10 Ways to Reduce Your Car’s Gas Consumption

For many of us, gas consumption represents a large part of the budget. It’s a fact: fuel costs are high, and there’s no sign of a drop on the horizon. No matter, there are simple tips to reduce the bill.

Here are some practical tips to help you save fuel, without compromising your freedom of movement!

Reduce your fuel consumption with an economical car

Fuel economy has become an essential criterion for purchasing new vehicles. To meet this growing demand, dealerships are offering more hybrid and electric car models, and more traditional, energy-efficient models. Suffice to say that the options are varied, whatever your preference. Of course, if you prioritize comfort and space, you should know that larger vehicles consume more gasoline.

A tip: during your shopping trip, use the automobile operating cost calculator to better understand all the costs associated with a vehicle. This practical tool also allows you to compare the costs of hybrid, electric or gasoline vehicles. This will help you make an informed decision to save fuel with a car model that you like.

Adopt eco-driving to save fuel

Are you a fan of eco-driving? This so-called “eco-responsible” approach to driving is focused on energy efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.

Concretely, eco-driving involves the adoption of good practices such as:

• Accelerate smoothly – The ideal is 20 km/h in 5 second increments.
• Drive slower – Driving at 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h reduces fuel consumption by 20%.
• Drive at a constant speed – Use cruise control.
• Keep your distance to avoid braking suddenly.

Note that the influence of speed on a car’s fuel consumption can fluctuate depending on the type of vehicle and its condition.

Refuel at the right time

A good way to reduce your car’s gas mileage is to be strategic when you fill up your gas tank. Unless you’re running low, take the time to check prices before stocking up. If prices have just increased, there is nothing stopping you from investing a specific amount like $20 or $30 and waiting for the next price drop before filling your tank. Planning your trips to stop at more affordable gas stations is another good practice to adopt to save fuel.

Premium gasoline? Not necessary

Finally, many drivers believe that paying more for premium gasoline will be better for their engine. Although premium or supreme gasoline has a higher octane rating, this does not have significant benefits for your car unless it has special needs.

Therefore, refueling with premium gasoline may prove unnecessary and have no real impact on performance or gasoline costs. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations remains the best practice for optimizing the energy efficiency of your car.

Treat your car with care

Performing regular maintenance on your car is just as important to reducing your gas mileage. Clean filters, spark plugs and a healthy engine contribute greatly to more efficient combustion, which in turn reduces fuel consumption.

For quality maintenance services, consult a trusted mechanic or opt for a CAA-Quebec recommended garage.

Adjust tire pressure to reduce fuel consumption

Did you know that driving with properly inflated tires is as essential for your safety as it is for reducing your fuel consumption? Properly inflated tires minimize rolling resistance and help optimize a vehicle’s performance. To save fuel, it is therefore advisable to check your tire pressure regularly. The ideal tire pressure for your car is usually indicated on the inside of the door.

Turn off the engine when stopped

Have you noticed that more and more drivers are turning off their engines at red lights or at railway intersections? The motive is clear: save fuel. If you anticipate staying stationary for more than 10 seconds, turning off your engine is a good way to reduce your car’s fuel consumption.

Don’t overheat the engine!

If you want to reduce your fuel consumption, avoid idling the engine. In winter, the time to warm up the engine should not exceed 30 seconds. Your car will warm up much more quickly by driving slowly than by standing still with the engine running unnecessarily.

When you idle the engine for more than 10 seconds, fuel usage is much greater than when you start. This is not ideal for anyone who wants to save fuel! Furthermore, did you know that an idling engine can consume between 1.1 and 4 liters of fuel per hour?

Use an engine heater

Another tip to reduce your fuel consumption? Get an engine heater. Not only is it good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet.

The engine heater can reduce fuel use by up to 15% on journeys of less than 20km. By preheating your engine, the engine block heater helps your vehicle reach optimal temperature more quickly, thereby reducing the need to use more fuel on shorter trips.

Save on gas with discount credit cards

This is a common practice: using credit cards that offer discounts can make it easier to save money on fuel. These cards may offer cash back, points or discounts on gas purchases.

By choosing credit cards that suit your spending habits, you could maximize discounts AND gas savings.

Choose a trusted garage for the maintenance of your vehicle

Need expert advice on maintaining or repairing your car? Contact the qualified technicians of Trans-Mico Automotive! Our CAA-Quebec recommended garage offers superior quality services in general mechanics and automobile transmissions. Looking forward to serving you!

Sources : 

CAA QUEBEC . Save money on gas: 15 simple tips to put into practice.

MILESOPEDIA. Reduce your gasoline consumption in 2023: 10 tips. June 2023