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Wheels and Car Care, Wednesday, May 31, 2006 7 Save $$ and the planet by rethinking how you drive Twenty-five years ago a litre of gasoline in Canada cost about 25 cents, but since then we've seen that climb steadily, to the 85 cents -$1range for regular gasoline And while vehicles have become increasingly fuel efficient-- due to better aerodynamics, improved tires and electronic controls-- they haven't become the three to four times better it would require to keep up with that discouraging escalation in fuel costs. The good news is we can do something about controlling our fuel usage with a three-pronged approach involving a better assessment of our vehicle requirements, ensuring that, whether new or old, they are kept properly maintained and changing our approach to how we drive them. Doing so will not only potentially save hundreds of dollars annually, but help Canada meet its commitments to reduce greenhouse gases. Natural Resources Canada and Canada's auto producers and retailers have joined forces to provide information on fuel efficient vehicle choices through the EnerGuide fuel economy guide and special labeling on new vehicles. NRcan also sponsors an annual awards program that identifies the most fuel efficient vehicles available. To learn more visit NRcan's web site at vehicles.gc.ca or call 1-800-387-2000. Thanks to technological advances some automotive systems don't require as much maintenance as in the past, but others still do and ensuring your vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturers specifications will help cut fuel costs, keeping cash in your pocket. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates replacing a clogged air filter alone can improve fuel economy by 10%, which works out to 8.5 cents on an 85 cent litre of fuel or, for the average Canadian, about $170 a year. Loose or faulty gas caps-- something a technician might discover during a spring service-- also causes increased fuel usage. Regular oil changes, maintenance of fuel injection systems and such things as making sure brakes aren't dragging can also improve economy, while also saving potential repair costs down the road. Making the effort (at least monthly) to check tire pressures is one of the most worthwhile do-it-yourself chores. Under inflated tires reduce economy by up to 5 percent because of higher rolling resistance. They also wear out faster, are a safety hazard because they can upset the handling of your car and on the highway heat build-up can cause them to fail. If you use winter tires change them as soon as practical, as they reduce fuel efficiency by about 4 percent. Making sure the optimum grade of fuel is being used is also important. Using a higher octane rating than called for, in the belief it will boost power, is expensive and unnecessary. For information on vehicle maintenance you can visit Car Care Canada's web site at www.carcarecanada.ca. Part of the holistic approach to fuel economy includes keeping the car's load to a minimum. Fuel economy is reduced by 1%-2% for every 45kg of added weight. If you own a minivan you can eliminate weight by storing the rear seat in the garage. Minimizing air conditioning usage can be a big help as it decreases fuel economy by 9% on the highway and as much as 26% in stop and go traffic. Getting serious about fuel savings also requires a change of mental gears, by adopting a more aware attitude towards the task of driving. Speed is the biggest consumer of fuel. So drive more slowly and you'll cut fuel costs by a surprising amount. Traveling at 90km/h instead of 110km/h can reduce fuel usage up to 20%. Planning a direct route can also pay fuel saving dividends and so will reducing idling. Idling your vehicle just 10 minutes a day-- the Canadian average is five to 10-- burns approximately 100 litres of fuel a year, worth about $100 at the current price. Also don't overuse a remote starting system, and do employ a block heater. How you deal with day to day driving has a big impact on fuel economy. Watching how traffic patterns unfold, so as to avoid braking and accelerating will help. Hard acceleration drains gas out of the tank at an amazing rate, as does aggressive driving, with lots of lane changing, and subsequent hard braking, and acceleration. Smooth operation and anticipation of traffic flow is the key. Every time you use the brakes to reduce speed you have to use the accelerator (and fuel) to gain it back. Conserving momentum is all important. Taking this three part approach to vehicle selection, maintenance and driving will definitely reduce the number of your hard earned dollar bills that get blown out the tailpipe each year. PARK MOTOR SALES On Hwy 7 between Georgetown & Acton 6% GST 905-877-2261 w w w.autotrader ca/ParkMotorSales . 2003 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE 2003 WINDSTAR SPORT ·3.4 V6, Automatic ·Power Sliding Door ·Power Windows, Locks & Seat ·Quad Captain's Chairs ·Warranty ·80,049 kms ·3.8 V6, Automatic ·Fully Power Equipped ·Quad Leather Seats ·Family Entertainment - DVD ·Factory Warranty ·61,779 kms 2002 DODGE CARAVAN SE ·3.3L V6, Automatic ·7 Passenger ·Power Windows, Locks & Mirrors ·Cruise & Tilt ·Factory Warranty ·97,386 kms $ 13,880. $ Stk #277 14,840. Stk #T267 $ 9,995. Stk #T274 ·4.0L V6, Automatic ·Fully Power Equipped ·AM/FM Stereo/C.D. ·Air Conditioning ·Factory Warranty ·87,432 kms 2002 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2002 FORD ESCAPE XLT 4x4 LARADO 4x4 ·3.0 V6, Automatic ·Power Sunroof ·Power Leather Seats ·Air Conditioning ·Warranty ·83,750 kms $ 14,880. Stk #T268 $ 16,995. ·3.9L V6, Automatic ·Trailer Tow Pkg. ·Power Windows, Locks & Mirrors ·Air Conditioning ·Factory Warranty ·79,500 kms 2002 DODGE DAKOTA SPORT QUAD CAB 4x4 $ Stk #T259 17,998. Stk #T254 ·5.4L V8, Automatic ·Trailer Tow Package ·Power Windows, Locks & Mirrors ·AM/FM Stereo/ C.D. ·Warranty ·76,212 kms 2002 F-150 XLT SUPERCAB 4x4 2002 DODGE DURANGO RT 4X4 ·5.9L V8, Automatic ·Trailer Tow Package ·Fully Power Equipped ·Leather Seats - 7 Passenger ·Factory Warranty ·68,729 kms 1999 FORD F150 XLT SUPERCAB 4X2 ·4.2L, V6, Automatic ·Trailer Tow Pkg. ·Air Conditioning ·Power Windows, Locks & Mirrors ·Warranty ·181,554 kms Driving tips that help increase fuel economy Driving tips that can help increase fuel economy. · Use top gear as much as possible. Don't change down, or kickdown your automatic transmission unless you really have to and use cruise control where practical. · Accelerate gently. It's better to accelerate slowly, using more throttle in a higher gear than to use less throttle in a lower gear. · Don't leave your engine running. Start it up just prior to departure and drive away at moderate speed, even if it's cold. Four minutes of idling time equals about 1km of fuel use. · Use the vents instead of using the air conditioner where practical. Open windows at highway speeds can increase fuel use 2%-5%. · Wet or snow covered roads can increase fuel consumption 10%. Drive on the driest parts, not in the puddles or slush. · Use the cruise control where practical on long highway trips. · Don't drive with your left foot on the brake, not only is it a drag on fuel economy, but wears out your brakes. $ 18,985. $ Stk #T255 17,880. $ Stk #T271 8,995. Stk #C303A 2003 FORD FOCUS ZTS - 4 Door ·2.0L 4 Cyl., Automatic ·Power Sunroof ·Heated Leather Seats ·Fully Power Equipped ·Factory Warranty ·57,299 kms 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE - 2 Door ·2.2L 4 Cyl. Automatic ·Air Conditioning ·AM/FM Stereo/C.D. ·Alloy Wheels ·Warranty ·79,987 kms ·2.2L 4 Cyl., Automatic ·Air Conditioning ·Power Windows, Locks & Mirrors ·Cruise & Tilt ·Warranty ·83,742 kms 2002 SATURN L100 4 Door $ 12,688. $ Stk #C325 8,880. $ Stk #C313 8,980. Stk #C321 2002 SATURN SL1 - 4 Door 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING 1980 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS Lxi - 4 Door SUPREME BROUGHAM ·1.9L 4 Cyl., Automatic ·2.7L V6, Automatic ·Power Windows, Locks & Mirrors ·Air Conditioning ·Cruise & Tilt ·Warranty ·73,122 kms ·Power Leather Seats ·Power Windows Locks & Mirrors ·Air Conditioning ·Warranty ·61,127 kms ·4.9L V8, Automatic ·AM/FM Stereo ·Cruise & Tilt ·"Western Car" ·MUST BE SEEN ·Only 81,089 kms $ 8,620. $ Stk #C307 10,990. $ Stk #C271 3,995. Stk #CON 2006 FLAGSTAFF TENT TRAILERS 12 Models To Choose From - Starting at $5995. FROM $ Full Service - Hitches / Wiring Installed ·17,000 BTU Furnace ·1.9 Cu. 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