Planning a road trip? Here's how to save money on gas this summer
As gas prices slightly trend down this week after some of the highest national averages seen in recent months, some Canadians may be thinking twice before planning their usual summer road trip plans.
A June survey published by The Canadian Automobile Association’s (CAA) South Central Ontario division found that 64 per cent of respondents said rising fuel prices are likely to affect their road trip plans.
The average price of gas in Canada has reached record levels in recent weeks, with prices climbing to more than $2 in some regions. The CAA noted that the national average is currently sitting at $1.95, as of July 6.
While avoiding a surge at pumps is impossible, there are a few ways to save money on gas bills, mainly having a plan before hitting the road. CTVNews.ca looks at how drivers can save while taking road trips this summer.
KEEP TABS ON GAS PRICES
Gas prices start to rise around Thursday nearer to the weekend, so filling up at the beginning of the week might save drivers a few precious dollars, according to car shopping platform Canada Drives.
The platform also recommends travellers check predictions of gas prices in the upcoming months on the CAA’s website and gas predictions’ site Gas Wizard, if they plan to travel in the future.
DRIVE SMARTER TO PAY LESS
Drivers waste 22 cents more in gas for every 8 kilometres over 80.5 km/h they travel on the highway, according to Gas Buddy, an app that tracks changes in real-time gas prices.
“If it’s possible, slow down on the road, or even take the scenic route instead of the interstate, to save a lot of money on gas,” Gas Buddy says on its website.
“Similarly, practising poor driving habits like aggressive braking, speeding and frequent acceleration can cost you at the pump. Don’t let the summer heat “heat” up your road rage – calm down on the road and let the savings roll in.”
Canada Drives says aggressive driving uses up 35 per cent more gas than when driving near the speed limit, calling it the “single biggest way to make a dent in your monthly gas bill.”
National Resources Canada has found that while abrupt braking can reduce time to destination by four per cent, it increases fuel consumption by 39 per cent.
USE LOYALTY PROGRAMS AND APPS
A few membership rewards programs and gas stations that provide discounts on gasoline purchases are Shell Fuel Rewards, Esso Extra, Petro Points, and Costco.
Canada Drives also recommends figuring out which station near you offers the most affordable deal.
Canada Drives suggests using GasBuddy, Waze, and the Canadian Automobile Association’s mobile app to help.
MAINTAIN YOUR CAR, GET RID OF DEAD WEIGHT
The more load a car is carrying, the more gas it will burn as it works harder to go forward. Drivers will likely get higher gas mileage if they remove all the unnecessary items that are adding weight to your vehicle, according to Canada Drives.
“You don’t need a bike rack in winter or a ski rack in summer – they just add unnecessary weight and make your car expend more energy,” a blog post on the CAA Quebec division’s website notes.
“Consider this: With every 25 kg load, there is a one per cent increase in fuel consumption.”
It is also important that drivers make sure their car remains up to date on maintenance, and that tires are always properly inflated. Whether or not cars should use less or more air conditioning depends on the vehicle, Canada Drive says.
“If you have a smaller, more aerodynamic car, use the AC. If your vehicle is larger and bulkier, crack open some windows,” it writes on its website.
YOUR FINANCES
How one Canadian family of five is coping with the highest inflation in years
With inflation rising at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years, the cost of everything from food to gas has skyrocketed. Canadians across the country are feeling squeezed, but big families with multiple children are at times shouldering much of the higher costs — and changing demographics and consumer patterns have left some of them more exposed to inflation than in previous generations.
Is Canada's 'historic' housing correction affecting your plans to buy or sell? CTVNews.ca wants to hear from you
Following a series of interest rate hikes, Canada's housing market is now facing a 'historic' correction. CTVNews.ca wants to hear from Canadians looking to buy or sell homes in a changing market landscape.
How to get into the housing market if you're gen Z or millennial
For millennial and gen Z Canadians, owning a home in this real estate market might seem like a pipe dream. In an exclusive column for CTVNews,ca personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers some strategies to consider if you can’t afford the housing market yet.
Old age security increase leaves out many seniors, non-profit says
The Canadian Association for Retired Persons is raising alarms about the increase in old age security only being made eligible for those 75 and above.
Rising cost of living taking toll on Canadians living off disability benefits
The rising cost of living is exacerbating the challenge for many Canadians living on fixed disability income to pay for food and housing.
Savings are slowly dripping away as deposit interest lags far behind inflation
The savings accounts of Canadians have sprung a leak. As inflation tops eight per cent, anyone with money in the bank is seeing their savings drip away at the fastest rate on record because interest rates for savings accounts, still largely languishing at around one per cent, haven't kept up.
Cost-of-living increases have Canadian parents worried about opportunities for their children
With inflation at a nearly 40-year high, Canadians are feeling the financial strain. In a six-part series this summer, people at different stages of their lives detail where they're being hit the hardest.
Buying vs. renting: Should the ultimate goal be to own real estate?
While there are many perks to owning a property, renting your home comes with benefits as well. So, how should you decide whether to buy or rent your home? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew breaks it down in an exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.