Tips to Reduce Fuel Consumption During Your Trips

Traveling by car means freedom, comfort, and the ability to explore new corners of Ukraine.
However, fuel prices are constantly rising, and road conditions don’t always allow for efficient driving. For tourists, families, IT professionals, and foreigners traveling around Lviv or the Carpathians, fuel economy becomes especially important.

Leocar, a car rental company in Lviv, not only helps you choose the perfect vehicle but also shares practical advice on how to reduce fuel consumption during every trip.

What Affects Fuel Consumption: Key Factors

Before learning how to save, it’s important to understand what actually impacts fuel use:

• Road conditions and terrain — mountain roads and rough or unpaved surfaces require more fuel.

• Driving style — sharp starts, frequent braking, and speeding increase consumption.

• Car’s technical condition — worn spark plugs, dirty air filters, or underinflated tires all affect fuel economy.

• Vehicle load — excess weight means higher fuel use.

• Electronics and accessories — air conditioning, seat heating, and charging gadgets increase engine load.

10 Practical Tips to Save Fuel on the Road

Here are effective ways to reduce fuel consumption — whether you’re driving across the city or the mountains:

1. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking

   Smooth driving can reduce fuel use by up to 20%.

2. Maintain a steady speed (80–100 km/h)

   This range is the most fuel-efficient for most vehicles.

3. Use cruise control on highways

   This range is the most fuel-efficient for most vehicles.

4. Avoid overloading your trunk

   Extra weight = extra fuel. Leave what you don’t need at home.

5. Check tire pressure regularly

   Low pressure increases rolling resistance — and fuel use by up to 10%.

6. Keep windows closed at high speeds

   Open windows or roof racks disrupt aerodynamics and increase drag.

7. Use the air conditioner wisely

   In city traffic, A/C can add up to 1 liter per 100 km.

8. Plan your route in advance

   Shorter, less congested routes mean fewer stops and lower fuel use.

9. Service your car regularly

   Replacing filters and oil on time keeps your engine efficient.

10. Choose a fuel-efficient car class

    Leocar offers hybrids, diesels, and other models with low fuel consumption.

The Best Cars for Fuel-Efficient Travel

Choosing the right car for your trip helps you save fuel while staying comfortable.
At Leocar, we help select vehicles based not only on comfort but also on fuel efficiency, tailored to your route — city, highway, or mountain roads.

1. Hybrid Cars — Ideal for City and Mixed Routes

Hybrids combine electric and gasoline power, reducing fuel use in city driving or traffic jams.
They offer smooth performance and up to 30% savings.

2. Diesel Crossovers — Perfect for Long Trips and the Carpathians

Diesel engines are more efficient on highways and in steady-speed driving.
They’re great for mountain routes or family trips with lots of luggage.

3. Compact Gasoline Cars — Best for Short Urban Trips

Small cars with gasoline engines are easy to park and fuel-efficient.
They’re a perfect choice for solo travelers or couples exploring the city.

Tips for Renters and Car Owners to Avoid Extra Costs

Whether you’re renting a car from Leocar or driving your own, proper planning helps cut fuel expenses.
Here are practical tips for every driver:

Choose the right car size.

There’s no point renting a large minivan for two people — it’ll waste fuel. For solo or couple trips, pick a compact car.

Plan routes in advance with navigation apps.

Use Google Maps or Waze to avoid traffic jams, roadworks, and detours. Fewer idle minutes and kilometers = less fuel spent.

Adapt your driving to road conditions.

Maintain steady speed on highways and drive smoothly in cities. Adaptive driving not only saves fuel but also improves comfort.

Common Mistakes That Increase Fuel Consumption

Avoid these fuel-wasting habits:

• Excessive use of heating, defrosting, or air conditioning.

• Choosing a large car for short trips.

• Ignoring car maintenance — even tire pressure matters.

• Constant speeding — can add 25–30% to fuel use.

Saving fuel in winter driving

Winter driving is always a challenge for a car, especially when it comes to mountain routes or rural roads. During the cold season, fuel consumption can increase by 10-25% due to frequent engine warm-up, interior heating, increased rolling resistance and difficult road conditions. To reduce fuel consumption, you should avoid prolonged idling – 1-2 minutes is enough to get you moving. Instead of using a strong heater, it is better to switch on seat heating, which consumes less energy. It is also important to monitor the tyre pressure: when the temperature drops, it drops, increasing fuel consumption. When choosing a car for winter travel from Leocar, pay attention to models with diesel engines or all-wheel drive – they are better suited to frost and mountain roads, which will provide you with not only comfort but also savings.

How modern technology helps you save fuel

Modern cars are equipped with intelligent systems that automatically optimise fuel consumption without sacrificing comfort. For example, the Start/Stop function switches off the engine when stopped in traffic or at traffic lights, reducing overall consumption. Eco Driving Mode changes the engine and gearbox settings to ensure the most efficient driving experience. Leocar crossovers and minivans also feature adaptive cruise control, stabilisation systems, load sensors and other tools that help the driver maintain an economical driving style. All of this not only reduces fuel consumption, but also makes the journey safer and more comfortable – especially on long journeys.

Comfortable journey = smart spending

Reducing fuel consumption is possible with the right tools, cars and advice. With Leocar, you get not just a car, but a reliable travel partner: a modern fleet, advice, and support along the route.