How to squeeze every last kilometre from a tank of fuel
The fuel consumption ratings you see on the windows of new vehicles, and on the web, reflect the results of standardized tests done in laboratories on dynamometers that simulate different driving conditions. While these ratings are achievable if you drive with fuel efficiency in mind, how, when and where you drive can have a dramatic effect on your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Follow these fuel-efficient driving tips from Natural Resources Canada to make fewer trips to the gas station and keep a few more bucks in your wallet:
• Accelerate gently – this can reduce your fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent
• Drive at the posted speed limit – decreasing your cruising speed from 120 km/h to 100 km/h will decrease fuel consumption by approximately 20 per cent
• Use air conditioning sparingly – air conditioning can increase a vehicle’s fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent
• Measure your tire pressure once a month – operating a vehicle with its tires underinflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can reduce the life of the tires by 10,000 kilometres and increase the vehicle’s fuel consumption by up to four per cent
• Don’t idle – idling for more than 60 seconds uses more fuel and produces more CO2 compared to restarting your engine
• Use cruise control – on dry, flat, wideopen highways, use cruise control to help improve fuel efficiency by maintaining an even and steady speed
• Take the most fuel-efficient route – those with fewer stops and less traffic may use less fuel than shorter routes with more stop lights and heavy traffic
• Avoid carrying unnecessary weight – the less weight in your vehicle, the less fuel your engine will need—and the fewer carbon dioxide emissions your vehicle will produce;
• Calculate your mileage – set your odometer every time you fill up and challenge yourself to get better and better readings.
Check out the Natural Resources Canada website at www.vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca for some other fuel-efficient driving tips.
Source: News Canada