Save on fuel prices with these driving tips
2 Minute Read
Fuel prices fluctuate, and while more drivers are considering hybrid or electric vehicles, most Ontarians still rely on fuel‑powered cars for daily travel. The way you drive and maintain your vehicle can make a real difference in how efficiently you use fuel over time. Small habit changes, combined with basic upkeep, can help drivers get more out of every fill‑up without changing what they drive.
Find the lowest gas prices
Fuel prices change frequently, and broader trends can provide useful context before filling up. Watching how prices move over time can help drivers understand whether fuel costs are rising, falling or holding steady.
CAA has a page where drivers can check the daily national average fuel price in Canada and compare today’s average with prices from yesterday, last week, last month, or even a year ago. Comparing the national average with the price at stations near you can help you gauge whether local prices are in line with broader trends or running higher than usual.
Plan your route to make the most of your tank
It's not just good for the environment; it's also good for you if you don't idle in traffic. Anyone who knows their highway versus city driving fuel consumption understands that a car is much more fuel-efficient at a steady, constant speed than during the stop-start of rush hour. Between the radio, GPS systems, Google Maps and Waze, there are plenty of resources available to plan a trip that avoids congestion and heavy traffic.
Ensure your tires are properly inflated and balanced
It takes just a few minutes at a gas station to test tire pressure, but it could save you money. Statistically speaking, properly inflated tires can improve fuel consumption by up to 3.5%. Find your vehicle's optimal tire pressure just inside the driver's side door.
Slow down
When fuel prices skyrocket, take your time and build a little wiggle room into your schedule so you can drive at a steady pace rather than speeding up if you're running late. Most vehicles get optimum fuel efficiency between 40km/h and 90km/h. If you get less than 6 litres/100km or more than 16.5km/1-litre, you're doing well. Try some hypermiling techniques to drive more efficiently.
Check your oil, transmission and differential fluids
Keeping your vehicle's fluids properly topped up and having regular oil changes contribute to your car's optimal performance – and better fuel efficiency.
Plan to bundle your errands
Driving to the store for a litre of milk might seem necessary at the time, but you'll save on gas and wear and tear if you do household shopping and excursions all at once rather than making many shorter trips.
Avoid buying premium gasoline
A few cars are designed to run on higher-octane gasoline; their higher-compression engines require it. However, 99% of the cars on the road don't need it and will not run any better or more efficiently because of it.
Save on fuel with CAA and Shell
CAA has all the driving tips you need. CAA Members save 3¢/L on fuel and more at Shell. Just insert a CAA Membership card at the pump or swipe it in-store.
