Save money on gas in Spain. That’s one of the things citizens should do, especially with the increasing petrol prices in the country.
Earlier this month, the price of gasoline in Spain was the highest it has been ever since such records became available. Specifically, the European Union Petroleum Bulletin showed that gasoline was priced at 1.54 for every liter. This did not really come as a surprise because prices had been increasing for the past month before that time. Despite its record-breaking price, it was still lower compared to the average price among the countries of the European Union (EU). The tax rates in Spain are lower, contributing to this relatively lower price.
As of February 21, a liter of gasoline (Euro 95) costs 1.584 euros, while a gallon costs 5.996 euros.
Because of this, it would be best to find ways to save money on gas in Spain. This can help individuals cut down on expenses and allocate the money saved elsewhere.
Ways to Save Money on Gas in Spain: Maintain Your Car
1. Load your vehicle with the gasoline required by the manufacturer
Though it may sound tempting to feed your car with premium fuel, doing so will not make any difference in the performance of the vehicle. This means that you’re spending more on something that won’t do any better for your car than what regular gasoline can do.
With this, it is best to find out what gasoline the car needs before putting in that premium fuel. However, if manufacturers only recommend, but not require, the use of premium fuel, the vehicle can still safely run on regular gasoline.
2. Look for a station that sells gasoline for a lower price
Not all petrol stations sell gasoline at the same price, with some offering it at a lower price compared to others. Similarly, the time of the day when you fuel your car also matters. This is because the price of gasoline may change throughout the day.
The Spanish Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) published a report late last year. They found out that there is as much as a 20% price difference between regular and premium brands of fuel. However, it is a common misconception that quality and price are directly related.
So, to save money on gas in Spain, you should look for one that costs less. But be careful not to use up too much gasoline in your search for a low-cost gasoline station. Alternatively, you can turn to the internet before you go on that quest to look for cheaper petrol. The Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Tourism regularly updates the prices of fuel across different cities and regions in the country.
3. Take out anything that you don’t need in the car
Bike and roof racks are convenient car accessories for some people who have a specific type of lifestyle. However, if you don’t see yourself using them frequently, it would be best not to have them installed or only place them when necessary. At the same time, any object that will not be needed for the trip should be removed.
All of the added weight caused by these unnecessary items will cost you. The amount of fuel consumed increases by 20%, which means that you will have to load up on more gas.
4. Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure
Make sure to read the manual given by the manufacturer and find out what pressure is recommended for the tyres. If it’s not in the manual, you can also try looking at the door on the driver’s side or the cap on the fuel tank.
When you don’t inflate the tyres with the recommended pressure, it can physically damage them, increase the vehicle’s fuel consumption, and even put you at risk of car accidents. You won’t just spend more on gas, but also on tyre replacements, potential hospital bills, and repairs for damage.
Driving with incorrect tyre pressure will increase your fuel costs by around 80 to 100 euros after a year or 20,000 kilometers of driving. Proper maintenance of tyres will help you save money on gas in Spain, among other things.
5. Visit a Vehicle Inspection Center
Go to a certified mechanic and have your vehicle undergo the Vehicle Technical Inspection that is mandated by law. This will catch anything that needs to be repaired so that the vehicle can function properly and, at the same time, not pose a danger to anyone in the country.
Ways to Save Money on Gas in Spain: Drive Efficiently
1. Don’t idle your car for more than 10 seconds
Let your engine warm up for 30 seconds, but not any longer than that. Similarly, if you plan to stay still in one place for more than 10 seconds, it would be better to turn off your engine. This also applies to when you’re stuck in a traffic jam. Idling your car for too long adds 0.5 to 1 liter of fuel consumption per hour. It can even go as high as 4 liters of fuel per hour for vehicles that have larger engines or when the air conditioner is on full blast.
2. Drive Slowly, Smoothly, and Keep it Steady
High speeds, rapid acceleration, and stepping foot on that brake too hard? Well, this should just happen in the movie, Fast and Furious. Leave daily driving out of it to save money on gas in Spain and promote everyone else’s safety.
Driving too fast, revving the engine, and hard braking will cost you a lot. You can save up on fuel costs when you drive at 100 km/h compared to 120 km/h. This is because driving at a lower speed will lead to a 20% decrease in fuel consumption.
Constantly changing your speed will also lead to a 20% increase in fuel consumption.
In addition to that, starting too abruptly and hard braking will be more to your disadvantage, especially when it is unnecessary. You could decrease your travel time by 4%. But, it would also mean increasing your fuel consumption by 39%. The time that you save will cost you almost 10 times as much in fuel.
3. You can Turn On the Air Conditioner
It may seem reasonable to turn off the air conditioner and just let the wind from outside keep you cool inside the car. However, that may not always be the case. More petrol is actually used when you keep your windows and sunroof open. This is especially true on highways. Because of this, it would be more economical to just turn on the air conditioner.
Other Ways to Save Money on Gas in Spain
1. Buy an Ecological Car
If you’re thinking about buying a new car, you should seriously consider ecological cars such as electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid ones. Apart from saving money, you can also help save the earth.
But, if you want to purchase something else, choose a car that is just right for your needs. A high-performance car, though very beautiful, may not always be practical for everyday use.
2. Avoid Making Short Frequent Trips
Try to plan your day or week so that you can do as much as you can in one trip. Also, check traffic updates so that you can avoid going out at busy times on the road.
3. Take Advantage of Discounts
Don’t forget to check if the gas station offers a fuel loyalty program. You can get discounts at varying rates, which can help you save money on gas in Spain.
Similarly, there are certain payment options that can be used to enjoy discounts. This is often offered by your credit card company as they partner up with gas stations.
4. Look at Other Options
Driving is not the only way to get around the country. Biking and walking are great options, both for your pocket and for your health. You can hit two birds with one stone.
Public transportation is also available for a lower cost than a liter of fuel. It won’t be too hard to maneuver through the system because they’re all integrated with one another. This means that getting to your destination should not be any less convenient than driving your own vehicle.
You can also try carpooling with other people who live nearby or have the same destination as you. It could be a great time to catch up with old friends or make new ones.
With everything that has been happening in the past two years of the pandemic, you need to ensure that you’re financially well-prepared for the unexpected things in life. Finding ways to save, no matter how small they may be, does matter in the long run. So, follow the tips listed above and you’re sure to be on your way to saving money on gas in Spain.
