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6 minute read Published on Aug 12, 2026 by BrokerLink Communications
Current gas prices across Canada can make even short commutes feel expensive. Although fuel costs are influenced by taxes and global markets, there are ways to save money on gas. In fact, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) states that fuel-efficient driving techniques can help you reduce your fuel consumption by 35%! Some of the top 5 fuel-saving driving habits you can adopt today are:
Accelerate and brake gently.
Maintain a steady speed (within legal speed limits).
Avoid unnecessary idling.
Maintain optimal and recommended tire pressure.
Remove extra weight and roof drag.
In Canada, cold temperatures, winter tires and diverse terrain can all affect your fuel economy. This guide will outline the best ways to save money on gas, bust common myths and answer your most frequently asked questions, so you can make smarter driving choices year-round.
The higher your speed, the more fuel you use. Aggressive driving, acceleration and braking can reduce your fuel efficiency levels by 10 to 40% when travelling in the city and by 15 to 30% on the highway. Driving habits that can help you maintain and improve fuel efficiency include:
Take five seconds to reach 20 kilometres per hour from a complete stop. Or, use a moderate amount of throttle and shift gears between 2000 and 2500 rpm if you drive a manual. Look ahead and leave as much space as possible to reduce stop-and-go.
According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), varying your speed between 75 and 85 km per hour every 18 seconds can increase fuel consumption by 20%. On a 25 km trip on the highway, driving 120 km/hour instead of 100 km/h will increase your fuel consumption, but only save you approximately 2 minutes in travel time. Use cruise control on flat roadways and in light-traffic conditions on the highway to optimize your gas mileage.
When you take your foot off the gas pedal and remain in gear, most modern vehicles will automatically cut fuel to your engine (known as fuel cut overrun). It essentially allows your vehicle to slow down naturally without using any gas, which is different from coasting in neutral, because that still burns fuel. So, by looking ahead of you for traffic and taking your foot off the gas early, you can save fuel while maintaining full control of your vehicle.
An engine idling for more than 10 seconds uses roughly 1.8 litres of fuel per hour or 300 millilitres (over 1 cup) of fuel for every 10 minutes—much more than it would use just to restart the engine. As a rule of thumb, if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn your engine off.
And if you’re worried about warming up your engine in the winter months, know that modern vehicles warm up faster, so even 30 to 60 seconds of idling will be sufficient. You can also use an automatic block heater to pre-warm your engine. Note that most provinces and municipal bylaws limit the amount of time vehicles can idle. For example, in New Westminster, vehicles can idle for no longer than three minutes on city streets.
Driving with under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 4% and shorten tires’ lifespan by more than 15,000 kilometres, according to Transport Canada. During the wintertime, motorists should aim to check their tire pressure at least once a month, as it can drop 1 psi for every 5 to 6°C drop in temperature. Here's what you should know:
Typically found on your driver’s side door frame, this shows the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle as per manufacturer guidelines. By maintaining this tire pressure, you’ll be able to balance fuel efficiency, handling and tire wear. Note that the tire sidewall maximum only tells you the maximum pressure your tires can safely handle, not what is most efficient for your vehicle, so follow the door jamb placard instead.
Maintaining your overall tire health is also recommended. Aim to rotate your tires every 8,000 kilometres and replace your tires when your tire tread nears 4 mm, especially if you often drive in wet conditions, to cut fuel costs.
Changing tires from summer to winter tires when temperatures reach, on average, below 7 °C can ensure you maintain road grip during the colder months of the year without excessive gas consumption.
A mid-size car’s fuel consumption goes up by about 1% for every 25 kilograms of extra weight. When travelling, remove unnecessary items like sports gear or tools, unless you need them daily. Let's take a closer look:
Remove roof or bicycle racks when they are not being used. Wind resistance or aerodynamic drag increases fuel consumption by up to 20% on the highway.
Open windows create turbulence, increasing aerodynamic drag and reducing gas mileage. As your speed increases, the drag on the vehicle also increases, creating a drag that can outweigh the air conditioning energy use. Only use your AC on recirculate to minimize fuel consumption.
Maintaining your engine is essential for extending the life of your vehicle and ensuring optimal performance. Don’t neglect your engine’s health—consistent maintenance can save you time and money in the long run. Here are some tips to help you keep your engine in top condition:
Regular tune-ups can save you around 4% on fuel.
Replacing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10%.
Using the motor oil recommended by the manufacturer can boost mileage by up to 2%.
So, if your engine is well-tuned, with clean filters and the right motor oil, it will not only run more efficiently but also use less gas.
Plan your route carefully, especially for long trips. Listen to traffic reports to avoid accidents, road construction and other trouble spots. Avoid excessive stop-and-go traffic by avoiding roads that go through major cities with stoplights, intersections and pedestrians. Whenever possible, use four-lane highways. Longer trips help your car’s engine reach its most fuel-efficient temperature. Make a list of what you need and plan your route to run errands smoothly. This saves both time and gas.
Don’t wait for your gas tank to be on empty before heading to the gas station. Start looking at gas prices when your tank is half full. Loyalty cards help save money on gas by offering discounts, rewards and special promotions for members, for better fuel savings.
If you own multiple vehicles, take the more fuel-efficient car when heading out on longer trips. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider a hybrid vehicle model, PHEV or EV. But, before you buy, make sure to compare models using NRCan’s fuel consumption rating tool.
Some common myths we’re here to dispel right here and now include:
Premium gas vs. regular fuel: Most vehicles run perfectly fine with regular gas. Only use premium gas if your owner’s manual says so.
Warm-up idling: While it’s tempting to keep the car’s engine running on cold winter mornings for a warm ride, this uses a lot of gas. Don’t let your car engine warm up for more than 30 seconds. It’ll warm up faster as you drive it.
Windows vs. air conditioning: Whether to use windows or AC depends on the speed you drive. When on the highway, keep your windows up and set your AC to recirculate to remain cost-effective.
Neutral coasting saves fuel: This is false if you’re driving a modern vehicle.
Driving slower saves money on gas: Driving below the speed limit is unsafe and inefficient. Maintain a steady legal speed at all times.
Your driving habits can directly impact your insurance rates. Here’s how you can save money on your premiums:
These programs reward drivers with lower car insurance rates who accelerate smoothly, drive within the speed limit and don’t brake aggressively.
If you drive infrequently due to work, retirement or public transit, you can save money on your insurance if you remain under a certain annual mileage travelled.
Most insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who install approved winter tires on their vehicles Get a quick insurance policy review and unlock discounts with BrokerLink today.
Smooth driving, steady speeds, proper tire pressure and minimized idling are some of the best ways to save money on gas. For savings on insurance, contact a BrokerLink advisor today to keep even more money in your wallet.
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Maintaining the posted speed limit on the highway is the best way to optimize your fuel economy. Higher speeds lower your savings.
At lower travel speeds, open your windows. When on the highway, keep your windows closed and your AC on recirculate.
Yes, aerodynamic drag increases fuel consumption by up to 20% when on the highway.
Only if your owner’s manual states your vehicle requires premium fuel.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
