A Canadian Automobile Association representative provided driving tips this week to help motorists reduce fuel consumption by up to one third [1].
These guidelines arrive ahead of the peak summer travel season, offering drivers a way to mitigate rising fuel costs through behavioral changes. For CAA members, these adjustments can result in savings of about three cents per litre [1].
Alexander, the CAA representative, focused on the impact of acceleration and braking on vehicle efficiency. He suggested that drivers avoid aggressive starts to conserve gasoline. "It should actually take you about five seconds to accelerate your vehicle to about 20 kilometres per hour from a stop..." Alexander said [2].
Beyond acceleration, the expert advised drivers to avoid hard stops and maintain proper tire inflation. These combined habits reduce the mechanical strain on the engine and improve the vehicle's rolling resistance, factors that directly influence how much fuel is burned per kilometer [1].
Such modifications to driving style are designed to be immediate and cost-free. By focusing on smooth transitions between stopping and moving, drivers can significantly lower their environmental footprint and personal expenses during long-distance trips [1].
Alexander said that consistency in these habits is key to achieving the maximum potential savings [1]. The advice is aimed at all Canadian motorists regardless of vehicle type, though the impact may vary based on the specific efficiency of the car [1].
“fuel consumption by up to one third”
The focus on behavioral changes suggests that fuel efficiency is as much a result of driver habit as it is of vehicle technology. By quantifying the savings in both percentage of consumption and cost per litre, the CAA is attempting to incentivize a shift toward 'eco-driving' to alleviate the financial pressure of summer travel.
