Road trip tips: save fuel & cut costs
On long drives, small things often decide big costs: speed, drag, tyre pressure and refuelling strategy. Here are the biggest levers — plus links to calculate your costs.
Calculate:
The biggest levers on long-distance trips
- Speed: at higher motorway speeds consumption rises sharply
- Consistency: steady cruising beats hard accelerating/braking
- Tyre pressure: check correctly (cold) — lower rolling resistance
- Aerodynamic drag: roof box/rack only if needed
- Weight: remove unnecessary luggage
Refuelling strategy: how to pay less
- If possible: avoid motorway service stations
- Compare prices before the leg (or near an exit)
- Plan with a reserve (don’t run “almost empty”)
Road trip planning: estimate costs realistically
- Use a realistic consumption figure (long-term average)
- Choose a realistic fuel price (planning average)
- Optional: use cost per 100 km or cost per km
- If you’re travelling with others: agree the split model upfront
For a fair split: Split fuel costs.
FAQ
What saves the most fuel?
Slow down + steady driving + correct tyre pressure + no roof box.
How do I plan road trip costs?
km × (consumption/100) × price — or via cost per 100 km.
How do we split fairly?
Split fuel + extras or agree a €/km rate.