Fuel-efficient driving 101

Save Money, Save the Environment & Save You

A TIRF Youth Advisor Program (TIRF YAP) blog.

TLDR (a.k.a. brief summary): Fuel efficient driving can make a big difference for your budget and for the environment. Small adjustments to your driving style, like smoother acceleration, consistent speeds, and checking tire pressure, can reduce fuel consumption, helping you save money while lowering emissions. With fuel prices fluctuating, learning how to maximize each tank can really pay off.

Did you know that driving fast, braking hard, and the alternating speed up/slow down of stop-and-go traffic can make a big difference on your budget and the environment? Making small adjustments to your driving style, like accelerating smoothly, maintaining a consistent speed where feasible, avoiding hard-braking, and checking your tire pressure regularly, can all reduce the amount of fuel used and put money back in your pocket. It’s also better for the environment because it reduces the carbon emissions from your vehicle on each trip. With fluctuating fuel prices, learning how to drive fuel efficiently can maximize the distance travelled on each tank and really pay off.

Fuel-efficient driving: A smart way to save money and the environment

Fuel prices have been all over the place lately; going up more than going down. I don’t know about you, but seeing the numbers climb at the pump has made me rethink every drive. The good news? You don’t need any fancy gadgets or special training to get more mileage out of your tank; you just need a bit of mindfulness and a willingness to make small adjustments to your driving habits. Before you know it, these practices will feel like second nature, especially once you start seeing the savings on fuel. And as a bonus, you’re doing something good for the planet by cutting down on emissions.

So, the next time you’re behind the wheel, keep fuel efficiency in mind. It’s a small shift that can make a big difference, both for your budget and the environment.

What is fuel-efficient driving?

Fuel-efficient driving means adopting strategies to make the most of the fuel you put in the tank. By optimizing your driving behaviour and keeping up with vehicle maintenance, you can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Simple changes can make quite a difference. The less your engine has to work, the less fuel it uses. Fuel-efficient driving isn’t just about what happens on the road; it also includes staying on top of things like proper vehicle load and tire pressure.

Is fuel-efficiency really worth it?

Driving with fuel efficiency in mind doesn’t just affect your day-to-day expenses; it has long-term benefits that can really add up:

1. Lower fuel costs: Simple changes in driving habits can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15-30%, which adds up over time, especially if you drive frequently.
2. Vehicle longevity: Gentle driving can reduce wear on essential parts like brakes and the engine, meaning fewer repairs and a longer-lasting vehicle.
3. Environmental impact: Burning less fuel means lower emissions, which contributes to cleaner air and a smaller carbon footprint.

But the biggest pay-off is in the form of safety. Drivers who rely on fuel-efficient habits are less likely to be involved in crashes. More consistent speeds and driving the speed limit provide drivers with more time and distance to anticipate hazards and come to a complete stop to avoid collisions or at least reduce the force of impact.

Top tips to practice fuel-efficient driving

With these important benefits in mind, here are some actionable tips to improve your fuel efficient (i.e., eco-driving) style:

1. Accelerate smoothly and gradually: I learned fast that flooring it when the light turns green uses way more fuel than easing into speed. When the light changes, don’t feel the need to race off, particularly when you know there’s another red light ahead. By accelerating smoothly, you save fuel and still keep up with traffic. Speeding doesn’t help you get to your destination any faster so what’s the point? And no slow creeping up to speed either! A steady push is all you need to get to cruising speed efficiently. Think of it as driving with a light touch.
2. Anticipate traffic flow: By looking ahead and anticipating stops, you can reduce the need for sudden braking. If you see a yellow or red light ahead, ease off the gas early rather than braking hard at the last minute. In other words, the goal when approaching a yellow or red light, is to coast towards it with your foot off the gas and hovering over the brake in case you need to stop sooner than anticipated. This approach not only saves fuel but also reduces wear on your brakes.
3. Maintain a steady speed: Frequent speed changes waste fuel. Try to maintain a steady speed when you can on highways, and you can use cruise control to help keep you in the zone. Staying consistent helps reduce the amount of fuel your engine needs to keep you moving.
4. Reduce unnecessary weight and drag: I used to carry all sorts of just in case items in my trunk, everything from old work boots to toolkits and any number of art supplies. But now I stick to the essentials. If you have a roof rack you’re not using, it’s also a good idea to take it off. Extra weight and wind resistance make your car work harder, burning more fuel than you might realize. If it’s easier to leave the roof rack on, consider a wind deflector to reduce buffeting and increase aerodynamics through reduced resistance.

The importance of checking tire pressure

One thing that often gets overlooked when it comes to fuel-efficient driving is keeping your tires at the right pressure. Underinflated tires produce greater resistance on the road, which means your engine has to work harder. Translation: you’re burning more fuel. On the flip side, if you keep your tires properly inflated, you’ll not only improve fuel efficiency, but you’ll also extend the life of your tires and make your drive a lot safer.

How to check tire pressure

1. Find the recommended pressure: First, figure out what the right pressure should be for your vehicle. You can usually find this on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. The number you see, measured in psi (pounds per square inch), is your target.
2. Use a tire pressure gauge: A tire pressure gauge is a small, inexpensive tool that can save you a lot of hassle (and gas money). Keep one in your car for quick checks.
3. Check when the tires are cold: Tire pressure actually goes up a bit as your tires heat up from driving. So, for an accurate reading, it’s best to check the pressure in the morning or after the car’s been parked for a few hours.
4. Adjust as needed: If you find your tires are underinflated; it’s time to add some air. Most gas stations have air pumps, or you can use a portable pump if you have one at home. Just make sure not to overinflate, too much air can affect your traction and wear your tires unevenly.
5. Check regularly: It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once a month and definitely before any long road trips. Even small changes in pressure can make a difference in your fuel efficiency, so it’s worth the few extra minutes.

Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is one of the simplest things you can do to save on fuel and help your car run better. And with prices at the pump often on the rise, a little maintenance goes a long way!

Making fuel efficiency a habit

These adjustments don’t take a lot of effort but can add up to significant savings over time. By driving mindfully and incorporating these fuel-efficient habits, you’ll start to notice the benefits in both your gas expenses and how your car handles. Plus, you’re helping the environment by reducing emissions with every mile you drive, and keeping yourself and others who are out there with you safe.

So, next time you’re on the road, consider these fuel-saving techniques. They’re easy to apply and make a positive impact, for both your budget and the planet.

#MySafeRoadHome authors: Kylee Bowman, TIRF Lead, Youth Advisor Program (TIRF YAP) taps into the views, experiences and attitudes of young road users and helps TIRF develop educational strategies and communicate risks in ways that are relatable and engaging for young audiences. Kylee was crash-involved as an 8-year-old, and since 2011, she has been part of TIRF’s Drop It And Drive® education program. Robyn Robertson, TIRF President & CEO, collaborates with Kylee to blend the youth perspective with her background as a criminologist with 25 years of experience in road safety research. Robyn authored TIRF’s knowledge translation model and is well-versed in implementation strategies and operational practices across several sectors.

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Source documents and resources:

Canada, N. R. (2024, June 19). Fuel-efficient driving techniques. Natural Resources Canada. https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/personal-vehicles/fuel-efficient-driving-techniques/21038

The effect of fuel-efficient driving on collision risk, TIRF Canada Project, https://tirf.ca/projects/fuel-efficient-driving-collision-risk/

Winter tires, how the rubber meets the road, TIRF #MySafeRoadHome blog https://tirf.ca/blog/usa-winter-tires/

Is faster really better when it comes to driving?, TIRF #MySafeRoadHome blog https://tirf.ca/blog/is-faster-really-better-when-it-comes-to-driving/

Speed – #MyDrivingMatters 2.0 Vodcast: Episode 4, https://tirf.ca/blog/driving-matters-vodcast-speed/