In an uncertain economy, having a reliable car is more important than ever. From running errands to getting to work, the fluctuating gas prices are enough to take a bite out of an already lean bank account.
Edyta Zdancewicz is the spokesperson for the Canadian Automobile Association. And she says that a person’s driving behaviour impacts fuel consumption. “The big thing that most drivers don’t know about is how much their habits affect the amount of fuel that is burned. For example, if you drive on the highway too slowly, you’re burning way more fuel than if you were going the speed limit or a little faster.”
By modifying your driving habits, says Zdancewicz, you will not only begin to see a difference in your gas gauge but in the overall performance of your vehicle.
Zdancewicz offers these helpful tips for drivers looking to keep money in their pockets and their rubber on the road:
Basic Car Maintenance Can Save You Money
Making sure you keep up with regular car maintenance checks, at the end of the day, can save you money. A clean air filter helps your engine run smoothly and saves on fuel consumption; whereas an engine that is not clean and out-of-tune, Zdancewicz says, could very well increase fuel consumption by up to 50 percent. And regular oil checks and changes help prolong the life of your car.
Have properly inflated tires. If you don’t inflate your tires properly, it is a) a safety concern, and b) you consume more fuel. Under-inflated tires cause pre-mature tread wear and poor vehicle performance. Don’t leave snow tires on past the winter season. Snow tires are heavier and will make your engine work harder, so change the tires to All Seasons once the threat of snow is gone. Also, rotating your tires can make your car run smoothly.
Smart Driving Habits Can Mean Less Trips to the Gas Pump
Try to avoid letting your car idle for more than a minute because your vehicle consumes more fuel that way than by starting and restarting your car. Sitting in congested traffic also consumes more fuel, so try finding a more efficient route with less traffic. And be mindful of road conditions. For example, when driving over a pothole, drive slowly because you run the risk of damaging the suspension and/or tires.
Become more of a planner. Consider the trips you need to make as opposed to the trips you don’t really need to make. By planning your routes and finding a location where you can take care of all or most of your errands in one place is a simple way to reduce your driving.
Put your car on a weight loss program. Keep things out of your car that will make it heavier. For example, if you golf on weekends, don’t leave your golf clubs in your car all week. Added weight increases fuel consumption.
By becoming a savvy driver you can reduce your gasoline bill, avoid costly repairs and make your ride last far beyond the recession.
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