnecessary loads will protect your budget. By applying the driving techniques we shared above, you can save fuel during your Mediterranean journey starting from Izmir and thus add new routes to your holiday plans for a more fulfilling travel experience. If you are planning a holiday or business trip in Izmir and its surroundings, check out our affordable and reliable car options, book your vehicle immediately, and step into an economical and free journey.
1. Avoid Sudden Accelerations
One of the most significant factors that increase fuel consumption is sudden accelerations and hard braking. Accelerating smoothly prevents unnecessary fuel consumption by the engine and also increases driving safety. Especially in city traffic, adopting a smooth driving style is the first step towards saving fuel.
2. Correct Gear and Eco Mode Usage
Manual cars: Shifting gears at the right time protects the engine and optimizes fuel consumption.
Automatic cars: Using Eco mode and avoiding staying at high revs for long periods significantly increases fuel savings. Driving at low revs with high speed or staying at high revs for too long increases fuel consumption and can damage the engine.
3. Check Tire Pressures
Low tire pressure negatively affects road grip and increases fuel consumption. After receiving your rental car, checking and balancing tire pressures when necessary can save 3–5%. Proper and balanced tire pressures also enhance driving comfort, ensuring a safe journey especially on long holiday routes.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Loads
Every extra 50 kg of load carried in the car increases fuel consumption. If you rent a car for holiday or business trips, carry only the items you need. Avoiding roof racks or bike carriers that increase aerodynamic resistance helps improve fuel efficiency and ensures a more comfortable trip.
5. Optimize Air Conditioner Usage
Limiting air conditioning use on short city routes saves fuel. Since the AC puts extra load on the engine, it consumes more fuel. On long journeys, it is more efficient to use AC instead of opening the windows, as open windows increase aerodynamic resistance and fuel consumption. Using the AC in a balanced way during summer offers both comfort and economy.
6. Keep a Steady Speed
Driving at a steady speed is one of the most efficient driving methods on long trips. If your car has cruise control, using it reduces fuel consumption and makes driving more comfortable. On highways, keeping a steady speed between 90–110 km/h ensures a safe and economical journey. Avoiding sudden speed changes and unnecessary braking is the key to saving fuel.
7. Importance of Regular Maintenance
Although rental cars are regularly maintained, the smooth operation of the engine makes a difference in fuel consumption. A clean air filter, proper oil usage, and a healthy engine ensure the car consumes fuel close to factory values. Therefore, choosing companies that are careful about maintenance offers both a safe and economical experience on long trips.
Make Your Journey Economic and Comfortable
The freedom offered by car rental, when combined with the right driving techniques, ensures significant savings during holidays and business trips. Starting your trip from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, avoiding sudden accelerations, using Eco mode or correct gear, checking tire pressure, and avoiding unnecessary loads will protect your budget. By applying the driving techniques we shared above, you can save fuel during your Mediterranean journey starting from Izmir and thus add new routes to your holiday plans for a more fulfilling travel experience. If you are planning a holiday or business trip in Izmir and its surroundings, check out our affordable and reliable car options, book your vehicle immediately, and step into an economical and free journey.
