7 Ways to Save on Fuel That Are Rarely Known, Can Make a Drastic Difference in Efficiency!

Saving on fuel consumption (BBM) has become a major concern for many drivers, especially amid issues of rising fuel prices. Sony Susmana, a driving safety expert from Safety Defensive Consultant Indonesia (SDCI), shares several simple yet effective tips to keep vehicle fuel consumption efficient. Here are seven ways to save on fuel for motor vehicle drivers that can be applied in daily activities. Sony advises vehicle owners to use fuel with an octane rating that matches the engine specifications. Choosing the right fuel helps the combustion process run more optimally and efficiently, so fuel consumption does not become wasteful. Before starting to drive, drivers are advised to warm up the vehicle engine just enough, namely a maximum of one minute. According to Sony, excessive engine warming wastes fuel without providing significant benefits to the performance of modern vehicles. ‘Excessive warming actually increases fuel consumption without providing significant benefits to the performance of modern vehicles,’ said Sony. One effective way to save on fuel is to keep the engine RPM low. Engines working at high RPM tend to require more fuel. Therefore, drivers need to adjust their driving style so that the engine RPM remains stable and efficient. For users of manual transmission cars or motorcycles, gear shifts should be done at a maximum engine RPM of 2,000. The habit of shifting gears at too high an RPM can increase fuel consumption. Automatic vehicle users also need to pay attention to their driving style to remain fuel-efficient. Sony advises drivers to avoid using the kickdown feature, as this feature makes the engine work harder and requires greater fuel consumption. The technique of gently reducing vehicle speed without frequently pressing the brake pedal is also considered helpful for saving fuel. This method makes the vehicle’s speed more stable and reduces the engine’s workload. Sudden acceleration and deceleration have been proven to increase fuel consumption. Therefore, drivers are advised to press the accelerator pedal gently and avoid rough stop-and-go patterns to make fuel use more efficient. Tips for saving on fuel become even more relevant amid news that fuel oil prices will rise starting 1 April 2026. However, the government assures that PT Pertamina will not yet make fuel price adjustments. State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi emphasised that there have been no price changes, either for subsidised or non-subsidised fuel. ‘The President always prioritises the interests of the people and society in making decisions. That is why Pertamina states that it will not yet adjust prices for either subsidised or non-subsidised fuel,’ said Prasetyo Hadi. Saving on fuel does not only depend on the type of fuel used, but also on daily driving habits. From choosing the right octane, warming up the engine just enough, keeping RPM low, to avoiding sudden acceleration, all these steps can help make fuel consumption more economical.