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Slow down and save. Besides being dangerous, speeding wastes gas and creates more carbon emissions. Driving under 90 km/h improves your fuel-efficiency, and also decreases your emissions. Driving 120 km/h in a 100 km/h zone wastes up to 20 per cent more fuel.
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Are you a jackrabbit? Accelerating and braking hard is often called jackrabbiting. This leads to hundreds of crashes every year. It doesn’t save much time either. A European study found that jackrabbiting saved only 2 1/2 minutes on a 60-minute trip. However, fuel consumption increased by 37 per cent, and some toxic emissions were more than five times higher. Always accelerate smoothly from a stop, when passing, or merging on a highway.
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Inflation is a good thing. Keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure level. For every four PSI they’re under, your fuel consumption goes up by about two per cent. It may not seem like much, but it adds up over time. More than saving you money, properly inflated tires also last longer and are less likely to skid.
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Plan to save. Why hit the road without knowing exactly where you’re going? Plan your trip ahead of time, combine errands, and try to avoid heavy traffic and road construction to save fuel and time.
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Junk in the trunk? You waste more fuel when you’re carrying extra weight. Even an extra 45 kg (100 lbs) can increase your fuel costs by two per cent. Take out unnecessary items and save gas and the environment.
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Turn offs? When your car’s idling, you’re wasting gas and pumping out carbon emissions. Turn off your engine if you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds (unless you’re stopped in traffic, of course). It won’t hurt your ignition. And idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more fuel than it takes to restart.
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Not cool. Air conditioning may keep you cool, but it also burns gas; consuming up to 20 per cent more fuel. There is a simple solution. Roll your windows down when you’re driving under 50 km/h. And when going over 50 km/h, close your windows and use your car’s flow-through ventilation.
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Don’t be a drag. Roof racks are like suitcases. If you’re not using one, why carry it around? They create aerodynamic drag which increases your fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Reducing both can be as easy as taking off your roof rack.
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Good Tunes? A poorly maintained vehicle consumes up to 15 per cent more gas and produces even more greenhouse gas emissions. Keep up your vehicle’s regular maintenance schedule and save gas and money, reduce your long-term maintenance costs and lower your carbon emissions. A well-maintained vehicle is also safer and more reliable.
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Think small. Fuel consumption is different for every car. The choices you make today will either save you money or cost you for years to come. Larger vehicles are heavier and have more powerful engines, so consider buying the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
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