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As Saskatchewan drivers start thinking about cabin weekends, lake trips and summer highway travel after a period of warm weather, CAA Saskatchewan said a few small habits behind the wheel could help stretch every litre a little further.
The organization shared seven fuel-saving tips ahead of the busy summer travel season, ranging from smoother driving habits to regular vehicle maintenance.
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Angel Blair, manager of communications for CAA Saskatchewan, said many drivers don’t realize how much fuel aggressive driving can waste.
“Accelerate smoothly, avoid those jack rabbit starts and that hard braking,” Blair said. “Constant speed equals saving gas.”
Blair said fuel efficiency often comes down to how a person drives day to day.
“How you drive can have a significant impact on how your vehicle gasoline consumption actually happens,” she said. “There are ways you can save.”
One of the biggest recommendations from CAA Saskatchewan was smoother acceleration. Blair said drivers should avoid quickly flooring the gas pedal from a stop.
“It should actually take you about five seconds to accelerate your vehicle to about 20 kilometres per hour from a stop,” she said. “If you do that, you could save a lot on gas.”
The organization also recommended reducing speed on highways and using cruise control during longer drives.
“Reducing your speed reduces fuel consumption, and if you can on long trips, by all means use cruise control,” Blair said. “Constant speed equals saving gas. It’s a really easy thing to remember.”
CAA Saskatchewan’s fuel-saving tips also included combining errands into fewer trips, planning routes ahead of time and avoiding unnecessary idling during hot summer weather.
“I know it’s going to be warm here in the summer, you’re going to want your air conditioning running,” Blair said. “But when you don’t have to have your car idling with air conditioning, that also will help you save gas.”
Vehicle maintenance was another major focus.
Blair said neglected maintenance can quietly increase fuel costs, especially during longer road trips.
“When you have a poorly maintained vehicle, that’ll actually increase your fuel consumption in many ways, in lots of times up to 25 per cent,” she said.
Before heading out on a summer getaway, Blair said drivers should make sure oil changes, tire rotations and other routine maintenance are up to date.
“Make sure your car or truck or any vehicle is in good running condition,” she said.
CAA Saskatchewan also encourages drivers to consider alternate transportation when possible, including biking, walking or public transit for shorter trips.
Blair said drivers looking for more information on fuel prices and fuel-saving habits can visit CAA.ca to compare gas prices across Canada and learn more about fuel efficiency.
She also reminded drivers to slow down and move over for roadside workers, construction crews and emergency personnel on Saskatchewan highways.
“Slow down, move over, and make sure you’re driving that 60 kilometres per hour,” Blair said. “It’s just safer for everyone.”
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