Simple strategies improve fuel economy
Turning off the A/C is among things drivers can do to save money on gas
After what seems like an eternity, spring has finally arrived in southern Ontario and with it, weather that feels like summertime. For many people that means the return of leisurely Sunday drives or jaunts to cottage country. For others it means spending hours gridlocked on the 401. For everybody, it likely means the annual summer spike in fuel prices.
Sadly, there is little any of us can do about the price we pay at the pump. Fortunately, there are things we can all do to make our vehicles, and our driving habits, more fuel efficient.
It goes without saying that any machine operates more efficiently when it is properly maintained, and a car is no different. A clean air filter and on-schedule engine oil and filter changes will improve fuel economy. It may sound counterintuitive, but sticky brakes can cause economy-robbing drag, so make sure your brakes are serviced.
The single biggest maintenance issue surrounding fuel economy is also the least expensive to address. Low tire pressure not only shortens the life of tires, but can make a dramatic difference in fuel consumption. Many shops offer tirepressure top-ups for free or you can do it yourself at most gas stations for a loonie.
There is an age-old controversy about whether it is better to use air conditioning or to sweat it out. A number of years ago, Popular Mechanics did a bit of a scientific study to find out. The short version is that in town, the best fuel economy is achieved with the A/C off. Windows up or down makes no difference. At highway speeds, however, the aerodynamic drag caused by open windows causes a significant decrease in fuel economy. The answer then is to sweat it out around town, but chill out on the highway.
The simplest strategy to improve fuel economy is to be less aggressive when pulling away from a stop. Sure, we are all in a hurry, and many drivers feel the need to be the first one off the line from every stop light, but rapid acceleration is by far the fastest way to drain your gas tank. Take your time and accelerate gently to achieve the best economy.
Driving instructors have long taught new drivers to look as far down the road as possible for safety reasons, but this habit can also contribute to improved fuel economy. Remember when your science teacher told you that an object at rest stays at rest? Well, it takes more energy to move a stopped car than it does to move one which is already moving for that very reason. By looking ahead and adjusting your speed to arrive at a red light as it turns green, you can keep your vehicle rolling to use less fuel.
Better fuel economy can even be achieved by choosing your drive time carefully. Stop-andgo traffic does more than frazzle your nerves, as that objectat-rest concept is at work here, too. Try to arrange your schedule to drive at off-peak hours, where you are less likely to encounter traffic. Engines are more efficient when they breathe in cooler air, so driving in the early morning or evening when possible doubles the potential for improved economy.
For similar reasons, keeping a constant speed helps reduce fuel consumption, so using cruise control while on the highway can make your drive more economical.
Speaking of the highway, top speed does have an impact on the amount of fuel an engine uses. The optimum speed for most vehicles when it comes to fuel economy is somewhere between 80-100 km/h. Beyond that, engines use considerably more fuel, so controlling your speed is key.
Idling also robs your vehicle of fuel. If you must stop and stay with your car for awhile, park in the shade on a hot day and shut off the engine rather than running it and the A/C.
These are just a few of the strategies you can employ to reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes this summer. Adopt them and your wallet — and the environment — will thank you.