What You Can Do to Maximize Your Automobile’s Fuel Efficiency
The most obvious way that you can reduce fuel consumption is by driving less and, wherever practical, taking transit, biking and walking instead. When this is not possible, you can practice “eco‐driving” techniques to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. This includes driving in a safe and efficient manner, keeping your automobile in peak condition, and planning their trips wisely to minimize distance traveled.
By observing the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, you can keep your vehicle operating at maximum fuel efficiency. Keeping your vehicle well‐lubricated and in peak condition will cut down on internal friction (which wastes energy). There are also many simple checks that you can make yourself, each month. A full list of these checks can be found in Natural Resources Canada’s Auto$mart Guide.
Other tips to maximize your fuel efficiency include eco‐driving (briefly discussed above), eco-buying, and eco‐maintenance. Each of these strategies has been outlined below.
ECO-DRIVING
Here are a number of eco‐driving techniques that you can use:
Don’t idle
As a general rule, try to turn off your engine if you are not in traffic and stopping for more than 60 seconds.
Keep your trunk light
Vehicle weight is a major contributor to higher fuel consumption (see Increasing Fuel Efficiency by Improving Automobile Technology); for every 45 kilograms of extra weight you carry in your vehicle, fuel consumption can increase by 2 per cent.
Minimize use of accessories
Accessories like air conditioning, seat warmers and power windows increase fuel consumption by adding weight to the vehicle and by drawing extra power from the engine. Try to cut back on your use of these accessories. As air conditioning is one of the biggest draws on the engine, try to roll down your windows instead. Contrary to popular belief, when driving at normal highway speeds it is still more efficient to open your windows a bit, rather than turn on your air conditioning. While it is true that the wind resistance on your car increases with the windows down, forcing you to burn more fuel, A/C is still a much bigger drain on energy.
Remove the roof rack when not in use
Roof racks increase aerodynamic drag on your vehicle and increase fuel consumption. Try to remove your roof rack when it is not in use and, if you can, use your trunk to stow equipment. If you need to use your roof rack, try to arrange items in steps with lower items at the front.
Reduce speed
As you increase speed, more power is needed to push the car through the air. Driving at lower speeds can greatly reduce fuel consumption. In fact, tests have shown that most cars use about 20 per cent less fuel when they are driven at 90 km/h instead of 110 km/h.
Check tires regularly
Proper tire inflation reduces rolling resistance by optimizing road contact area, resulting in better traction and fuel efficiency. If every Canadian motorist had properly inflated tires, 375,000 tonnes of CO2 would be prevented from entering the atmosphere because of reduced fuel efficiency.
Plan trips wisely
When doing errands by automobile, try to combine all of your stops into one trip. That way most travelling will occur when the engine is warmed up and most efficient.
Adjust your driving style
According to one study referenced by Natural Resources Canada, frequent “jackrabbit” starts and hard braking reduces travel time by only 4 per cent, but increases fuel consumption by 39 per cent. A lot of energy is used trying to get a vehicle up to cruising speed – energy which is lost when the vehicle is forced to slow down unnecessarily. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and will also save gas (but be careful in slippery conditions and consult your owner’s manual for proper instructions on its use).
Use a block heater in cold weather
During the colder months, automobile engines and their emission control systems take longer to warm up. Until an automobile warms up, its engine can burn up to 50 per cent more fuel, and pollutant emissions are uncontrolled. A block heater will warm the coolant in the engine and allow it to start warm and rise to an optimal operating temperature much faster. They are either electric (and must be plugged into an external outlet) or fuel‐powered (and use a small amount of fuel from the engine to heat it up like a small furnace). Try to use an automatic timer to turn on your block heater no more than two hours before you need to start your automobile.
Be aware that some fuel‐saving driving techniques may be dangerous (or illegal) and should never be practiced. These include turning off the vehicle’s engine while coasting in traffic, tailgating or “drafting” behind larger vehicles, or even rolling through stop signs.
ECO-BUYING
Checklist for Purchasing a vehicle:
- Do some research from home first
Go to http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca to compare the fuel consumption of various makes and models. - Check out the EnerGuide label
Look for the EnerGuide label on all new cars. It shows city and highway fuel consumption ratings and an estimated annual fuel cost for that particular vehicle. - Choose a vehicle that fits your everyday needs in terms of both size and power
Keep in mind that larger vehicles are often heavier and consume more fuel. If you sometimes load your car with large items, consider renting or borrowing a trailer or larger vehicle for those occasions. If interior space is important, consider a minivan: few vehicles, including SUVs, have as much space or seating capacity. If keeping fuel consumption and emissions levels low is important to you, consider choosing a V6 instead of a V8 engine option; or a 4‐cylinder engine instead of a V6, where the option exists – remember that horsepower levels have doubled over the past two decades. - Choose manual transmission over automatic
If used properly, manual transmission can save motorists up to 100 litres of gas per year. However, newer automatic transmissions can deliver comparable (or even better) efficiency for the average driver who is not conscientious about fuel efficient shifting techniques. - Two‐wheel drive vs. four‐wheel drive
The added weight and drivetrain losses associated with 4‐wheel drive and “all‐wheel” drive systems increase fuel consumption. Snow tires and electronic stability control (ESC) can enhance safety performance without the same weight penalty. - Be conscientious about adding the extras: Added features can add weight to the vehicle or increase wind resistance.
- Tinted glass: This option can help block the sun’s radiation from heating up the vehicle interior and creating an added need for air conditioning. Before installing tinted glass check with local authorities regarding laws governing its use in your area.
- Aluminum wheels: These wheels are lighter than the traditional steel option, but may be less resistant to impact.
ECO MAINTENANCE
Most vehicle maintenance should be left to the professionals. However once a month, the following checks can be performed to help identify and/or prevent problems that can cost you fuel and money:
- Look for signs of uneven wear of your tires or embedded objects that can cause air leaks. Measure tire pressure monthly, and be especially committed in winter when tires are cold. Regardless of the season, check tire pressure whenever there is a sharp change in temperature. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your car’s tires is specified on a plate or sticker attached to the edge of the driver’s door, the door post, the glove box or the fuel door. Note, the pressure marked on the tire itself is the maximum pressure and is not likely to be the same as the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. If you can’t find the plate, check the owner’s manual or consult your dealer.
- Check around the car and under the engine for fluid leaks. If fluid is leaking, get the problem fixed by a professional.
- Check fluid levels, including engine oil, the engine coolant level, transmission fluid and power steering fluid, according to the instructions in the owner’s manual, and top‐up as appropriate.
- Check under the hood for cracked or split spark plug wires (generally only visible on older automobiles), cracked radiator hoses or loose clamps, and corrosion around the battery terminals. Have any faulty or damaged equipment repaired or replaced.
- Check for problems with the brakes. On a straight, flat and traffic‐free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and apply the brakes gradually. If the vehicle drifts to one side, one of the brake linings may be worn more than the other, or the brakes may need adjustment. In either case, have the brakes inspected by a professional.
- Use a similar test to check for problems with wheel alignment. On a straight, flat and traffic‐free stretch of road, rest your hands lightly on the steering wheel and drive at an even speed. If the vehicle pulls to one side, the wheels may be misaligned. Poorly aligned wheels will cause your tires to drag rather than roll unobstructed, scrubbing off your tread and making them wear out faster. This means increased rolling resistance, which will increase fuel consumption, so be sure to get your wheels aligned by a professional.
(Source: The AutoSmart Guide, Natural Resources Canada)
Everything you ever wanted to know about fuel efficiency appears in our Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions. Take a look for yourself! 