How Manitobans can save fuel as gas prices rise
As gas prices in Manitoba approach record highs, many people are left wondering how they can make their tank of gas last longer.
Tim Scott, president of CAA Manitoba, said there are several different ways drivers can improve their gas mileage, starting with their car’s battery.
“If you have a bad battery, the alternator draws more power from the engine, which creates more fuel to go through it,” he said.
“So get your battery checked, especially going into our Manitoba winters.”
Scott noted that drivers should also try to reduce acceleration and hard braking.
“The more you accelerate off the start or a red light that causes more power to use up fuel,” he said.
“So those are the types of things that you can do.”
Scott explained that speed is a big killer when it comes to fuel economy, and has a significant effect on gas use.
“It really becomes something that you have to be conscious about, you have to maintain your speed limits, maybe avoid the traffic jams at 4 and 5 o’clock or early in the morning if you have flexible hours,” he said.
PLAN YOUR TRIPS
Scott suggested that people plan their driving trips, so that they go to places where they can get a lot of shopping or errands done in one area.
He said people should also try to keep their cars in as good condition as possible.
“Everything from getting your oil changed, to your tire inflation, just making sure that your engine is working at its finest,” he said.
“Those are things you should do prior to our winters, as well as just regularly, especially in the summer when you’re travelling a lot.”
COMMAND START AND IDLING
For those whose cars have command start, they might want to try to avoid it to save some gas.
“In today’s modern cars, you don’t need to do that,” Scott said.
“They don’t need the same warmups that say 30-40 years ago the vehicles needed, but that is something of our own personal comfort, but that is a big way for you to save fuel.”
Scott noted that the engines of modern cars only need a few seconds to warm up, so people don't need to sit in their car and wait.
“In a new car today, to get a warm engine it only takes about 10 seconds worth of fuel to restart and to get going,” he said.
“It’s not something like in the old days when you had to literally let it idle for two or three or four minutes to have it have that effect.”
The CAA website offers a checklist for anyone looking for more information on how to get the best fuel economy from your car.
- With files from CTV’s Michael Hutchinson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Premier Legault reiterates that McGill pro-Palestinian camp must be dismantled
Quebec Premier François Legault reiterated that the pro-Palestinian encampment at McGill University must be dismantled while police remain 'on the lookout for new developments.'
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
The UN warns Sudan's warring parties that Darfur risks starvation and death if aid isn't allowed in
The United Nations food agency warned Sudan's warring parties Friday that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they don't allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire' are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Hulk Hogan, hurricanes and a blockbuster recording: A week in review of the Trump hush money trial
Crucial witnesses took the stand in the second week of testimony in Donald Trump's hush money trial, including a California lawyer who negotiated deals at the center of the case and a longtime adviser to the former president.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.