Save money on gas: 15 simple things you can start doing today
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Fuel is expensive! You may be spending thousands of dollars a year on gas. And unfortunately, there’s no relief in sight. Not to worry, though: There are a few simple tricks you can do to save a little (or a lot!). Follow them consistently, and you could seriously save hundreds of dollars a year.How to save money on gas
Become an ecodriver.
- Accelerate gently. Revving your engine wastes a lot of gas. The ideal rate of acceleration is 20 km/h every 5 seconds.
- Slow down. Driving at 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h consumes 20% less fuel.
- Drive at a steady speed. Acceleration burns a lot of fuel, even at higher speeds. For instance, fluctuating between 75 km/h and 85 km/h every 18 seconds can lead to a 20% increase in fuel consumption. We recommend using cruise control on the highway.
- Go easy on the pedals. Abrupt starts and hard braking reduce travel time by only 4% but increase fuel consumption by 39% (source: Natural Resources Canada).
- Keep your distance. Leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you so you don’t have to react suddenly. This also helps you avoid braking and accelerating for no reason.How to save money on gas
Use air conditioning on the highway, but put the windows down in town.
Use the air conditioner as little as possible; it can increase fuel consumption by 20% in the city. Conversely, having your windows and sunroof open on the highway increases fuel consumption, so it’s better to turn on the air conditioner. How to save money on gas
Choose the right time and place to fill up.
Gas prices can vary widely within a few kilometers or from day to day. Be smart! Find the best service station and refuel at the right time. The Gasoline Watch tool tells you the realistic price per liter of gasoline for each region daily, based on market indicators. If the price at the pump is higher than the realistic price, put off refueling. If it’s lower, hightail it to the service station! How to save money on gas
Use loyalty cards.
Many loyalty programs offer discounts on gasoline, so keep those cards handy!
Maintain your vehicle.
It’s important to keep your vehicle running properly because a poorly maintained car can burn up to 25% more fuel. Visit an inspection center for a full vehicle checkup. You should also keep up with regular maintenance by taking your car to your dealership, a trusted mechanic, or a CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Services Location. A mechanic can check things like the brake system to make sure it isn’t causing abnormal wheel resistance, which can increase fuel consumption.
Keep the optimal amount of air in the tires.
The amount of air pressure in the tires can be a safety issue, but did you know it also affects fuel consumption? Similarly, misaligned wheels can make the car burn more gas and cause wear and tear on the tires. The recommended pressure is indicated inside the car door panel.
Get rid of dead weight.
You don’t need a bike rack in the winter or a ski rack in the summer—they just add unnecessary weight and make your car expend more energy. Consider this: With every 25 kg load, there is a 1% increase in fuel consumption.
Choose a fuel-efficient car.
If you have more than one vehicle, it’s better to drive the one that gets the best fuel economy whenever possible. The same principle applies when it’s time to buy a new car. Love SUVs? We do, too! They’re so comfortable and spacious. But a larger vehicle will inevitably consume more fuel. As you start shopping around, check out the helpful Driving Costs Calculator, which compares cars’ fuel consumption as well.
Consider an electric or hybrid vehicle.
Driving a small gas-powered car 100 km is nearly four times more expensive than driving the same distance with an equivalent electric vehicle (source: Hydro-Québec). The sticker price on an electric car may be higher, but don’t get hung up on that! In most cases, when you add in government incentives, energy efficiency, and lower maintenance costs, choosing an electric vehicle pays off within a few years.
Plan ahead
Traffic updates, Québec 511, Google Maps, Waze… there are so many trip planning tools out there to help you avoid those nasty traffic jams that eat up your time, fuel, and patience. Another (even better) option: Avoid rush hour whenever you can. It also helps to consolidate your errands into as few trips as possible. This is especially important in the winter because your car consumes more gas if it hasn’t warmed up.
Use an engine block heater.
Consider getting a block heater. Not only do they improve comfort by warming up the inside of your car faster, but they’re also easier on the environment (and your wallet). A block heater can improve fuel consumption by 15% on trips under 20 km—which more than offsets the cost of the electricity it requires.
Don’t idle away your fuel.
You shouldn’t let your car’s engine warm up for more than 30 seconds, even in cold temperatures. It will warm up much faster if driven gently.By the same token, don’t let your car sit idle. An engine that idles for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than it takes to start it—between 1.1 and 4 liters of fuel an hour!
Regular is good enough.
Many motorists pay more for plus, super, or supreme gasoline, but in most cases it’s an unnecessary expense. Check your vehicle manual to be sure. Want to spoil your vehicle with premium fluids? Your money would be better spent on synthetic oil. How to save money on gas
Driving is not your only option.
Walking and biking burn calories, not gasoline. Buses and subways can be very efficient, and you don’t have to stress behind the wheel. Carpooling and teleworking also reduce fuel costs. But you don’t have to change your lifestyle overnight. Why not start by finding out what your options are? Or maybe try something new one or two days a week! How to save money on gas
