Driving consumer tips
Most people do not think twice about hopping into the car to run a quick errand or to go see a friend. With record high gasoline and diesel prices in 2005, however, many people began to think harder about transportation choices.
- In addition to the financial cost associated with driving a vehicle, there are often environmental effects as well. Approximately 35 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions in Canada are due to transportation.
- Due to the environmental cost and the monetary cost of driving domestic vehicles, many people are searching for ways to become more energy efficient when driving. This section will help you understand the choices you can make in the vehicle you buy, the fuel it uses, how you drive, and the way you travel to school or work.
- When you are considering purchasing a new domestic vehicle, first decide how you will use the vehicle. This will help you determine what size of vehicle you will need for your average tasks such as driving to work or getting groceries.
- It is a good idea to choose the smallest vehicle that you will need to perform your daily tasks. Larger vehicles tend to be heavier and have bigger and more powerful engines. Under normal driving conditions, smaller engines deliver better fuel economy than larger engines.
- The type of transmission in your car can also effect your fuel energy efficiency. As a general rule, a manual transmission is more fuel efficient than an automatic, assuming you shift properly.
- Fuel consumption is affected by more than just vehicle size. Features such as air conditioning, power windows, and all wheel drive can also increase fuel consumption. These features not only force the vehicle to use additional energy, but they also add weight to the vehicle frame.
- Fuel consumption ratings for all new cars, light-duty trucks and vans sold in Canada are available in the free Fuel Consumption Guide produced by Natural Resources Canada. You can download a PDF version of the Guide, or call 1-800-387-2000 to order your free copy.
- Energuide ratings are also available for new vehicles. While you are searching for a new vehicle, check the Government of Canada’s Energuide label for fuel consumption information.
- Changing a few driving habits, such as how often you drive and what speed you travel at, could help lower vehicle's cost and energy consumption. The following tips may help you drive with more energy efficiency.
- During the warmer months, try to limit the use of your vehicle’s air conditioning system. Much like home cooling systems, operating an air conditioner in hot weather takes a great deal of energy. Using this feature can increase fuel consumption by more than 20 per cent in city driving. If you need to cool off, try other options, such as using the car's ventilation system, opening the windows or installing tinted glass.
- The cooler winter months can also increase energy use in vehicles. Many people still idle their vehicles during the cold Canadian winters to warm up the interior and the engine. According to the Canadian Office of Energy Efficiency, unnecessary idling is one of the biggest problems among Canadian motorists. Idling wastes fuel, it's hard on your vehicle, and it's damaging our environment.
- Excessive idling can actually harm your engine by contaminating the engine oil and damaging engine components. So, instead of letting your car idle for long periods of time, use a block heater to warm the coolant, which in turn warms the engine block and lubricants. Then, you should limit your cold weather idling to less than one minute.
- Remove items like bike, ski and roof racks when they are not in use. This will help decrease the vehicle’s drag and increase fuel efficiency.
- For most drivers, cruise control saves fuel on the highway by keeping speed constant and avoiding inadvertent speeding.
 
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Autoscoop
Podcast of the AutoScoop radio program, broadcast every Saturday morning on selected CBS Radio stations. AutoScoop empowers people with the knowledge they need to make good car-buying decisions.
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