Driving Tips

Check your tire treads.

As tires wear, traction is reduced. If your tires have less than 1.6 mm of tire tread depth, or the treadwear indicators are visible, they should be replaced.

Listen to your vehicle.

Long trips often include frequent stops. Make sure you're prepared by having your brakes checked. If your vehicle pulls to the side, or makes sound when you stop or slow down, it may be time to replace your brakes.

Keep it cool.

Don't overheat during your road trip – make sure your AC is working properly. Frequent fogging of your windshield and warm, instead of cool, airflow are just two signs that something is not working properly.

Check your oil regularly.

A properly lubricated engine uses less fuel and emits fewer emissions. The GM Oil Life System (OLS) alerts you when it's time to change your oil. Consult your owner manual to determine which oil is right for your vehicle.

Get a clear view.

Get the clearest view, even on those not-so-sunny days. If your current wiper blades leave streaks or miss sections of your windshield, it's probably time to replace them.

Go the speed limit. Use cruise control.

Driving the speed limit helps maximize gas mileage. Cruise control may also maximize gas mileage by maintaining your vehicle at a constant speed.

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy website)

Drive evenly. Avoid hard stops.

Quick starts burn gas while hard stops can cost you. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast a bit before stopping for a traffic light or a stop sign.

(Source: Government of Ontario's Drive Clean website)

Avoid idling and rush hour traffic

You're burning fuel while idling - up to a 3.79 litres every hour. So, avoid rush hour traffic when possible.

Open windows at slow speeds. Use A/C on highways.

Air conditioners and heaters are efficient on the highway, but they can increase your fuel consumption by up to 12% in stop-and-go traffic.

(Source: Alliance to Save Energy website)

Remove junk from the trunk

Just 45 kg (100 lb.) of extra weight inside your vehicle consumes up to 2% more fuel, so take unnecessary items out of your trunk.

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy website)

Fill up when it's cool and before holidays

Cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening create less vapour. Also, getting a fill-up three days before a holiday will help you save on the per-litre price at the pump.

Don't top off gas and tighten the cap

When buying gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically. And remember, your tank needs both fuel and fumes, so tighten the gas cap after every fill-up.

(Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation Driver's Handbook)

Use the correct fuel grade

When buying gas, stop when the pump shuts off automatically. And remember, your tank needs both fuel and fumes, so tighten the gas cap after every fill-up.

(Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy website)

Don't accelerate up hill

Build up speed before an incline, and then maintain it on the way up. Coast on the way down for additional fuel efficiency.

(Source: Ontario Ministry of Transportation Driver's Handbook)

Avoid rooftop carriers

Unnecessary exterior objects (such as unused roof racks or bike racks) can increase the aerodynamic drag of your car and increase fuel consumption by 5%.

(Source: Alliance to Save Energy website)

Hands on the Wheel

Always drive with both hands on the wheel. The best place for your hands are at the nine and three o'clock positions. This gives you greater steering control in all situations.

Quick Maneuvering

If you need to turn the wheel suddenly to avoid hitting an object in the path of your vehicle, look in the direction you're turning. If you look at the object, you're more likely to hit it.

Lights On, Please!

In rainy or snowy weather, turn on your headlamps and tail lamps. Even if your visibility is good, other drivers will have a better view of your vehicle in their rearview mirrors.

Overweight

Driving with a lot of excess weight in the trunk of your car or truck bed can decrease gas mileage. Remove the things that accumulate in these areas.

Snow on the Roof

If you live in a snow belt, don't let snow pile up on top of your car or truck. Peaks of snow increase drag and decrease gas mileage. Also, don't let snow pile up in the bed of your pickup. It can cause an obstruction of your view and the view of other drivers.

Figuring Out Your Mileage

Start out with a full tank of gas. Note the mileage on your odometer, or zero out your trip odometer. The next time you fill up, note how many litres of gas you've added and how many kilometres you've driven. Divide the number of litres added by the number of kilometres driven and multiply by 100. The resulting number is your vehicle's L/100 kilometres.

Engine Overheating

If your engine overheats in summer traffic, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater and fan to the highest level. It may be uncomfortable, but it will help cool down the engine.

Driving Out of a Skid, Backward and Forward

The best way to drive out of a skid is to take your foot off the accelerator, steer in the direction you want to go and constantly check for an escape route.