Experts agree: why you pay more for fuel without knowing it
Imagine you go to the gas station and, without changing anything in your driving, your car starts drinking like a teenager at a party. No, it’s not that it’s been possessed by a drunken spirit; maybe your vehicle is just making a fool of itself because it’s not working properly. Experts warn that many times we pay more for fuel without knowing exactly why.
It may seem like one of those expert problems that don’t affect you, but the reality is quite different: poor maintenance and worn-out tires can make your car suck fuel like a desert at noon. And yes, even if you don’t notice it at first glance, your wallet is suffering.
Why the car consumes more: maintenance and tires
The dirty air filter and the engine’s extra work
Xavi Celda, head of Services at Norauto Spain, hits the nail on the head: a dirty air filter can make the engine work 10-15% harder. And this is not an exaggeration, but a figure you can see on the gas bill. Dirty air allows less oxygen, so the engine chokes and strains more. And if you think maintaining the car is an expense, he reminds you it’s an investment that pays for itself.
Tire pressure and type: the big unknown
The story with tires is no less tragic. Driving with 0.5 bar less than recommended can increase consumption by up to 10%. This warning doesn’t come just from Norauto, but also from TikTok gurus like Conforauto, who every day convince more drivers about the importance of a basic and cheap checkup. Of course, the type of tire matters: off-road tires with aggressive treads make the car guzzle gas as if there were no tomorrow, according to Pro Dynamics.
Social media experts who give you the key to spending less
Conforauto and the power of a simple gesture
Their formula is simple: check tire pressure and keep it just right. A small gesture that can save you a headache at the gas station. Don’t be lazy—this isn’t just about taking care of the car, but also about taking care of your wallet.
Pro Dynamics and the effect of tire tread
In one of their most watched videos, Pro Dynamics brings up a debate many don’t think about: the aggressive tread on off-road tires increases rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder. So if you drive those tires because you love the look, beware—the gas bill will notice.
How to avoid paying more unintentionally
Up-to-date maintenance, the key
Experts agree on one point: maintenance is not a luxury, but a necessity to prevent the car from drinking too much. Replacing air filters on time, checking fuel filters, and keeping the engine clean are steps that will save you a lot of money.
Tire pressure and type, don’t neglect them
Checking the pressure before leaving the house, at least once a month, and choosing tires suited to the use you give your car is as simple as it is effective. Your car and your wallet will thank you.
The reality is that you pay more for fuel because your car doesn’t work efficiently and the tires are in poor condition. Now you know what to look at before complaining at the gas station. And if you feel like it, take a quick look at the tire pressure before starting out; maybe it’s all you need to save a good bunch of euros.
