Slow down and save money at the gas pumps
Everyone complains about the price of gasoline and diesel fuel, especially when the price jumps significantly as it did recently when the federal government increased the carbon tax and the provincial government increased its fuel tax.
But if everyone is so upset at the price of fuel, why do they still drive like gas is free?
Flying down the highway at 120 Km/h instead of 100 km/h uses about 20 per cent more fuel. Jackrabbit starts from a green traffic light, only to end up having to stop a couple of blocks later for another red light, also use more gas.
For some reason, however, instead of trying to counter the impact of rising fuel prices with better driving habits, motorists continue to burn more of their gas money than they need to every time they speed, accelerate aggressively, or do or don’t do any number of things that could help use less fuel and save money.
Gere Woldu, driver education supervisor for the southern Alberta region of AMA, says driving fast and aggressively are only two of many ways motorists burn more gas than necessary. And not only does slowing down save gas, it’s safer.
“You’ve seen people, the way they drive, sometimes it’s not ideal and they don’t see the risk of it, but if you slow down and drive as a pro-active, safe driver, the good news that comes with that is you’re also going to be saving gas,” Woldu says.
“If you want to be a fuel-efficient driver, then you need to initially avoid speeding, not operating your vehicle aggressively, not idling, and doing also regular maintenance on your car. That definitely will help lower your fuel consumption for sure.”
According to the AMA, speeding, jackrabbit starts, and even hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 33 per cent at highway speeds and five per cent around town. Every 10 seconds of idling while waiting to pick up an order from a fast-food drive-through, or while waiting at a traffic light, uses about one-third of a litre of gas. Think about all the fuel that’s used during winter idling to warm up a vehicle before heading to work.
“Idling definitely can add up.” Woldu says. “If it’s not necessary, you don’t need to be idling.”
Woldu says letting a vehicle idle for a couple of minutes to let it warm up is one thing, letting it idle for long periods of time should never happen.
“You don’t have to have it running while you go back into your house and eat food and make coffee. The gas price the way it is, I don’t think that’s a good use of your money, for sure.”
Other tips by the AMA include:
Use momentum. The less time spent on the gas pedal, the less fuel that is used. Practise the pulse-and-coast method on side streets with stop signs by accelerating then allowing the forward momentum of the vehicle to coast.
Drive at low RPM. Driving at a high RPM uses more fuel. Shift to a higher gear while driving a vehicle with a manual transmission system. With an automatic transmission, use the vehicle’s RPM-lowering overdrive gear and cruise control settings for highway driving.
Check tire pressure monthly. One tire under-inflated by eight PSI (pounds per square inch) can reduce the tire’s life by 15,000 kilometres and increase fuel consumption by four per cent
Change oil regularly. Dirty oil makes the engine work harder. Regularly scheduled oil changes reduce emissions and increase gas mileage by up to 12 per cent.
Replace air filters. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by 10 per cent and reduce the risk of damage to the engine.
Travel light. Don’t use the vehicle as a storage shed. Fuel consumption will increase for every 50 kg (110 lbs) of unnecessary weight being carried around.
Anticipate traffic flow. Plan the route, choosing major arteries or alternative ways to avoid traffic during peak hours. Scan ahead 12 to 20 seconds (1.5 city blocks) to be proactive. When there is a stale green light ahead - one that’s been sitting at that colour awhile - ease off the gas. By anticipating a red light and approaching slowly, braking may not be necessary.
Braking, Woldu says, just means the motorist has to speed up again, which uses more gas.
And just because people own cars and trucks, doesn’t mean they have to drive them all the time. Walk, ride a bike, or take a bus. Help the environment, as well as your budget.