TORONTO –
Gas prices have broken records in recent weeks as the world struggles with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and demand rises as the economy recovers.
The average daily retail price of gas across the country reached a record high of $ 197.4 per liter on Tuesday, compared to the beginning of the year, when it was around $ 146.1, according to Natural Resources Canada.
High prices make drivers grumble, but there are several ways to get better mileage and reduce your gas bills, said Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president at the South Central Branch of the Canadian Automobile Association in Ontario.
PLAN YOUR TRAVEL
Saving petrol and getting better mileage starts before you leave home. If you research your route and use news feeds for traffic or driving apps, you can avoid accident areas and other slow-moving areas that help you save gas, says Di Felice.
Group your travels as well. “Sometimes we go out somewhere and then we go home and say to ourselves, ‘Oh, I wanted to go to this place,’ and you go out again,” says Di Felice. “Try and think about the trips you need to take so you can combine them and avoid rush hour.”
PRACTICE APPROPRIATE CAR CARE
Mileage is better when the vehicles are working properly, says Di Felice. To keep your car in good shape, she recommends making sure that the engine filters are clean, the brake fluid is replenished and the tire pressure is optimal.
“It’s not good for your petrol or your car if you’re not driving enough or even over-inflated,” she says.
To find out what the optimum pressure is, Di Felice tells drivers to look for instructions printed on the inside of your car door on the driver’s side. As driving, road conditions and weather can affect the pressure, she suggests setting a monthly signal on your phone or marking it on your calendar so that you check your tire pressure regularly.
AVOID RARE STOPPING AND RABBIT RABBIT STARTS
Cars consume more fuel when moving immediately at high speeds or vice versa. When driving, try not to apply the brakes at the last second or press hard on the accelerator as you take off from a stop or sign to save gas, says Di Felice.
USE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN IT’S SAFE
Maintaining a constant speed can increase savings because you avoid fluctuations that affect your fuel efficiency. Turn to cruise control when it’s safe to help with mileage, says Di Felice, who notes that maximum fuel efficiency is achieved for most cars between 80 and 90 kilometers per hour.
AVOID Idling
“People have this idea that they have to start their car before they start driving it to warm up, because they think it’s better for the car,” says Di Felice.
“Maybe that’s true if you’re driving a really, really old model … but you don’t really have to drive a newer car for two or three minutes before you take off.”
You are quite safe to drive within 15 to 30 seconds of starting your car, and if your car is not idling, it will save you gas and help the environment, says Di Felice.
BE STRATEGIC ABOUT CLIMATE
“Your air conditioner is really a big drain on your gas tank, especially if you choose the automatic max function in your car,” says Di Felice.
She advises drivers to remove their windows before choosing an air conditioner, to avoid the maximum automatic air conditioning functions that vehicles have, and to stop leaving their cars idle during the warmer months to cool them down before leaving.
REMOVE THE ROOF LUGGER WHEN NOT USED
If you have roof racks or other storage devices for your car, consider removing them from your car when you do not need them to transport goods. These devices create resistance on your car and your fuel efficiency, says Di Felice.
KEEB FOR GAS PRICES
Although you often can’t avoid refueling when your car is almost empty, it’s worth keeping an eye on prices when you have some leeway, says Di Felice. Several websites outline gas stations and note their prices so you can find deals, and news sites often warn readers when prices need to rise or fall by a few cents, she said.
LOOK FOR LOYALTY PROGRAMS
Many gas stations, credit cards and other loyalty programs offer gas discounts. The CAA, for example, is offering a three-cent discount on liters at Shell stations for all its members, Di Felice said. Esso, Husky’s and several other stations also have incentive programs.
Sometimes these programs allow you to earn points each time you top up, and these points can be exchanged for other prizes.
Di Felice says, “You may not be saving directly on the pump, but you may be saving a few dollars on a grocery bill or something else you usually buy.”
MAKE THESE TIPS IN HABIT
Most people know what to do to improve their mileage or save gas, but easily deviate from these guidelines. Incorporate advice into your routine, says Di Felice.
It’s just a matter of making it a habit.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 12, 2022.
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