Summer in Calgary brings warm weather and scenic drives, but it can also lead to increased fuel consumption. Urban Lube, your trusted auto service provider, offers practical advice to help you enhance your vehicle’s fuel efficiency during the hotter months.
How to Save Money on Gas in Calgary this Summer
1. Keep Up with Regular Oil Changes
Using the right grade of motor oil and changing it regularly is one of the easiest ways to maintain peak engine performance and fuel efficiency. Dirty or old engine oil creates resistance, making your engine work harder and burn more fuel.
Pro Tip: Urban Lube offers oil changes in Calgary, making it easy to keep your engine running smoothly—even on your busiest days.
2. Drive Smoothly and Maintain Steady Speeds
Aggressive driving behaviors like rapid acceleration and hard braking can significantly reduce fuel efficiency. By anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a consistent speed, you can improve your vehicle’s mileage. Utilizing cruise control on highways can also help maintain steady speeds, leading to better fuel economy.
Fuel-saving Tip: Accelerate gently, brake gradually, and use cruise control on highways to maintain steady speeds and save on fuel.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Idling
Letting your engine run while stationary consumes fuel without moving you any closer to your destination. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, consider turning off your engine to conserve fuel.
Efficiency Hack: Turn your engine off if you’re waiting more than 60 seconds.
4. Check Tire Pressure Frequently
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder and consume more fuel. Regularly check your tire pressure, especially during temperature fluctuations common in Calgary’s summer, to ensure optimal inflation levels.
Quick Fix: Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long drives. Urban Lube can check and inflate your tires during your scheduled service.
Also read: Why is My Tire Pressure Light Still On After Filling Tires
5. Reduce Excess Weight and Drag
Carrying unnecessary items in your vehicle adds weight, which can decrease fuel efficiency. Additionally, roof racks and cargo boxes increase aerodynamic drag. Removing these when not in use can lead to noticeable fuel savings.
Pro Tip: Clean out your trunk and remove roof racks when not in use. Less weight and drag means better mileage.
6. Use Air Conditioning Wisely
Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption, especially during city driving. At lower speeds, consider opening windows for ventilation. On highways, using the AC with windows closed is more efficient due to reduced aerodynamic drag.
Smart Cooling Tip: Use your A/C wisely. At lower speeds, open windows. On highways, keep windows up and use A/C to reduce aerodynamic drag.
7. Plan and Combine Trips
Multiple short trips with a cold engine can use more fuel than a single longer trip. By planning your errands to combine destinations, you can reduce the total distance traveled and improve fuel efficiency.
Navigation Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the fastest, least congested routes, and reduce idling time.
8. Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Keeping your vehicle in top condition ensures it runs efficiently. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and engine tune-ups can prevent issues that lead to increased fuel consumption.
Pro Tip: Urban Lube offers convenient automotive vehicle maintenance services to keep your car performing optimally.
9. Monitor Fuel Cap and Engine Components
A loose or damaged fuel cap can allow fuel vapors to escape, reducing fuel efficiency. Ensuring it’s properly sealed can prevent this issue. Additionally, keeping an eye on engine components like oxygen sensors can help maintain optimal fuel economy.
Maintenance Tip: Book an inspection with Urban Lube to check your filters, sensors, and fuel system for optimal performance.
10. Use the Right Fuel Grade
Not every car needs premium fuel. Using a higher-octane gas than your vehicle requires won’t improve performance or fuel economy—in fact, it’s just extra money down the drain.
Cost-Saving Advice: Always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel type. Save money by avoiding unnecessary premium fuel.
Optimize Your Summer Drives with Urban Lube
Urban Lube provides oil changes, tire services, battery boosts, and comprehensive vehicle maintenance throughout Calgary. Our certified technicians come to you, ensuring your vehicle is summer-ready without the hassle.
Book your service today at Urban Lube.
FAQs
Q: How often should I check my tire pressure during summer?
A. It’s advisable to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips, as temperature changes can affect pressure levels.
Q: Does using cruise control improve fuel efficiency? A: Yes, maintaining a constant speed with cruise control can enhance fuel economy, especially on highways.
Q: What’s the impact of carrying extra weight in my vehicle? A: Excess weight can decrease fuel efficiency; removing unnecessary items can lead to noticeable savings at the pump.
Implementing these tips can lead to significant fuel savings during Calgary’s summer months. Trust Urban Lube to keep your vehicle running efficiently all season long.
