There’s no other way to put it—fuel is expensive! And if you love driving, these rising gas prices can be frustrating. While gas prices probably won’t drop much soon, there are a few simple ways to use less gas and save money when you fill up. Here are 20 tips on how to save gas.
1. Accelerate gently
The faster you speed up, the more fuel you use. When you speed up quickly, you use a lot more gas than if you accelerate slowly. You’ll also waste more gas idling at the next stoplight than a slower driver who’s still catching up would.
In the city, you can save more fuel by pressing the gas pedal gently. In fact, aggressive driving, which includes quickly accelerating, can reduce fuel consumption by 15% to 30% on highways and 10% to 40% in city traffic.
To save the most fuel, take five seconds to reach 20 kilometres per hour from a complete stop. Or, use a moderate amount of throttle and shift gears between 2000 and 2500 rpm if you drive a manual.
2. Keep a consistent speed
Ever wondered why fuel mileage differs between highway and city driving? It’s because of sudden speed changes. When you frequently slow down and speed back up, you use more fuel and spend more money. That’s why stop-and-go traffic is terrible for fuel efficiency. In fact, tests show that varying your speed between 75 and 85 km per hour every 18 seconds can increase fuel consumption by 20%.
Here’s a tip: Try using cruise control on the highway when it’s safe. It conserves fuel as it allows for more fuel-efficient driving. However, in some situations, small speed changes can be helpful when gravity comes into play. For example, you could let your speed drop when going uphill and gain it back when going downhill.
3. Avoid high speeds
Stick to the speed limit to save fuel! Most cars, vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs are the most fuel-efficient when driving between 50 and 80 km per hour. Beyond this speed range, vehicles use more fuel as they go faster. At high speeds, air resistance becomes the main force slowing the car down. This resistance increases faster than the speed, so driving faster means using more fuel for the same distance.
For instance, driving at 120 km per hour increases your fuel economy by about 20% more than driving at 100 km per hour. On a 25-km trip, this extra speed would only save you two minutes of travel time but use much more fuel.
4. Try to predict traffic flow
Watch the road ahead to see what’s coming up, and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. By paying attention to pedestrians and other cars and guessing what they might do next, you can keep your speed steady and save fuel.
If you’re unsure what a safe distance is, remember the two-second rule. Always keep at least a two-second gap behind the car in front of you. This gives you time to react if something happens and helps you see obstacles like potholes, slippery spots, or debris on the road. To check if you’re at a safe distance, try counting seconds like this:
- Pick a marker on the road ahead, like a road sign or a pole.
- When the back of the car in front passes the marker, start counting: “One thousand and one, one thousand and two.”
- When you reach the marker, stop counting. If you reach it before you finish saying “one thousand and two,” you are too close.
If the weather or road conditions are bad, leave even more space. By leaving more space, you give yourself ample time to react to any sudden changes in traffic, reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions, and ensure a safer driving experience for everyone on the road. Adjusting your following distance appropriately is a key aspect of defensive driving and road safety.
5. Slow down by coasting
Every time you brake, you lose your forward momentum. By watching traffic ahead, you can often see when you need to slow down. When you take your foot off the gas but remain in gear, electric sensors detect this and cut off fuel to the engine. Since the wheels remain connected to the engine, they keep it running without needing fuel. Therefore, when you can, consider taking your foot off the gas and coasting to slow down instead of using your brakes to help you save more fuel.
However, do not put your car into neutral when coasting. This does not conserve fuel in modern cars and is a common myth. When you coast in neutral, the engine idles and uses just as much gas as it does when idling at a stoplight/in a drive-thru or warming up in your driveway. Why? Because coasting in neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels. However, the engine still needs to keep turning while coasting. Since it’s not getting power from the wheels, it has to use a small amount of fuel to stay running.
6. Avoid idling
As you may have figured out from tip number five, idling also wastes fuel. In fact, an engine idling for more than 10 seconds uses roughly 1.8 litres of fuel per hour, or 300 millilitres (over 1 cup) of fuel for every 10 minutes—much more than it would use just to restart the engine.
So, while it’s tempting to keep the car’s engine running on cold winter mornings for a warm ride, this uses a lot of gas. Don’t let your car engine warm up for more than 30 seconds. It’ll warm up faster as you drive it.
Also, unless you’re sitting in traffic, consider turning off your engine if you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds, like if you’re waiting to pick someone up or you’re sitting in a backed-up drive-thru lane. Furthermore, it also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and that’s always a plus.
7. Check your tire pressure
Driving with tires 56 kilopascals (8 pounds per square inch) underinflated can increase fuel consumption by up to 4% and shorten tires’ lifespan by more than 10,000 kilometres. This is just one of the reasons why it’s important to check the pressure often and fill them up if they’re low.
Another important reason to maintain proper tire pressure is that tire pressure increases as you drive. If the max PSI is 44, the pressure might be less than that after a drive because PSI drops as the car cools off.
If you don’t know how much air your tires need, check inside the driver’s side door. Many newer cars have a sticker there that lists the correct PSI for your vehicle. However, make sure you never exceed that amount. Here are three reasons why:
- Over-inflated tires wear out faster in the middle, which can cut their lifespan in half.
- Over-inflation reduces traction, so the more you inflate, the more likely your tires will lose contact with the road, especially in winter.
- Over-inflated tires make your ride bumpier.
8. Maintain your engine
Maintaining your engine is essential for extending the life of your vehicle and ensuring optimal performance. Don't neglect your engine’s health—consistent maintenance can save you time and money in the long run. Here are some tips to help you keep your engine in top condition:
- Regular tune-ups can save you around 4% on fuel.
- Replacing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10%.
- Using the motor oil recommended by the manufacturer can boost mileage by up to 2%.
So, if your engine is well-tuned, with clean filters and the right motor oil, it will not only run more efficiently but also use less gas.
9. Empty your trunk
Did you know that carrying extra weight adds to fuel consumption, too? In fact, a mid-size car’s fuel consumption goes up by about 1% for every 25 kilograms of extra weight. If you carry extra items like salt, sand, and sports equipment in your vehicle, consider removing them from the trunk of your car and only putting them back in when you need them. The lighter your car, the less fuel it uses.
10. Remove roof or bicycle racks
Just as extra weight in your trunk adds to fuel consumption, so does carrying extra weight anywhere else on your vehicle, like a ski or bicycle rack. Consider only attaching them when you actually need to use them. Plus, wind resistance or aerodynamic drag increases fuel consumption by up to 20% on the highway.
11. Avoid driving on the highway with your windows down
Open windows create turbulence, increasing aerodynamic drag and reducing mileage. At low speeds, there’s less aerodynamic drag, so it’s more efficient to have the windows down. However, as your speed increases, the drag on the vehicle also increases, but not in a straight line—it increases much faster.
For example, at 110 kilometres per hour, there’s four times more force on the vehicle than at 55 kilometres per hour. So, even though the speed is doubled, the drag is four times greater. So, keep the windows closed when driving on the highway for better efficiency. This is especially important for electric vehicles to maximize their driving range.
12. Don’t crank the air conditioning
Using the air conditioning pulls energy from the engine and can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20%. Below, we will discuss the importance of not overusing your air conditioning and how its impact differs between city driving and highway driving:
City driving
In the city, consider driving with the windows open instead. When driving slowly around town, you’ll use less gas by turning off the air conditioner and rolling down the windows. The engine produces less power at low speeds, so it works harder to run accessories like the air conditioner. Having the windows down allows the hot air to escape and helps keep the cabin cool.
Highway driving
On the highway, use flow-through ventilation and keep the windows closed if you can handle the heat. If it’s a really hot day, it might be more efficient to use the air conditioner instead of having your windows and sunroof open, as this increases drag and fuel consumption at higher speeds.
Here’s a tip: if you do need to use air conditioning, like on an extra hot day or during a smog advisory where you shouldn’t open your windows, choose the re-circulate option to use less fuel. Just remember to open the windows briefly to let out the hot air first. This helps the AC cool the car and cabin more easily.
13. Use a fuel consumption display
You can see the effect of 5 fuel-efficient driving techniques using a fuel consumption display, which is now standard in many cars. Some newer cars even have advanced displays that show speed changes, shift points for manual transmissions, and driving habits like acceleration and braking times. Many drivers use 15% less fuel by following the feedback from these displays.
14. Fill up when you don’t need to
Don’t wait until your tank is nearly empty to fill up, as you might have to stop at the nearest station and pay a higher price. Start looking for a gas station or use a gas app when your tank is about half full so you have time to find the best deal.
15. Don’t pay for premium gas
Most cars run perfectly well on regular fuel, so there’s no need to pay extra for premium gas. If you’re unsure which gas your car needs, check the owner’s manual or ask your mechanic.
16. Use loyalty cards
Loyalty cards help save money on gas by offering discounts, rewards, and special promotions for members. When you use a loyalty card at a participating gas station, you can earn points for every purchase, which can later be redeemed for discounts on fuel or other items. Some cards also provide instant savings on gas prices or exclusive deals, helping you spend less on fuel over time.
17. Plan ahead
Plan your route carefully, especially for long trips. Listen to traffic reports to avoid accidents, road construction, and other trouble spots. Avoid excessive stop-and-go traffic by avoiding roads that go through major cities with stoplights, intersections, and pedestrians. Whenever possible, use four-lane highways.
18. Combine trips
To use less fuel, combine all your trips into one. Longer trips help your car's engine reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. Make a list of what you need and plan your route to run errands smoothly. This saves both time and gas. Also, planning your route can help you avoid backtracking and rush-hour traffic.
19. Drive a fuel-efficient car
Let’s talk about hybrid vs. gas cars. If you’re shopping for a new car, consider finding a fuel-efficient car that uses less gas or no gas at all to save on fuel costs over time. Below, we will compare hybrid cars versus electric cars and explain their significance in driving a fuel-efficient vehicle:
- Hybrid cars use both gas and electric power, giving you better gas mileage.
- Electric cars never need gas—just plug them in at home every night and skip the gas pump.
20. Drive less
Finally, the best way to reduce fuel consumption is to drive less. Walk or bike to your destination to use no fuel and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. Use public transit or join a car or vanpool to save fuel and reduce air pollution. Lastly, work from home when possible; each day you telecommute cuts your fuel use by 20%! If you find yourself driving less often, don’t forget to let your insurance provider or broker know. You may qualify for low-mileage insurance.
Is charging an electric car cheaper than paying for gas?
Yes, as electricity is generally a lot cheaper than gas. Since charging costs less than fuel, owning an EV can save you money over time. In 2022, the average cost of home charging for Canadians was about $277 per year. For some gas-powered vehicles, $277 may only cover a couple of weeks to a month’s worth of fuel costs.
On the road, it usually costs between $10 and $30 to charge your EV, depending on the charger and how much charge you need, which is significantly less than what it costs to fill a gas-powered vehicle’s tank.
Does driving slower save gas?
Yes, driving slower can save gas. At lower speeds, your engine doesn’t work as hard to fight air resistance, which uses more fuel at higher speeds. On the highway, driving too fast creates more air resistance and tire drag, which uses up gas faster when driving above 80 or 100 kilometres per hour.
Also, quick acceleration and sudden braking reduce fuel efficiency. In the city, speeding often means you have to brake hard for traffic and stop lights. Keep in mind that city planners use time stop lights to reduce stops when you’re driving the speed limit. If you drive much faster, you’ll likely stop more often. Coasting through green lights saves fuel since hard braking lowers fuel efficiency. Fast acceleration at green lights also uses more gas. Maintaining a steady pace within the speed limit helps you avoid hard stops and starts, improving your fuel economy.
However, there is a point where driving slower doesn’t save you on gas. If you’re driving much slower than the posted speed limit, this means your engine runs longer, using fuel for a longer time, which might actually waste gas. Driving below the speed limit also puts you and other drivers at an increased risk of being in an accident. So, by driving at a steady, moderate speed (a.k.a. sticking to the posted speed limit), you can improve gas mileage and save money on fuel.
How driving more fuel-efficient can also save you money on car insurance
By reducing your speed, avoiding hard braking, accelerating slower, maintaining your speed, and driving less often, not only are you driving more fuel efficiently, but you’re also driving more safely. And with safer driving comes better insurance rates. Driving safely can lower your insurance costs in a few ways. First, safe driving means you’re less likely to get into an accident, which helps keep your insurance rates low because you won’t need to file claims.
Also, some insurance companies offer apps that monitor your driving habits as part of usage-based insurance (UBI). These apps monitor if you’re not texting while driving, following speed limits, and avoiding nighttime driving. They do not track your immediate location or allow the insurer to have more information than necessary regarding your driving. Having a history of no accidents and safe driving habits positively impacts your insurance profile, leading to lower insurance rates and better discounts.
What type of car insurance do drivers in Canada need?
In Canada, drivers are required to have specific types of car insurance to ensure they are legally and financially protected. Understanding these types of insurance helps ensure you're adequately covered on the road. Below, we will discuss the types of car insurance drivers in Canada need:
Mandatory coverage
In Canada, the two main types of car insurance coverage are third-party liability coverage and accident benefits coverage:
In addition, some provinces require uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you if you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, and direct compensation-property damage (DCPD) coverage, which covers damage to your vehicle when you’re not at fault.
Optional coverage
In addition to mandatory car insurance, many drivers choose extra coverage for comprehensive protection in case of accidents or damage from storms, vandalism, and other incidents. These additional coverages include:
- Collision coverage, which pays for repairs to your vehicle if you’re involved in an accident
- Comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, fire, or natural disasters.
Another popular option is accident forgiveness coverage. This coverage protects your insurance rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident.
Save on car insurance with BrokerLink
If you’re looking for ways to save money on gas, you’re likely looking for ways to save money in other areas, too. Let BrokerLink help. Since 1991, the BrokerLink team has been dedicated to finding insurance policies that meet the needs and budgets of our customers. We are experts in all things insurance and can ensure you receive the most competitive rate on your policy. Whether it’s insuring your home, car, business, recreational items, or pets, let us help you find the best coverage possible.
You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.
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