Top Seven Fuel Saving Tips

Unfortunately, the price of gas seems to only go up. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to curb gas consumption and save yourself a little money in the process. Below are 7 tips to help you improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency so you can buy gas less frequently.

1. Slow down

This is simple and will do wonders for your fuel economy. Many people drive 10 to 20 km/h above the posted speed limit, especially on the highway. While this will get you to your destination a little faster, it can really decrease your gas mileage. Driving the speed limit will help you to conserve fuel.

2. Keep your car maintaned

Keep your car maintained and follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. According to Natural Resources Canada a poorly maintained vehicle can cost the equivalent of up to 15¢ more per litre on fuel.

3. Plan your trip

​Before heading out to run errands, plan your trip. That way you can avoid having to backtrack or criss-cross the city. Also, try to avoid several short trips; instead, combine running all your errands into one outing.

4. Less items in the trunk

Something as simple as emptying your trunk can contribute to fuel savings. This might be tough if you’re transporting hiking equipment or other outdoor supplies, but you can start by removing winter gear like salt and tire chains. Objects like bike and luggage racks will also create drag and lower your fuel economy, so store them away after excursions instead of leaving them on your vehicle.

5. Check your air filters

Most drivers think that cars run on just gasoline. Actually, cars run on gas and oxygen, hence the performance increase when a turbocharger blows more air in the intake manifold. If this flow is restricted by a clogged air filter, your performance and your fuel economy suffer. The Energy Department estimates you could save as much as 22 cents per gallon by replacing a bad air filter

6. Keep your windows closed

Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10%. It's almost winter anyways, who still hast their windows open?

7. ​Avoid Long Idles

If you anticipate being stopped for more than 1 minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time. Did you know that BC has idle-free law? Idling means running the engine of a motor vehicle when the vehicle is not in motion. Under section 2.7 of the City of Vancouver's Motor Vehicle Noise and Emission Abatement Bylaw 9344, it is illegal to idle a vehicle: For more than three consecutive minutes in a 60-minute period, or. (https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/idling.aspx)