Community Operations

Consumer Affairs Tip Sheets

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Gasoline Tips

Some simple gasoline-saving methods can save you money on trips to the pump and can easily become good driving habits with a little practice and patience.

Follow these tips to save money on gasoline:

  • Observe the lower speed limits to get the most efficient use of your gasoline.
  • Coast to a stop in gear but with your foot off the gas pedal. Accelerate smoothly. You burn up to four times as much gas by "stepping on it" from a stop.
  • Try to avoid heavy braking when driving into curves. Get into high gear quickly. Automatic transmissions shift up earlier if you reduce pressure on the gas pedal as you gain speed.
  • Don't leave your car running all the time. Warm it up for a short period, only when needed.
  • Keep the oil level up to the indicator mark in the transmission and differential.
  • Make sure your brakes apply and release correctly. Dragging brakes waste fuel.
  • A slow or stuck clutch or a faulty carburetor can burn up to 30 % more gasoline. Black exhaust smoke is an indication of one of these problems.
  • Don't carry more unnecessary weight in your vehicle than you have to. Hauling it around wastes gasoline.
  • Blue exhaust smoke can indicate a loss of power and gasoline. This could occur because of worn rings, valve lifters or valve seals.
  • Whenever possible use the "self-serve" pump at your local gas station as self-serve is generally a few cents a litre cheaper.

For more information, call collect or e-mail our Consumer Affairs Officer at MACA headquarters in Yellowknife at: (867) 873-7125.