With gas prices rising and no relief in sight, cash-strapped drivers are scrambling for ways to save money at the pumps. BCAA advises drivers to control what they can and recognize that small changes can add up to significant savings. Gas saving tips include:
1. Consolidate trips. Find one location where you can take care of banking, grocery shopping and other chores. When possible, combine them with your daily commute. Short trips less than five kilometers generally do not allow the engine to reach its peak operating temperature, reducing the level of fuel efficiency.
2. Only use as much vehicle as you need. If you own more than one vehicle, use the more energy-efficient vehicle as often as possible. Better still, ditch the car and ride your bike or consider walking.
3. Watch that lead foot. Save fuel by slowing down, anticipating traffic patterns, maintaining steady speeds and avoiding jack-rabbit starts and hard braking. A European study found rapid acceleration from stoplights and hard braking reduced travel time by just 4% in city driving - the equivalent of just over a minute every half-hour - but resulted in a 37% jump in fuel consumption and a five-fold increase in emissions.
4. Avoid unnecessary idling. Shut off your engine when waiting in ferry or border lineups, or picking up friends and family. Shutting off and re-starting the engine consumes less fuel and emits less pollutants.
5. Watch the weight. Clean out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger compartments. Less weight means better mileage. Also remove items on roof racks such as storage boxes to reduce drag.
6. Shop wisely. Keep your eyes open for low fuel prices but don't waste gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents a litre. Purchasing gas from companies that offer loyalty rewards is one small way to offset high gas prices. To maximize benefits, try to stick to a single program.
7. Choose regular gas, if you can. Most cars today don't require high-octane premium gas. Check your owner's manual for the recommended octane rating for your car. Most modern vehicles are designed to run on regular-grade (87-octane) gas, which contains all the necessary detergents and additives.
8. Stay in tune. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help maximize fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle. Even something as simple as replacing a clogged air filter can make a measurable improvement in gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual and have the work performed by qualified technicians.
9. Consider other commuting options. Think about carpooling, cycling and public transportation as ways to commute. How about working from home one or more days per week? And, why not ask the boss about beginning your work day earlier or later to avoid wasting gas in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic?
10. Ditch your gas guzzler. If you're upgrading your vehicle, compare fuel efficiency ratings with EnerGuide's Fuel Consumption Guide, produced by Natural Resources Canada.
