How to save on gas: 15 simple tips

1. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle

Planning to buy a new or used vehicle? Opt for a fuel-efficient car. Fuel consumption can vary greatly between vehicle types and models. Even a 1L/100km difference can put hundreds of extra dollars in your pocket each year! 

How to check a car’s fuel consumption

Several free tools can help you choose a low-consumption model: 

• The Fuel Consumption Guide, published annually by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), lists the most energy-efficient vehicles by category—a great starting point for your next car purchase. 

• Are you a CAA-Quebec member? Call on their Mobility Advisory Services to access unbiased reviews of available models and get fuel-saving tips. 

How to choose the right vehicle

• Driving Costs Calculator 

CAA’s car cost calculator tool lets you compare the car ownership costs of gas, hybrid, or electric vehicles. 

• CAA-Quebec Road Tests 

CAA-Quebec’s mobility experts provide you with objective advice on vehicles tested under real driving conditions. 

• Vehicle Comparison Tool 

Équiterre’s platform helps you compare costs, environmental impact, and road safety for two vehicles. 

Tip: If you own two vehicles, use the one with better gas mileage whenever possible. 

2. Practice eco-driving

Adopting eco-driving habits can significantly reduce your gas usage—and it comes with other perks: 

• Reduced wear and tear (lower vehicle maintenance costs) 

• Reduced air pollution 

• Improved road safety 

• Less stress behind the wheel 

How to drive more efficiently

• Anticipate traffic flow: Avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration. Look ahead and keep a safe distance to react smoothly. 

• Drive slower and keep a steady speed: Driving at 100km/h instead of 120km/h can cut your fuel use by 20%. On the highway, use cruise control when conditions allow. 

• Turn off the engine during long stops: If you’re stationary for over a minute (and not in traffic), shut off the engine.

Good to know: Many modern cars have auto stop-start features to help. 

3. Use the correct fuel type

Should you choose regular or premium gas? Always follow the car manufacturer’s recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

4. Fill up at the right time and place

Fuel prices can vary widely even within the same city. So when should you fill up your tank? Use gas price trackers like CAA-Quebec’s Gasoline Watch to pay the right price for gas at the right time. 

5. Take advantage of rewards programs

Many gas stations offer loyalty programs that help you save. For example, CAA-Quebec members get a 3¢/L discount at participating Shell locations.

Compare available programs and discounts to determine which one is most advantageous to you. 

6. Maintain your vehicle

A poorly maintained vehicle can burn up to 25% more gas. Follow your maintenance schedule for engine oil changes and filter replacements. Trust your dealer, a reputable mechanic, or a CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Service. 

Good to know: Experts can also check for brake-related resistance or other issues affecting fuel efficiency. CAA-Quebec Authorized Inspection Centres are also able to conduct a thorough diagnostic check of your vehicle, from car battery to tires and systems. 

Got more questions about the maintenance of your vehicle? Check out our page on car maintenance FAQs. 

7. Keep your tires properly inflated

Check your tire pressure regularly to reduce road resistance. Underinflated tires increase fuel consumption. You’ll find the recommended air pressure on the driver’s door sticker or in the owner’s manual. 

8. Plan your trips

Use tools like Google Maps, Waze, Québec 511, or traffic apps to avoid congestion and reduce fuel waste. 

Tip: Avoid rush hours when possible. Combine errands into fewer trips. This is especially important in winter, since a car that has not been warmed up consumes more fuel. 

9. Use an engine block heater

Install a block heater to warm your engine before starting on cold days. It’s good for comfort because it warms up the interior faster. It’s also good for the planet and your wallet.  

In winter, an engine heater can improve fuel efficiency by 15% on journeys of less than 20km. This more than compensates for the cost of electricity. 

10. Don’t idle too long

In winter, your engine warm-up should take no more than 30 seconds. Driving gently warms it faster. 

Good to know: Idling can burn between 1.1 to 4 litres of fuel per hour—wasteful and costly. 

11. Use air conditioning wisely

Your car’s AC can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%, especially at low speeds. In city driving, open the windows instead. 

Good to know: On highways, open windows or sunroofs create drag—making AC more efficient at high speeds. 

12. Remove unnecessary weight

Every extra 25kg adds about 1% to your fuel consumption. 

To reduce weight: 

• Travel light—remove extra baggage. 

• Take off your bike rack or roof box when not in use. 

• Avoid carrying heavy gear like sandbags, tools, or sports equipment if not needed. 

13. Don’t fall for fuel-saving gadgets

Seen a social media ad for a fuel saver that promises 20% savings? It’s a scam! No magnet or device will magically cut fuel use. Save your money and instead put the other 14 tips in this article into practice.  

14. Consider an electric car or hybrid vehicle

Driving 100km in a gas-powered car costs roughly four times more than in an electric or hybrid vehicle (source: Hydro-Quebec). EVs cost more upfront, but they prove to be cost-effective in the long run in many cases, thanks in part to features such as regenerative braking. 

15. Use public and active transportation

Start by trying it once or twice a week! 

• Walking and cycling burn calories—not gas. 

• Public transit like buses and subways can be efficient and relaxing. 

• Carpooling and remote work also cut your fuel costs. 

By developing smart habits and driving more efficiently, you can achieve significant emissions reductions and fuel savings in the medium and long term.