Tips to maximize your vehicle's fuel-efficiency

It's summer and that means holidays, so in turn that means gas prices tend to increase this summer CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) has provided the following helpful tips for motorists for inexpensive ways to maximize your vehicle's fuel-efficiency.

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*Plan your route. Combine errands and try to avoid heavy traffic areas, rush hour traffic, road construction, and hilly terrain to save fuel and time.

*Use your air conditioner sparingly. In 'stop-and-go' traffic, air conditioner use can increase your fuel consumption by up to 20 %. At $1.00 a litre, that's an extra $20 for every 100 litres of gas purchased!

*Keep your engine, steering, transmission and brakes properly maintained to optimize fuel efficiency. Ensure that air filters are inspected. A poorly maintained engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%.

*Check your vehicle's tire pressure every month. Under-inflated tires cost Canadian light-duty vehicle owners almost 643 million litres of fuel annually.

*Lighten your load, and avoid carrying non-essential heavy items. If there is something you don't really need, don't pack it. Remove roof racks unless they are absolutely necessary.

*Reduce your speed and drive sensibly! Aggressive driving practices such as speeding, sudden braking and rapid acceleration can decrease fuel efficiency by up to 33% at highways speeds.

*Car pool or use public transportation when available.

By following these simple tips, Canadian drivers can maintain personal mobility while minimizing their vehicle's impact on the environment as well as their wallet.

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