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Driving Efficiently

The next time you take your vehicle out on the road, follow these tips for driving efficiently.

Driving Efficiently

In addition to the vehicle that you buy, the way you drive can have a large impact on how much fuel you burn. The next time you take your vehicle out on the road, follow these tips for driving efficiently:

  • Reduce your speed. Decreasing your speed from 120 km/h to 100 km/h uses 20% less fuel. Follow the speed limit and use cruise control on flat highway terrain to prevent inadvertent speeding.
  • Drive smoothly. Speeding, quick acceleration and hard stops - all considered aggressive driving - can increase fuel consumption by 25%. Driving smoothly is safer and more fuel efficient.
  • Lighten your load. The added weight of heavy items in your trunk and the decreased efficiency of your vehicle's aerodynamics caused by roof or bicycle racks will cause your vehicle to use more fuel. Lighten your load by carrying only what you need.
  • Avoid unnecessary idling. If you're stopped for more than 60 seconds (except while in traffic) turn off your engine. This has minimal impact on the starter system and idling for more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than it takes to restart your vehicle.
  • Keep tires properly inflated. You can improve your fuel efficiency by properly inflating your tires. Properly inflated tires also last longer and make your vehicle safer to drive. Check your tire pressure once a month and inflate cold tires to the recommended pressure. You can usually find the recommended pressure for your vehicle's tires near or on the driver's door or in the owner's manual.
  • Take care of your vehicle. A properly serviced vehicle can offer significant fuel savings. Consult your owner's manual to learn about the proper care and maintenance of your vehicle. Follow the service recommendations and change the air filter, spark plugs, engine oil and other fluids accordingly to ensure you get optimum performance and fuel efficiency.

In this section

Buying an Efficient Vehicle
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
Driving Efficiently