Slow down!
To further reduce your fuel consumption, you have to change your driving habits. For instance, accelerate smoothly at takeoff. Once underway, drive just as smoothly by maintaining a lower, steady speed. Avoid sudden accelerations and slow down more progressively. If your car is equipped with cruise control, use it over long distances. On the highway, reducing your speed from 120 to 100 kph (the actual limit) will increase your mileage by about 20 percent. If you drop to 90 kph, you'll add another 10-15 percent. What's more, your GHG emissions will be considerably reduced.
Shut your engine off!
When you must stop at a traffic light, shut your engine off. Just ten seconds of idling burns more fuel than restarting your engine. It doesn't have to be only at stop lights; letting your car idle while waiting for someone is totally useless. So, again, shut your engine off whenever possible.
Plan your trips
Do whatever you can to avoid rush hours. Also, when running errands, plan ahead so that you don't drive unnecessary distances. For your daily commute to work or for a family reunion, carpooling is always a smart idea. During the holiday season, if the whole family decides to spend some time at the parents' chalet up north, the ideal solution is to rent a minivan instead of using several vehicles. But don't forget to name a designated driver who will bring everyone home safely.
Many automotive experts agree that the best way to make drivers burn less fuel is to keep raising gas prices. That sure makes a lot of sense! But until gas prices soar to unsuspectingly high levels, let's try to collectively reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and improve the air quality. It's a win-win situation!
To further reduce your fuel consumption, you have to change your driving habits. For instance, accelerate smoothly at takeoff. Once underway, drive just as smoothly by maintaining a lower, steady speed. Avoid sudden accelerations and slow down more progressively. If your car is equipped with cruise control, use it over long distances. On the highway, reducing your speed from 120 to 100 kph (the actual limit) will increase your mileage by about 20 percent. If you drop to 90 kph, you'll add another 10-15 percent. What's more, your GHG emissions will be considerably reduced.
Shut your engine off!
When you must stop at a traffic light, shut your engine off. Just ten seconds of idling burns more fuel than restarting your engine. It doesn't have to be only at stop lights; letting your car idle while waiting for someone is totally useless. So, again, shut your engine off whenever possible.
 |
| Avoid leaving your engine idling for no reason. |
Plan your trips
Do whatever you can to avoid rush hours. Also, when running errands, plan ahead so that you don't drive unnecessary distances. For your daily commute to work or for a family reunion, carpooling is always a smart idea. During the holiday season, if the whole family decides to spend some time at the parents' chalet up north, the ideal solution is to rent a minivan instead of using several vehicles. But don't forget to name a designated driver who will bring everyone home safely.
Many automotive experts agree that the best way to make drivers burn less fuel is to keep raising gas prices. That sure makes a lot of sense! But until gas prices soar to unsuspectingly high levels, let's try to collectively reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and improve the air quality. It's a win-win situation!