1. Watch for sales
Driving 10 kilometres out of your way to save a penny per litre in most cases won't be worth your while. But if you see a good price, and you have a few minutes to spare, by all means join the queue and fill up
2. Make the grade
You may have heard that more expensive, premium-grade gasoline will improve your mileage, but this isn't necessarily the case. "Read your vehicle's owner manual and use the grade of fuel recommended by the manufacturer," advises the CAA.
3. Stay tuned
Good car maintenance will get you far when it comes to saving on gas. "A poorly maintained engine can increase fuel consumption by up to 50%," notes the CAA. Your engine, transmission, steering, brakes and even air filters should be inspected regularly and kept at optimum performance. And don't forget to change the motor oil as outlined in your owner's manual.
4. Put a stop to idling
"Excessive idling -- such as warming up your vehicle on a cold day -- wastes a lot of gas and can be hard on your engine," says the CAA. "On really cold mornings, use a block heater to help your engine start more easily and reach peak operating temperature faster."
5. Pump up your tires
"Under-inflated tires will increase fuel consumption," cautions the CAA. Check the pressure regularly to ensure that your tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owner's manual.
Expert tip: "Recheck your tire pressure when the weather gets warmer or after a sharp drop in the temperature," says the CAA. Even if you've just inflated your tires, a climate switch can make an impact.
6. Be trip savvy
Planning your trips (even shorter ones) could help you save gas. According to the CAA, "trips of less than five kilometers generally do not allow the engine to reach its peak operating temperature, especially in cold weather." So try to combine as many errands as possible into one outing.
Expert tip: "Lighten your load, and avoid carrying non-essential heavy items," advises the CAA. "Remove roof racks unless they are really needed."
7. Slow down
Driving fast and accelerating quickly are not only dangerous, they also guzzle gas. "Driving 120 km/h instead of 100 km/h can decrease fuel economy by 20%," cautions the CAA.
8. Buy smart
The next time you're shopping for a new car, add gas mileage to your list of criteria to compare. In the long run, a fuel-efficient auto can save you plenty.
