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6 WHEELS · Georgetown & Acton · October 13, 2011 Five fuel-efficient driving tips that make a difference Put your vehicle into park for a second and listen up. The average car produces about three times its own weight in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions every year. Those emissions are increasing the greenhouse effect, which in turn, are contributing to climate change. You know, snow in July, rain in February? Here are five fuel-efficient driving habits from Natural Resources Canada to help you save up to 25 per cent and make a difference: 1. Be a gentle giant-- The harder you accelerate the more fuel you consume. In the city, where about Simple steps, like slowing down, can help you save up to 25 per cent half the fuel you consume is used to accelerate, you can save fuel by easing up on the pedal. Imagine an egg under your foot and an open cup of java on your dashboard. 2. Be steady-- Drive at a steady, consistent speed. You'll use less fuel, keep traffic flowing smoothly, minimize exhaust emissions and enjoy safer driving. 3. Anticipate traffic-- Hard braking and rapid acceleration burns more fuel and is unsafe. Be defensive and watch for upcoming changes in traffic. Avoid coming to a complete stop unless you hit a stop sign or red light. Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. 4. Coast to decelerate-- Coasting to a stop with your foot off the gas pedal is like driving for free. By predicting slowdowns, you can decrease your speed, conserve fuel and save money. Most vehicles today have fuel-injection systems that automatically shut off the flow of fuel to your engine when the gas pedal is released, so take advantage. 5. Slow down-- The faster a vehicle travels above 80 km/h, the more fuel it consumes. For example, a vehicle needs 20 per cent more fuel to go 120 km/h than to go 100 km/h. NRCan has posted some other fuel-efficient tips and tricks at www. vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca. --www.newscanada.com