Tips to Save Fuel

One change leads to others...Tire pressure is just the start.

Here are some more simple actions that can help you improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions... not to mention drive safer.

• Avoid unnecessary idling when you’re not in traffic. If you are parked and going to be idling for more than 60 seconds, save fuel by turning off your vehicle. It will take much less gas to re-start your car than to leave it idling.
• Don’t speed. Fuel efficiency decreases about 1% for each km/h over 100. For example, reducing your speed from 120 km/h to 100 km/h saves about 20% on fuel.
• Avoid quick starts and aggressive driving, which can increase fuel consumption by as much as 39%. A smooth, steady speed saves fuel and reduces wear and tear on your engine, tires, transmission, and brakes—helping to avoid costly and inconvenient repairs.
• Perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, like changing your oil and filter, as specified in your owner’s manual. A poorly maintained vehicle can boost fuel consumption by up to 15% and smog forming emissions by even more. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.
• Get the junk out of your trunk! Remove unnecessary excess weight from your car, like sports equipment or a roof rack not in use, and you could save up to $50 in fuel per year.
• Roll down your windows. Turning off your air conditioning and enjoying some fresh air can improve your fuel efficiency by as much as 20% in the city.
• On long road trips, use your cruise control on the highway. By helping to maintain a constant speed, cruise control reduces unnecessary acceleration and saves fuel.
• In cold climates, use a block heater to warm up your engine before you drive—instead of starting your car to warm it up. You’ll cut your fuel bill as much as 10% for a short trip in the winter... money better spent on a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
• Leave your vehicle at home and walk, ride a bike, or take the bus. You’ll save money and stay in shape!
• Consider fuel efficiency the next time you are in the market to buy, lease, or rent a car. This handy guide from Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency should help.