Save money on gas: 15 simple things you can start doing today

Become an ecodriver

1. Accelerate gently. Revving your engine wastes a lot of gas. The ideal rate of acceleration is 20km/h every 5 seconds.
2. Slow down. Driving at 100km/h instead of 120km/h consumes 20% less fuel.
3. Drive at a steady speed. Acceleration burns a lot of fuel, even at higher speeds. For instance, fluctuating between 75km/h and 85km/h every 18 seconds can lead to a 20% increase in fuel consumption. We recommend using cruise control on the highway.
4. 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).
5. 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.

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.

Choose the right time and place to fill up

Gas prices can vary widely within a few kilometres or from day to day. Be smart! Find the best service station and refuel at the right time. The Gasoline Watch tool tool tells you the realistic price per litre 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, high-tail it to the service station! 

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 one of our authorized vehicle inspection centres for a full vehicle checkup. You should also keep up with regular maintenance by taking your car in to your dealership, 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 winter or a ski rack in summer—they just add unnecessary weight and make your car expend more energy. Consider this: With every 25kg 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 100km is nearly four times more expensive than driving the same distance with an equivalent electric (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 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 20km—which more than offsets the cost of the electricity it requires.

Don’t idle away your fuel

You shouldn’t let your car engine warm up for more than 30 seconds, even in cold temperatures. It’ll warm up a lot faster being driven gently. By the same token, don’t let your car sit and idle. An engine that idles for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than it takes to start it—between 1.1 and 4 litres 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. 

The best fuel saver is … right behind the wheel

Every now and then, various so-called miracle gadgets appear on the market, promising tremendous fuel savings. However, tests carried out by CAA-Quebec and a number of credible organizations, including Consumers Union and its Consumer Reports Magazine in the U.S., show that they fall far short of the mark. When things seem too good to be true…

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!