Gas Saving Tips: What Works And What Doesn't
As noted by CBC, there’s nothing like gasoline prices at more than $1 a litre to get people thinking about ways to save money at the pumps. And with that in mind, they took a look a look at what tips and behaviour works and what doesn’t when it comes to saving gas when you’re behind the wheel.
- Avoid jack-rabbit starts and hard braking
Several studies say driving without a lead foot results in the most significant gas savings of all.
- Slow down on the highway
The speed limit on most Canadian highways is 100 kilometres an hour. But motorists who keep to that speed find they are passed by most of the traffic. Tests show they’ll also have better gas mileage.
- Use cruise control
Testers at Edmunds.com said they hadn’t expected cruise control to save much gas but were surprised when they saw the results. Their tests showed an average saving of seven per cent.
- Don’t idle excessively
If you’re going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic), turn off the engine.
- Minimize air-conditioning use
The experts part company slightly on this one. The CAA advises motorists to use their AC “sparingly.” Edmunds.com, however, wasn’t completely convinced.
- Keep tires properly inflated
Natural Resources Canada estimates that each tire that is under-inflated by two pounds per square inch causes a one per cent increase in fuel consumption.
- Beware of gadgets, gizmos, or additives that claim to improve gas mileage
Enough said.
Nathan was thinking green at 11:12 AM on March 6, 2007
Comments are sorta kinda broken right now. We're working on it but to save energy can only work in daytime when solar system is at peak performance.
