Gas prices are expected to drop 15 cents overnight, but that means the average price around the Hamilton area will still be a dollar seventy-five. So filling up for many is painful and takes a hit on the pocketbook.
Christopher Pinard is a professor of automotive at Mohawk College.
He has some tips when it comes to fuel efficiency. He says general maintenance like oil changes and tire pressure are important-but also little things like a clean air filter can go a long way.
“So just finding your air filter you can always check through your manual , a general check would be just inspecting to see how dirty it is. Actually this one is due for replacement. So I can probably save a couple litres per 100 if i replace this filter.”
Pinard also says don’t keep items in your car that you don’t need. Your engine burns more fuel when it works harder because its carrying more. Another tip that seems obvious, don’t drive too fast.
The vehicles are going to be most efficient in the 75 to 100 km an hour range, vehicles were actually designed to speed limits that were given to you on the road.
The way you drive actually has the most impact on how much fuel you’re using. The more you use your gas peddle and breaks, the more fuel you’re burning.
When you’re getting off the highways, as soon as you full off into the deceleration lane, just coast and get off the gas. Before you get on the breaks you’ll get there within a second or two and you don’t use any gas.
Sean Cowan has more.
