Drivers everywhere are looking to get the most out of every tank of gasoline. Some people use alternative forms of transportation but there are lots of people who rely heavily on their cars on a daily basis. Conserving fuel to stretch your fuel dollar and to be environmentally responsible is extremely important.
Here are tips from
Shell Canada on simple ways to increase fuel efficiency and save money at the pump:
- Drive smoothly - avoid quick acceleration or braking, it can use 33% more fuel
- Service your car regularly - a poorly maintained vehicle can increase fuel consumption by 50%
- Make sure tires are inflated properly - even under-inflation by 2% can reduce the tire's life by 6,500 km and fuel efficiency by 2%
- Use the correct grade of motor oil - it can help fuel efficiency by 2%. Try "energy conserving" motor oil
- Choose high-grade gasoline - carbon deposits can build up in engine components that can decrease power, performance and fuel efficiency
- Use cruise-control on highways - it can improve gasoline usage
- Avoid idling - you waste gas and go nowhere
- Avoid high speeds - the faster you go the more wind resistance there is and more fuel is consumed. Going from 100 to 120 km/h increases fuel consumption by 20%
- Plan your trips - you avoid multiple cold starts of the engine and combine errands into one trip
