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Save on Gas!
Short of buying a new car or hybrid (the latter not always better at saving fuel than the former) or not driving as much,* here’s what you can do now to save at the pump:**
By Michael Bettencourt
- Use regular octane gas whenever possible. Modern cars (circa 1995 and up) all have sophisticated on-board diagnostic computers that adjust engine timing to reduce or eliminate engine knock, so even most cars listed as “premium recommended” can run with little or no loss in performance with regular fuel.
- Check tire pressures every month. The federal government’s Office of Energy Efficiency notes that air pressures eight psi down from recommended levels can bring a four percent increase in fuel consumption alone, plus result in a year less of life to the average driver’s tires.
- Change the air filter along with your oil. The American Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel economy by up to 10 percent.
- Drive smoothly. Cutting down on rapid acceleration and hard braking by looking down the road for red lights, stop signs or other impediments can improve fuel economy by up to 33 percent. Whoa.
*Each year, the average Canadian produces approximately five tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs), half that from their cars alone.**If gas prices were to double, 33% of Canadians would drive less, 32% would switch to a smaller car with better fuel economy and 31% wouldn't change anything, saying their driving patterns can't be changed. Only 3% would stop driving completely.
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