How to save on fuel

Regular maintenance means savings... and less pollution

Routine checkups with your mechanic can improve your car’s fuel efficiency and help prevent costly repairs down the road.  Make a habit of checking the oil and the engine, replace filters, and have the spark plugs inspected regularly. Doing so can help you avoid expensive repairs in the long run.

Drive smarter, drive greener

Driving smarter means adopting greener habits for a more efficient driving experience.

By making simple adjustments to how you drive, you can save on fuel consumption by 10 to 25%. Plus, it helps extend the life of your vehicle.

Here’s how.

• Accelerate and brake gradually
• Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed
• Shift gears gently
• Avoid letting your engine idle unnecessarily

Proper tire pressure helps you go the distance

Keeping your tires properly inflated can lower your fuel expenses.

When tire pressure is too low, rolling resistance increases, forcing the engine to work harder. This can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 4%. Plus, your tires wear out faster and lose traction, especially on wet roads.

Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, can compromise safety, make the ride less smooth and increase blowouts.

So, what’s the right pressure? It depends on the vehicle, and you’ll find the recommended levels in your owner’s manual.  Make a habit of checking tire pressure monthly, especially before long drives or seasonal changes.

Plan your itinerary

Navigation apps do way more than just show you the way. They help you avoid traffic jams, accidents, and roadwork—and even suggest the most fuel-efficient routes.

Try to pick the shortest route to save on time and fuel.

Keep your “cool” (or stay warm) without wasting fuel

Air conditioning and heating feel great, but they can really drain your fuel.  AC can bump up your fuel costs by 5 to 20%, depending on your car, how hot it is outside and how much you use it. City driving, with lots of stops, is even worse.

Here’s a smart tip. Before you start driving, roll down the windows to let air out of your car. Drive a few minutes with the windows open and then turn on the AC.

In winter, using the heater also impacts fuel consumption, especially if you let the engine idle to warm up the car. Not only is it bad for the environment, but it can also use up to 1 litre of gas an hour.

Avoid letting your car idle and begin driving slowly for the first few kilometres to allow the engine to warm up on its own. Balancing heating use with smart driving saves fuel and cuts emissions.

Lighten the load

Did you know that every 100 kilos on board your car can increase your fuel consumption by 2 to 4%?

To save on gas, try to keep your car as light as possible. Clear out any heavy or bulky items you don’t need—tools, sports gear, or forgotten bags in the trunk.

Remove bike racks, roof racks or cargo boxes when you’re not using them.  A lighter vehicle means better fuel efficiency and more kilometres per tank.