Read the Guide
Next page: Maintain your vehicle | Contents
Driving Habits
|
Don’t idle
Idling for 10 minutes a day can produce about a quarter tonne of CO2 emissions each year and cost you about $70 in wasted fuel. If you stop for more than 10 seconds, except in traffic, turn off your engine and save. To learn more, visit the Idle-Free Zone.
|
|
Drive 10% less
If you drive 20,000 kilometres a year, reducing your annual distance travelled by 2,000 kilometres, or 10%, will significantly reduce GHGs and save a few trips to the gas station. Use public transit or ride share – or walk, cycle, jog or in-line skate and get exercise at the same time. Telework one or two days each week if possible. Or reduce driving by choosing services close to home or work and combining your errands into one trip. This will save you time, money and fuel, and help you avoid traffic jams.
|
|
Drive at the posted speed limit
With most vehicles, increasing your cruising speed from 100 kilometres per hour to 120 kilometres per hour will increase fuel consumption by about 20%. Speeding also reduces the life of your tires. On the highway, use cruise control to maintain a steady speed and reduce fuel consumption.
|
|
Give up the second vehicle
Reduce GHGs and save thousands of dollars on operating costs and depreciation, particularly if it is an older vehicle.
|
|
Use a block heater on a timer when the temperature drops below 0°C (32°F)
A block heater warms the oil and engine coolant, making it easier to start your vehicle and improving winter fuel economy by as much as 10%. Set your block heater on a timer to switch on two hours before you plan to drive.
|
|
Use your vehicle’s air conditioner sparingly
Using your air conditioner in stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20%. Try opening the windows or fresh air vents to cool your vehicle. Park in the shade if you can, to keep your car cooler and lessen the pollution and waste that occurs when gasoline evaporates from the engine and gas tank.
|
Did you know?
- Ferrying children to school contributes to morning rush hour traffic and our GHG emissions. The traffic volume in school zones creates an unhealthy and unsafe atmosphere for children. "Walking school buses" are supervised walks to school. Establish one at your children's school.
- One city bus filled with passengers can take 40 vehicles off the road and keep about 50 tonnes of GHGs out of the atmosphere each year.
- Most urban Canadians can purchase a full year's travel on public transit for less than $1,000. Owning and operating a typical car costs almost $7,000 a year.
Next page: Maintain your vehicle | Contents
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20