Much emphasis is placed on a vehicle's fuel efficiency, and that's good. The more distance squeezed out of a litre of golden nectar the better for both the environment and the pocketbook. Have you ever wonder how fuel consumption figures are determined? By whom and how? The Canadian government requires automobile manufacturers to establish reliable fuel consumption ratings for all light-duty vehicles with a gross vehicle weight less than 3,588 kg (8,500 lb).
Vehicle manufacturers use standardized testing and analytical procedures, approved by Transport Canada, to determine consistent and accurate fuel consumption ratings for both city and highway driving. But don't expect to see geeks with glasses and calculators at the local gas station- that's not the way it's done.
Testing is conducted using dynamometers in sophisticated labs. Each vehicle tested must have at least 6,000 kilometres of run-in on the odometer before undergoing analysis. Because such testing is stationary in nature, correction factors are generated based on aerodynamic efficiency, weight and rolling resistance. Further correction is factored-in for four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles.
Once a vehicle is positioned on the dynamometer, a rigid series of testing simulates city and highway driving. City testing is the most complex. This test begins with a cold engine similar to one that's been parked overnight in summer weather. Over the course of 12-kilometres of stop and go testing, an average speed of 32-kph is achieved while a maximum speed of 91-kph is encountered.
Phase one of the city driving test must last for 23 minutes and include 18 stops and 4 minutes of idle time, following which phase two begins with a hot engine. Phase two repeats the first 8 minutes of phase one. It is intended to duplicate restarting a vehicle after it's been driven for a period of time then stopped. Highway testing also utilizes a warm engine assuming most folks must travel a spell before accelerating down an on-ramp.
Highway testing is intended to simulate a 16-kilometre trip with an average speed of 97-kph. The highway phase, which lasts for 13 minutes, is stop-free. Speed variations are incorporated to replicate different kinds of highway and rural roads.
All vehicles tested are typically equipped. Testing results are adjusted to reflect real-world Canadian driving conditions however many variables still remain such as traffic congestion, weather and road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and of course lead-foot syndrome. What you and I do with our right foot is most influential in the consumption of fuel.
In addition to avoiding "jack rabbit" starts and unnecessary acceleration, a number of driving and maintenance tips can help extend the range between fill-ups. Here's a quick list:
Plan to combine errands when possible. Car-pooling is obviously beneficial and so is cycling, which also provides tremendous health advantages.
Vehicle manufacturers use standardized testing and analytical procedures, approved by Transport Canada, to determine consistent and accurate fuel consumption ratings for both city and highway driving. But don't expect to see geeks with glasses and calculators at the local gas station- that's not the way it's done.
Testing is conducted using dynamometers in sophisticated labs. Each vehicle tested must have at least 6,000 kilometres of run-in on the odometer before undergoing analysis. Because such testing is stationary in nature, correction factors are generated based on aerodynamic efficiency, weight and rolling resistance. Further correction is factored-in for four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles.
Once a vehicle is positioned on the dynamometer, a rigid series of testing simulates city and highway driving. City testing is the most complex. This test begins with a cold engine similar to one that's been parked overnight in summer weather. Over the course of 12-kilometres of stop and go testing, an average speed of 32-kph is achieved while a maximum speed of 91-kph is encountered.
Phase one of the city driving test must last for 23 minutes and include 18 stops and 4 minutes of idle time, following which phase two begins with a hot engine. Phase two repeats the first 8 minutes of phase one. It is intended to duplicate restarting a vehicle after it's been driven for a period of time then stopped. Highway testing also utilizes a warm engine assuming most folks must travel a spell before accelerating down an on-ramp.
Highway testing is intended to simulate a 16-kilometre trip with an average speed of 97-kph. The highway phase, which lasts for 13 minutes, is stop-free. Speed variations are incorporated to replicate different kinds of highway and rural roads.
All vehicles tested are typically equipped. Testing results are adjusted to reflect real-world Canadian driving conditions however many variables still remain such as traffic congestion, weather and road conditions, vehicle maintenance, and of course lead-foot syndrome. What you and I do with our right foot is most influential in the consumption of fuel.
In addition to avoiding "jack rabbit" starts and unnecessary acceleration, a number of driving and maintenance tips can help extend the range between fill-ups. Here's a quick list:
- follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
- measure and correct tire pressure monthly
- avoid unnecessary and prolonged idling by switching-off the engine
- warm your vehicle up by driving it moderately rather than remaining stationary
- avoid speeding
- use cruise control when appropriate
- use air conditioning sparingly
- remove unnecessary weight
- remove roof racks when not in use
Plan to combine errands when possible. Car-pooling is obviously beneficial and so is cycling, which also provides tremendous health advantages.