In B.C. as the temperature begins to rise so too does the price at the pump.
Before you hit the highway with friends and family for the upcoming Canada Day long weekend, Kent Magnuson of Metro Ford has some helpful tips to make sure that your fun-filled road trip doesn't break the bank. Below are five easy to follow tips that will help you improve your fuel efficiency this holiday weekend.
1. Check your tire pressure
Keep your tires at the recommended pressure, it can reduce the average amount of fuel used by 3 to 4 per cent
Don't rely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light. Check your tire pressure with a gauge weekly
Remember to check the air pressure in the spare tire when you check the road tires
Check tire pressure when the tires are cold and do not bleed air pressure from hot tires
2. Check your air filter
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine, which harms performance and fuel efficiency
Hold the filter up to the sun - if you can't see light coming through it, you need a new one
3. Get rid of the junk in your trunk!
Clean out your trunk to cut down on the amount of weight that your car has to carry. The less weight, the less fuel burned
4. Slow down
One of the best ways to save gas is to reduce your speed. As speed increases, fuel economy decreases
5. Accelerate with care
Avoid jack-rabbit starts
Automatic drivers should accelerate moderately so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears
Manual drivers should shift early to keep the revs down
These five do-it-yourself fuel efficiency tips will help ensure you get your money's worth road tripping this summer. Making an appointment at an authorized dealer is also recommended to check that your vehicle's performance is at its best and always follow the recommendations in the vehicle owner's guide for more information on proper procedures.
- Kent Magnuson is the general sales manager of Metro Ford
