How to Actually Save Money on Gas
Gas prices have hit the roof across Canada, which has many of us wondering how to make a tank last as long as possible. Unfortunately, not all the advice we’re getting is actually helpful—we can’t all “just drive less” (if we could, we’d probably already be doing that).
Thankfully, there are several easy and practical ways to reduce fuel consumption by making small adjustments to our driving habits. (Bonus: it’s better for the environment, too.)
Fuel-Efficient Driving Tips
Here are our top tips for reducing fuel consumption:
DON’T Floor It
The harder you accelerate, the more gas you use/waste. In the city, ease onto the accelerator pedal gently. To be as fuel-efficient as possible, take five seconds to accelerate up to 20 km per hour from a complete stop.
2. Slow Down & Save at the Gas Pump
Most cars, vans, pickup trucks and SUVs are most fuel-efficient between 50 and 80 km per hour. Above this speed zone, fuel consumption increases as speed increases. For example, at 120 km per hour, a vehicle uses 20% more fuel than it does going 100. On a 25-km trip, you’d cut only two minutes from your travel time but you’d use 20% more gas.
3.Maintain a Consistent Speed
Speed fluctuations cause you use more fuel than you need to. Wavering between 75 and 85 km/hour every 18 seconds increases your fuel consumption by as much as 20%. When you’re going uphill, let your speed drop then let gravity help you regain momentum as you roll downhill. Use cruise control when you can safely do so.
4. Look Way Ahead
Look ahead while driving to see what’s coming up and keep a comfortable distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This will help you keep your speed as steady as possible, prevent you from having to slam on your breaks and make you a safer driver.
5.Coast to Slow Down
Every time you use your brakes, you waste forward momentum—why pay for what mass + velocity is giving away for free? You’re already looking way ahead and keeping a safe distance (as per Fuel Efficiency Tip 4), so you know well in advance when it’s time to take your foot off the gas.
6. Go Easy on the Air Conditioning
Heating is free, but air conditioning can increase your fuel consumption by as much as 20%. When you can, roll down your windows instead; when you do use air conditioning, turn on the re-circulate option. Watch this 60 second video to find out why and how it works. On longer journeys, switch back to fresh air mode once your vehicle gets cool enough.
7.Travel Light
The fuel consumption of a mid-size car increases by ~1% for every 25 kg of weight it’s carrying. Remove anything you don’t need to drag around with you every day—e.g. salt, sports equipment, tools—out of your vehicle. Roof and bicycle racks also cause aerodynamic drag at highway speeds, so they’re especially bad for fuel efficiency.
Moffat’s Mazda
In addition to adopting these fuel-efficient driving techniques, a fuel-efficient vehicle goes a long way to saving money on gas. Moffat’s Mazda has one of the biggest selections of fuel-efficient cars and SUVs in Barrie. Browse our inventory of New Cars & SUVs for Sale in Barrie.
If you’re looking to buy a used vehicle with great gas mileage, Moffatt’s Mazda can help. We have over 150 vehicles to choose from on our lot, and our expert sales team can help you find the most fuel-efficient compact cars, most fuel-efficient SUVs, fuel-efficient sedans… you get the idea.
Check out our selection of Used Cars, SUVs and Trucks for Sale in Barrie online, or visit our showroom today!