Drive Efficiently
Slow Down and Save
For every 10 kph you go over 100, fuel efficiency drops by 10%. Driving 120 on the highway instead of 100 is like paying 20% extra for gas.
Easy on the Pedal
Jackrabbit starts from one stoplight to the next save only 2.5 minutes an hour, but increase fuel consumption by 37%.
Smooth Sailing
On the highway, keeping a steady speed uses less fuel. Accelerate smoothly and avoid hard braking by leaving room between your car and the one in front.
Be Idle Free
Just ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine. In ten minutes the average car will burn through 300 ml of fuel - almost 1/3 of a litre. Warm Up On The Go | Today’s cars shouldn’t be idled to
warm up, and too much idling can cause damage. Driving gently for the first few minutes lets your transmission, steering, and engine all warm up at once.
Combine Trips
Trips under 5 km are the most polluting because the engine and the pollution control system never reach peak operating temperature. Combining several trips into one can cut fuel use and emissions by 20 to 50%.
Travel Light
Every extra hundred pounds reduces fuel efficiency by up to 2%, so keep your trunk clear of unnecessary items, and in winter remove all snow and ice.
Make the Most of Your Transmission
Using overdrive at high speeds saves fuel and reduces engine wear. With a manual transmission, shifting up gently but quickly to higher gears allows the engine to work more efficiently.
Use a Fuel Consumption Display
If your car comes with a trip computer, use it to get instant feedback on fuel use. Drivers who learn to adjust their habits can save up to 10% this way. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, they’re easy to install. The Scangauge is one model you can order online.
Maintain and Save
Tire Pressure
Just one tire under-inflated by 8 psi can increase fuel consumption by 4%, and reduce the life of the tire by 15,000km. Check the pressure once a month.
Motor Oil
Using worn-out oil, or the wrong grade of oil, can increase fuel use by 2%. Change it regularly with the grade listed in your owners’ manual. “Energy Conserving” brands can reduce friction, improving efficiency even more.
Air Filter
Fuel use can increase up to 10%when the air filter is clogged, because not enough air makes it to the combustion chambers. Check it on the same schedule as you change the oil, or more often if you travel frequently on dusty roads.
Tune Ups
Keeping your vehicle in tune can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%and smog causing emissions by even more. Follow the schedule in your owners’ manual.
Drive Less
Carpool
It saves money, reduces pollution, and creates a friendlier commute.
Let Someone Else do the Driving
Taking transit frees up time to read the paper, catch up on work, or chat with friends. And it’s often cheaper than taking the car.
Get Active
Cycling or walking is a healthy alternative, especially for short gas-guzzling errands. In 20 minutes the average person can walk 2km or bike 5km.
Telecommute
Working from home is increasingly feasible - and doing it just once a week can boost job satisfaction and
productivity while cutting your commute emissions by 20%. Download a PDF of Tips for buying a fuel efficient vehicle
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