High gasoline prices have drivers on edge and the threat of even higher prices have us looking for ways to save.
Whether you're headed on vacation or just headed to work, Consumer Reports tests show several moves can add up to real savings.
You could be wasting up to 15 per cent of your precious gasoline if you accelerate hard or brake hard. So drive smoothly.
Driving slower on the highway is supposed to save gas but drivers are skeptical, thinking it won't save them gas.
I took a Toyota Prius on a pre-measured three km drive on a freeway. I set the cruise control to take out any variance in how I was driving. The Prius has an onboard computer that accurately calculates fuel consumption.
At 90 kilometres per hour the Prius was consuming 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres.
At 100 kph it uses 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres -- 10 per cent more fuel.
At 110 kph it used 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres. That's 30 per cent more than at 100 kph -- 45 per cent more than at 90 kph.
That's a hybrid -- but what about regular cars?
For that test, we used a Toyota Camry.
Out on the freeway, the faster the Camry went the more fuel it burned. The Camry used 30 per cent more fuel at 110 kph than it did at 90 kph.
Hard to believe -- but true!
Replacing worn tires with new ones that have a low rolling resistance could also save you more than $100 a year. Remember to keep them properly inflated.
Other ways to save fuel:
- Avoid idling -- turn your engine off if you are going to sit for more than a few seconds.
- Combine trips because your engine stays warm and is more efficient.
- And don't use premium fuel unless the vehicle requires it -- check your manual.
And while a car-top carrier is handy, once you're done with it, remove it. That will help you save on gas, too.
Which cars get the best gas mileage? Hybrids do but others that get great mileage for half the price include the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio5.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
