The summer long-distance travel season is in full swing, and the issue of fuel economy is becoming one of the most pressing for Russian motorists. Experts and experienced drivers say: proper preparation of the car, the correct driving style and a few tricks at gas stations can reduce the cost of gasoline and diesel on the highway by 20–30%.
Car preparation and driving style are the basis for saving
- Before leaving, be sure to remove the roof rack or replace it with a streamlined box – this saves up to 20% on the highway. Check the tire pressure: pump 0.2 bar higher than normal – this will reduce consumption by another 3-5%, although it will make the ride a little harsher.
- Don't take too much: every additional 50 kilograms of weight increases consumption by 2%. On the way, try to stay behind the truck at a safe distance – reducing air resistance will save up to 15% of fuel.
- Close the windows and sunroof above 70 km/h: open windows on the highway are worse than air conditioning. Use cruise control on flat roads and apply engine braking, especially when going downhill.
- The main rule of speed: reduce 110 to 90 km/h – you will lose only 15-20 minutes per 100 km, but save 15-20% of fuel. And no sudden accelerations: the “sneaker on the floor” eats up to 30% during the acceleration cycle.
Logistics, gas stations and modern tools
- Build a route that bypasses major cities during rush hours (in the morning from 7:30 to 9:30, in the evening from 17:00 to 19:00). In summer, plan to travel at night – there will be less traffic jams and it will be cooler; the air conditioning does not work at full capacity.
- Be sure to install an application for monitoring prices at gas stations, for example Multigo or Gas Station Map – the difference between an expensive gas station and a cheap gas station on the highway can reach 10 rubles per liter.
- Look for discount cards in the Lukoil, Gazpromneft, Tatneft applications – they are often free. Fill up during the day, not during queue hours: idling in queues also burns fuel.
- Don't take 100-octane gasoline unless necessary – it's a waste of money, unless the engine manufacturer specifically requires high-octane fuel.
- Life hack from experienced people: look for gas stations in industrial zones or 5-10 kilometers from the highway – gasoline there is often 3-5 rubles cheaper.
- If you often drive long distances, consider installing a 4-5 generation gas system – it pays for itself in 1-2 long trips, writes Drive2.ru.
Expert opinion
Alexey Popov, a driving instructor with 20 years of experience, the head of the Master Control emergency driving school, commented: “The main mistake is chasing speed. For every 5 km/h above 90, you lose 2–3% of your fuel budget. Over 1000 kilometers, this is already significant money. I always advise keeping 90–95 km/h on the highway, accelerating smoothly and braking with the engine. And in In 2026, it’s simply stupid not to use apps to compare prices at gas stations. A difference of 10 rubles per liter is 500 rubles per tank.”
Previously, we wrote about the most atmospheric cities in Russia.
