On The Road
Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping your vehicle properly maintained can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%. Have regular maintenance performed according to the schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Check your tire inflation regularly, as soft tires increase fuel consumption. And change your motor oil regularly, using the recommended grade of oil.
Driving Habits
Aggressive driving habits can increase fuel consumption. Avoid hard braking and fast acceleration. Drive within the speed limit and in as high a gear as possible.
Idling
Idling your vehicle wastes gas and pollutes the air. Idling longer than 10 seconds uses more fuel than re-starting the engine. So turn your car off whenever you are waiting for more than a few seconds.
Fuel Efficiency
There is a wide variety of fuel efficiencies, even within vehicles of the same class. When buying a new vehicle, make sure you check the Energuide fuel rating for the vehicles you are considering. However, before you buy, think carefully about what type of vehicle you need. People often buy vehicles that are bigger than they require, which can end up costing thousands more in initial purchase and operating costs.
Transit/Carpool
Taking transit is a great way to save money and help the environment. Buy taking transit you save not just on fuel, but also on insurance, maintenance, and parking. If transit isn't an option, consider carpooling.
Cycle/Walk
If you are close to your destination, there's no cheaper or more environmentally friendly way to get there than walking or cycling. And it's a great way to get in shape and improve your health as well.
Hybrids
Hybrid cars are becoming common, with most manufacturers now selling them. They are typically about 30% more fuel efficient, although savings are greater in City driving, and less for Highway driving. There is still a significant cost premium, but they are coming down in price.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are predicted to be the way of the future, and car manufacturers are racing to get models on the market. Electric motors are much more efficient than gasoline engines, so savings should be significant. The Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf electric cars are expected to be available by 2011. You can already buy low speed electric vehicles in BC, but they are limited to 40 km/h in communities that allow them.
Useful Links
The following are links to websites and documents that can help you save energy on the road.
NRCan Purchasing a Fuel Efficient Vehicle. Fuel consumption ratings for all light duty vehicles sold in Canada.
NRcan Tips & Resources for Drivers. Tips on driving and how to keep your car running more efficiently.
NRCan Purchasing a Fuel Efficient Vehicle. Fuel consumption ratings for all light duty vehicles sold in Canada.
NRcan Tips & Resources for Drivers. Tips on driving and how to keep your car running more efficiently.
