15 Ways to Save on Gas

Published on July 29, 2019 in Mechanical by Germain Goyer

Summer is the perfect season to go on a road trip and explore the country. With gas prices approximately 15 percent higher than they were at the same time last year, CAA is reminding drivers that there are plenty of ways to save on gas.

Here are 15 of them…

Eco-driving

It’s the art of accelerating and braking slowly, driving at lower and steadier speeds, and maintaining a proper distance with the vehicle in front of you.

Smart Use of A/C

Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 20 percent. In the city, it’s better to keep your windows open. However, once you get on the highway, close them all and turn the A/C on for more efficiency.

The Right Time to Fill up

Gas prices can vary widely within a few kilometres or from day to day. The Gasoline Watch tool tells you the realistic price per litre of gasoline for each region daily, based on market indicators. If the price at the pump is higher than the realistic price, put off refueling. If it’s lower, high-tail it to the service station!

Loyalty Programs

Oil companies usually offer loyalty programs. While the discounts on gasoline may not be that big, every penny counts, so keep your card handy.

Proper Maintenance

A poorly maintained automobile can use as much as 25 percent more fuel. You should keep up with regular maintenance by taking your car in to your dealership or a trusted mechanic.

Properly Inflated Tires

Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption. Make sure your tires meet the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This information can be found on the label inside the driver’s door frame.

Minimum Cargo

Why would you keep your skis in the car during summer or your camping gear during winter? Don’t carry unnecessary items. With every 25-kg load, there is a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption.

Fuel-efficient Vehicle

If you buy a pickup or an SUV, don’t go complaining about high fuel bills. And if you have more than one vehicle at home, it’s better to drive the one that gets the best fuel economy whenever possible.

Electrified Car

The number of gas-electric models available in 2019 far exceeds what it was at the dawn of the new millennium. Consider a regular hybrid or a plug-in hybrid for your next purchase. Of course, there is no better cure for your oil dependence than a fully electric car.

Planned Travel

With apps like Google Maps and Waze, you can plan your daily commutes and weekend trips so as to avoid traffic jams. It also helps to consolidate your errands into as few trips as possible.

Alternative Transportation

Cars are not the only way to commute. Whenever possible, use public transit, get on your bicycle or consider carpooling.

No Unnecessary Idling

An engine that idles for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than it takes to start it. And in cold temperatures, you shouldn’t let your engine warm up for more than 30 seconds.

Regular Gas

Feeding your car premium gasoline when your manufacturer doesn’t recommend it is a pure waste of money. Check your vehicle manual to be sure.

No Miracle Device

Every now and then we see some miracle device hitting the market and claiming to help drivers save on gas. However, various tests conducted by reputable organizations like CAA and Consumer Reports show these devices are not as efficient as advertised.