Start with acceleration and traffic awareness. Repeatedly speeding up and braking wastes energy. Looking ahead and leaving a safe following distance can make it easier to maintain a smoother pace.
Natural Resources Canada’s fuel-efficiency guidance recommends gentle acceleration, steady speeds and anticipating traffic. It also identifies high speeds as a reason fuel consumption rises.
These principles apply whether a vehicle displays miles per gallon in the United States or litres per 100 kilometres in Canada, Europe and Australia.
Tire pressure is another straightforward check. Measure it when the tires are cold and use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure for the load. Do not treat the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall as the normal target.
Canada’s guidance on factors affecting fuel efficiency explains that temperature changes can reduce tire pressure and that underinflation increases fuel use.
Remove unused roof racks or roof boxes when practical. Their aerodynamic drag matters particularly during faster driving. Clearing unnecessary cargo also reduces the weight the vehicle carries.
Track consumption over several fill-ups rather than judging a single journey. Weather, congestion and trip length can produce noticeable variation.
If fuel consumption suddenly worsens without an obvious explanation, arrange a mechanical check. Smooth driving can reduce waste, but it cannot correct a developing fault.
