Tips to get the most out of your tank of gas

Kaitlynn Furse, CAA Manitoba, shares simple ways to cut fuel use, from smoother driving to reducing idling and keeping your car road-ready.

As drivers continue to feel the pain at the pump amid soaring fuel prices, experts say there are small changes drivers can make to get the most out of that pricey tank of gas.

Fuel prices are surging in Canada amid the war in Iran, which is cutting off 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply.

As of Monday morning, the Manitoba gas price average was sitting at $1.68, a few cents cheaper than the national average.

CAA Manitioba’s Kaitlynn Furse said while drivers can’t control fuel prices, they can control their own consumption.

For starters, better planning can have a big impact on how fast your tank hits empty.

“Thinking about your route, making sure that if you have different errands to do, that you’re more mindful and thoughtful about how to do that that avoids backtracking.”

Small things can also impact fuel efficiency, like the weight in your car. Furse recommends checking whether you have extra items in your vehicle that might be weighing it down.

Removing 100 pounds of excess weight, for example, can decrease your consumption by about 1 per cent.

Additionally, items like rooftop or bike racks that can add extra heft and impact aerodynamic drag should only be on your car when they’re needed.

Furse adds that general vehicle maintenance can help with fuel efficiency, like making sure tire pressure is at the manufacturer’s standard.

From there, Furse said motorist behavior is the main driver behind better fuel efficiency.

“The first thing to think about there is speed,” she said.

“We know that when you get over 90 km/h, that you’re starting to have more fuel consumption, so sticking to that speed limit, making sure that you’re mindful of how fast you’re going.”

Another behaviour to watch out for when behind the wheel is jackrabbiting, or sudden acceleration and braking.

Gradual speed changes are preferred, Furse said.

“If you’re going on longer trips or on the highways, for example, consider using something like cruise control,” she said.

“That keeps you at a standard rate and reduces that sort of back-and-forth that can make a big difference with fuel.”

Additionally, Furse said now is the time to utilize fuel rewards programs that could take a big bite out of your gas bill.

“Take a look at what might already be in your wallet.”

- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagacé and Rachel Lau