Guide: Fitness cure for the car saves must
ASK YOUR GARAGIST Gasoline and diesel prices are higher than ever before. Now the garage owners of the AGVS (Auto Gewerbe Verband Schweiz) are showing how motorists can protect their own wallets and also the environment.
Regular checks of the car at the garage increase the feeling of safety on the road. During such service work, the vehicle can then also be trimmed for optimum energy efficiency.
If less fuel is consumed, CO2 emissions are also reduced. The savings measures therefore benefit both your own budget and the quality of the air.
Car energy check in the workshop
Markus Peter, responsible for Technology & Environment at the AGVS: "Regular maintenance can improve fuel consumption by several percent. A car energy check can be carried out on the vehicle during the workshop visit, with a savings potential of up to 20 percent. This check is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. It takes about half an hour, including a personal consultation with the garage owner."
Driving style is also crucial
The greatest savings potential lies in the driver's style of driving. With a restrained foot on the accelerator and a forward-looking driving style, consumption can be significantly reduced. But the tires also play an important role. During the energy check, the tire pressure is also checked and usually increased slightly to reduce rolling resistance.
Markus Peter: "This has no negative impact on driving safety, but at most is reflected in a slight change in suspension comfort."
Air conditioner consumes much energy
The use of the air conditioning system is also important for the car's fuel consumption. It consumes a lot of energy, especially in automatic mode, because the fresh air always has to be cooled first and then heated up again, depending on the setting.
Projected over the year, the use of LED daytime running lights instead of dipped headlights also brings savings. And, of course, unnecessary luggage should never be carried in the car, warns Markus Peter.
