How to get better mileage, save on your next tank as gas prices rise

Gas prices have smashed records in recent weeks as the world grapples with Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demand has soared as the economy reopens.

The daily average retail price for gas across the country hit an all-time high of 197.4 cents per litre Tuesday, up from the start of the year, when it hovered around 146.1 cents, Natural Resources Canada data shows.

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The high prices have drivers grumbling, but there are a few ways to get better mileage and reduce your gas bills, says Teresa Di Felice, an assistant vice-president at the Canadian Automobile Association's south central Ontario branch.

Plan your trips

Saving on gas and getting better mileage starts before you leave home. If you research your route and use traffic newscasts or driving apps, you can avoid accident zones and other slow-moving areas, which can help you save on gas, says Di Felice.

Group your trips too. "Sometimes we go out some place and then get home and are like, 'Oh I meant to go to that place,' and you go out again," Di Felice said. "Try and think about the trips that you need to take, so you can combine them and avoid rush hour."

Practice proper vehicle maintenance

Mileage is better when vehicles are running properly, says Di Felice. To keep your vehicle in good shape, she recommends ensuring engine filters are clean, brake fluids are topped up and tire pressure is optimal.

"It's not good for your gas or your car if you're driving underinflated or even overinflated," she said.

To learn what the optimal pressure is, Di Felice tells drivers to look for guidance printed on the inside of your driver-side car door. Because driving, road conditions and weather can impact pressure, she suggests setting a monthly alert on your phone or marking your calendar, so you review the tire pressure regularly.

Avoid hard braking and 'jack rabbit' starts

Cars consume more fuel when they go from stopping to travelling at a high speed immediately or vice versa. When you drive, try not to slam on the brakes at the last second or hit the gas hard as you take off from a stop light or sign, says Di Felice.

Use cruise control, when it is safe

Maintaining a constant speed can boost savings because you're avoiding fluctuations that hurt your fuel efficiency. Turn to cruise control, when it's safe, to help your mileage, says Di Felice, who notes maximum fuel efficiency is achieved for most cars between 80 and 90 km/h.

Avoid idling

"People have this idea that they have to run their car before they start driving it in order for it to warm up because they think that's better for the car," said Di Felice.

"That may be true, if you're driving a really, really old model ... but you don't really need to run a newer car for two or three minutes before you take off."

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Canadians continue to contend with record-high gas prices. Meanwhile, rising fuel costs are also driving up the price of everything else as transport costs get passed on to consumers.

You're pretty safe to get moving within 15 to 30 seconds of starting your car, and not idling your vehicle will save you gas and help the environment, says Di Felice.

Be strategic about air conditioning

"Your air conditioner is a really big drain on your gas tank, especially if you're choosing the automatic max function in your car," said Di Felice.

She recommends drivers roll down their windows before opting for air conditioning, avoid the maximum auto air conditioning features vehicles have and stop idling their cars in the warm months to cool them down before heading off.

Remove roof racks, when not in use

If you have roof racks or other storage devices on your car, consider taking them off your vehicle when you don't need them to transport goods. These devices create a drag on your car and your fuel efficiency, says Di Felice.

Keep tabs on gas prices

While you often can't avoid filling up on gas when your car is nearly on empty, it is worth watching prices when you have some leeway, says Di Felice. Several websites map out gas stations and note their prices so you can find deals, and news sites will often alert readers when prices are due to rise or drop by a few cents, she says.

Look for loyalty programs

Many gas stations, credit cards and other loyalty programs offer discounts on gas. CAA, for example, offers three cents off per litre at Shell stations for all its members, says Di Felice. Esso, Husky's and several other stations have incentive programs, too.

Sometimes these programs let you earn points each time you fill up and those points can be exchanged for other rewards.

"Maybe you're not saving directly at the pump, but maybe you're saving a few dollars on a grocery bill or something else that you typically purchase," Di Felice said.

Make these tips a habit

Most people know what to do to improve their mileage or save on gas, but easily slip out of following that guidance. Build the advice into your routine, says Di Felice.

"It's just a matter of making it a habit."

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