UNIT H

• Benefits of Fuel-Efficiency

  • Go further on a tank of fuel, saving money and reducing environmental impact
  • Causes less wear and tear on your vehicle
• Planning Ahead

  1. Think about when and where you're going to avoid traffic

  2. Consider the route to avoid construction areas

  3. Drive at slower, constant speeds

  4. Carpool

  5. Reduce extra cargo weight
• Idling for longer than 10 seconds uses more fuel than it takes to re-start the engine
• Weather Conditions

  • Use air conditioning only when necessary, avoid driving with sunroof/windows open
  • Let engine idle for 10-30 seconds before driving in cold weather, use block heater when below -15C
• Driving at a steady speed, at or below the posted speed limit


  Significant impact on fuel efficiency
• Reducing highway speed from 100 km/h to 90 km/h improves fuel economy by 10%, and slowing down can save up to 30% on fuel
• Speeding and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 33% at highway speeds, and 5% in urban areas
• Vehicle Maintenance

  Regular servicing and maintenance checks can improve fuel efficiency
• Vehicle Systems


  • Fuel system
  • Accelerator system
  • Lubrication system
  • Brake system
  • Tires
• Oil should be changed about every 3 months or every 5000 to 8000 kilometres, based on oil type
• Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy, and tire pressure can change with temperature
• Buying a vehicle is a big decision, and fuel efficiency will likely be one of the factors to consider
• Buying a Vehicle

  1. Analyze your driving lifestyle

  2. Analyze your vehicle choices (hybrid, diesel, gasoline, electric)

  3. Do the math on fuel efficiency and costs
• Bicycles

  • Suitable for short distances
  • Produce no exhaust emissions
• EnerGuide label

  Information on new vehicles that can help you choose the best vehicle for your needs
• Factors affecting fuel efficiency

  • Size and weight of the vehicle
  • Engine type
  • Fuel system
  • Transmission type
  • Design and aerodynamics of the vehicle
  • Cruise control
  • Block heaters
  • Tires
• Removing winter tires at the right time (when average outside temperature is above 7 degrees Celsius) can save up to 4% in fuel
• Electric vehicles (EVs)

  Range from fully electric to hybrids of electric and internal combustion engines
• The first electric vehicle (EV) in Canada was introduced in December 1893
• For best fuel efficiency, your speed should not exceed 90 kilometres per hour