10 Fuel-Saving Tips for Automatic Cars in Traffic in 2026: Save Up to 30%

JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Automatic cars can use 15–30% more fuel than manuals when drivers use the wrong technique, especially in stop-and-go traffic that is getting worse in major Indonesian cities. With Pertalite priced at Rp10,000 per liter and Pertamax in the Rp12,300 range, the monthly fuel bill can feel significant, especially for daily drivers, ride-hailing riders, and office workers who face Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Palembang, or Makassar traffic every day.

The problem is simple. Automatic cars use a torque converter that keeps shifting between gears 1 and 2 in stop-go conditions. RPM rises and falls, and fuel injection increases. Fuel consumption in traffic can drop to 1:6 to 1:8, even though the same vehicle can reach 1:14 on a clear toll road. The gap is almost double.

The good news: there are concrete ways to reduce it.

Driving techniques that immediately affect fuel use

The first and easiest step: turn on the auto hold or idling stop feature. Automatic cars from 2020 onward are generally equipped with this feature. When the car stops for more than three seconds, the engine shuts off automatically and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake. Fuel savings from this feature alone can reach 5–10%. Too many drivers turn it off because it feels inconvenient.

Keep a safe distance from the car ahead. Look at the condition of three cars ahead, not just one. If the traffic light is still far away and the queue is long, lift off the gas early instead of braking hard at the last second. Press the accelerator gradually. Automatics are very sensitive to sudden throttle input.

As for transmission mode: just use D + Eco Mode in traffic. Sport mode “S” keeps RPM high, which means higher fuel use. Manual mode with the lever shifted by hand also delays gear changes. Eco Mode alone can save 10–15% compared with Sport mode.

One habit many drivers do without noticing: holding the brake and gas at the same time. Left foot on the brake, right foot on the gas—this makes the engine keep fighting its own resistance. Automatic cars already have creep function; just release the brake and the car will move slowly on its own. Step on the gas only when you really need to move faster.

Air conditioning, tires, and vehicle load

Air conditioning uses 10–20% of engine power. If traffic is completely stuck and the car has been stationary for more than a minute, turn it off briefly and open the windows. But don’t force it if the outside temperature is blazing hot; health still comes first.

Tire pressure is also often underestimated. Underinflated tires increase the contact area with the asphalt, forcing the engine to work harder. Check tire pressure every two weeks; the standard is listed on the driver-side door pillar. Tires at the correct pressure can save 3–5% fuel.

Vehicle load matters too. Every additional 50 kg can increase fuel consumption by about 2%. Clear out unnecessary items from the trunk.

Routine maintenance that people often miss

Change engine oil every 5,000–10,000 km, automatic transmission oil every 40,000 km, and the air filter every 20,000 km. Automatic transmission oil that has turned dark and dirty can cause slippage, and slippage means wasted power, which also wastes fuel. A well-maintained engine uses fuel more efficiently.

For deeper maintenance, engine decarbonization every 40,000 km helps clean carbon deposits from the combustion chamber. If fuel suddenly feels far more wasteful than usual, check the O2 and MAF sensors—both directly affect how the ECU calculates fuel injection.

Choose the right fuel, not just the expensive one

This is the point many people misunderstand. An LCGC car with a 10:1 compression ratio is fine with Pertalite RON 90. Filling with Pertamax in a car that does not need it does not make consumption more efficient; it only adds about Rp2,300 per liter in extra cost. On the other hand, turbo engines with high compression require Pertamax Turbo. Using fuel below the manufacturer’s recommendation can trigger knocking and damage the engine over time.

How much can you save in a month?

Let’s do the math. Suppose an automatic car currently gets 1:8 in traffic. By applying the tips above consistently, consumption can improve to around 1:10 to 1:10.5.

Rp300,000 per month comes just from changing driving habits and keeping up with routine maintenance.

FAQ: common questions

Automatic vs manual, which is more fuel efficient in traffic? Manual is still 15–20% more efficient in the hands of a skilled driver. But the gap is getting smaller, and automatics are far more comfortable for long traffic jams.

Is it safe to turn off the AC in traffic? Safe for periods under one minute. For longer than that in hot weather, keep it on because driver and passenger health comes first.

Pertalite vs Pertamax, which is more efficient for automatic cars? Efficiency is the same if the fuel matches the engine specifications. Filling an LCGC with Pertamax does not increase kilometers per liter; it only increases the bill at the gas station.