5 Litres of information on fuel economy
By Kijiji Autos
Gas prices may be lower than they have been over the past four years, but they still remain high compared with the cost of oil. Considering the ongoing expense and need for fuel, litres per 100 kilometres represents an important consideration when purchasing a new or used vehicle.
You may not be able to control how much oil companies charge for gas, but you can decide to sacrifice a little speed or style for fuel efficiency. Given advancements in technology, you might not have to even give up much! Here’s how you can use the latest data and science to keep money in your pocket when selecting the right set of wheels.
- Use a Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator. National Resources Canada (NRCan) offers a that lets you select multiple makes and models to see which car might best fit your needs. In an advanced search, you can factor in the number of kilometres you travel in a year, in addition to breaking down the percentage of driving you do in the city versus the highway. It should at least help remove the sticker shock at year end when you see how much you’ve spent on gas.
- Don’t Dismiss Transmissions. The type of transmission in a vehicle could help positively impact its fuel economy. Compared with a 2007 car with an automatic transmission, today’s cars feature a dual clutch transmission, which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent. GM Canada is one manufacturer that sites advanced transmission technologies for “substantial increases” in fuel economy.
- Consider the Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicle. For 2016, NRCan recognizes several vehicles that have the lowest combined fuel consumption rating. Calculating a mix of commuting styles – 55 percent city and 45 percent highway – the site offers recommendations for a number of car classes. Toyota claims three spots on the list: the Prius c (compact), Prius (midsize), and Prius v (midsize station wagon). Honda and Ford are also featured.
- Remember to Check Your Tires. It’s not just a flat tire that can ruin your day. Underinflated tires should be a pressing concern given their ability to influence just how far your car gets on a full tank. In fact, tires underinflated by 8 pounds per square (psi) can increase the car’s fuel consumption by 4 percent. (This may be the only time when it’s good to be full of hot air.) Check those tires once a month to ensure you’re not burning extra fuel over a little psi.
- Declutter the Trunk. If you picture the back seat or trunk of your car right now, does it resemble a storage locker? Every 25 kilograms of weight in the car increases fuel consumption by about 1 percent. Maybe it’s time to start sorting through those backseat treasures and trunk keepsakes and pony up – the less weight in your vehicle, the less fuel your engine will need.
You must always consider fuel consumption and efficiency when purchasing a new or used car. It’s a way to protect your wallet and enjoy a healthier relationship with your car.
There is the importance of researching if that new car is a greedy gas guzzler. Several steps to increasing fuel economy involve checking those tires regularly and clearing out your trunk of unnecessary junk.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search nowHow to take care of your hybrid or electric vehicle
Hybrid and electric vehicles have proven to work wonders when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, but they still need proper care and maintenance to run properly. If you own or are considering buying an eco-friendly car, here are some ways to keep your vehicle in peak...How to plan a classic Canadian road trip in your hybrid or electric car
From the Atlantic seaboard to the vast expanse of the Pacific ocean, the beauty of Canada's landscape has beckoned drivers to explore the country, inspiring some of the most epic road trips. If you want to add your name to the growing list of cross-country travelers, here's how you can prepare...5 simple things to check before your next winter road trip
Whether you're planning your family's next big winter road trip or simply want to prepare your car for winter driving, it's important to know what to look for. Make sure to check these five frequently overlooked elements to ensure that your car is ready to complete a winter journey safely. Your...Tackling your first winter of driving in Canada
To say Canada has some pretty drastic weather changes over one calendar year is an understatement. Summer driving here is much like the rest of the world, but our winters are a whole different experience. If the upcoming winter driving season is your first, here are some tips on how to make the...How to prepare for driving in the snow
Whether you've recently moved provinces or are gearing up for your first winter behind the wheel, driving in the snow can often be an unnerving experience. It takes a special approach and lots of patience to get comfortable driving on slippery surfaces. These tips are designed to help you master...How to maintain your car's engine during the winter
If you want a safe and smooth driving experience during the harsh winter months, a well-maintained engine is essential. Fortunately, a little bit of effort goes a long way. Here are our top tips to help you keep your engine running smoothly through the snowy months. Your well-being remains our...Tips to lengthen your car's lifespan without overspending
Whether you're saving up for something special or trying to be more wary of daily costs, living on a budget can be difficult. Owning a vehicle can make matters even more complicated thanks to rising fuel costs and potential repairs. Is there an easy way to guarantee that your car operates...What are glow plugs and what do they do?
You might hear the term glow plug and immediately think that it's just a fancy name for ""spark plug"", and a mechanic is trying to make your car trouble sound worse than it is. But don't be misled: spark plugs and glow plugs (also spelled ""glowplugs"" or ""glow-plugs"") are actually different.How does your car's electrical system work?
Cars have been so integral to our lives that we tend to take for granted how they work. We know a car needs gas, but we barely spend any time learning about the very thing that keeps the car running: the car's electrical system. Your well-being remains our top priority. Please seriously consider...What do my car’s safety features actually do?
With every passing year, safety systems in vehicles continue to become increasingly complex. New cars now come standard with a number of safety features that would have been considered premium add-ons only a few years prior. While some newly developed innovations are still optional—for the time...