Fuel-efficient driving tips from the pros

(NC)-Learning how to drive with fuel efficiency in mind is actually safer, cheaper and better for the environment.

No wonder, then, that tens of thousands of student drivers across Canada are being instructed about fuel efficiency in the classroom and on the road, thanks to an innovative driver education program by Natural Resources Canada called “Auto$mart – A New Point of View”. The course teaches the ins and outs of buying, driving and maintaining a fuel-efficient vehicle and why that’s better for the environment.

Here are some tips for driving smarter, safer and greener:

Reduce your speed. Increasing your speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h consumes 20 per cent more fuel, so slow down and drive more safely. It’s better for the environment, too.

Don’t drive aggressively. Quick acceleration, hard braking and aggressive driving increase fuel consumption by up to 39 per cent – which has an environmental impact and shortens trips between fill-ups.

Drive smooth and steady. Anticipate traffic disruptions, and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. It’s not just better for your el economy; it’s easier on your brake pads and is a lot safer.

Drive only when you need to. Leave your vehicle at home whenever possible by walking, biking, roller-blading, carpooling or taking the bus to nearby locations. If you have to drive, combine your errands and plan the most fuel-efficient route in advance.

Use cruise control. Use cruise control on dry, flat, wide-open highways to help improve fuel efficiency by maintaining an even speed.

Limit air conditioning. Air conditioning causes vehicles to burn more fuel, so use it only when absolutely necessary – such as highway driving on hot days. In the city, roll down your windows or open the vents to keep cool.

These and other driving tips on conserving fuel are available on the Natural Resources website vehicles.gc.ca. With the price of gas these days, drivers are looking for any way they can to limit their fuel consumption. It’s also good for the environment as it sends fewer greenhouse gases into the air.

– News Canada