Why don't we start saving?

I've had my job for two months now. In the four years of my previous employment, I travelled daily from Deux-Montagnes to Montréal in the local commuter train, which was, by far, the best option since I lived 10 minutes on foot away from the station.

Now that I work in Laval, I've traded chatty passengers for hurried drivers; old spinster fragrances for smelly exhausts fumes; I'm not stressed by time anymore (because taking the 440 at 7:18 or 7:23 am makes no difference, I don't have a train to catch), rather by the road work season.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Each mean of transportation has its pros and cons, and an associated cost. In most cases, public transportation is the cheapest (and most eco-friendly) option, but sometimes, the car is the only alternative. Instead of doing 20 km per week (I'm a stay at home person), I now do 200.

By doing a little research, I managed to find a few tricks to save a bit of gas. I'm now testing them out. So far, I've noticed a few differences, albeit no world-changing discoveries yet.

Air conditioning. It is very useful, especially during the hot season. According to National Resources Canada, limiting air conditioner usage can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%, because it eases the stress on the engine. So, what are you supposed to do instead? Open the windows (I rediscovered the joy of driving with the wind in my hair), for one, or set your vents to open and not recirculation.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

The best route is not necessary on the highway. How frustrating is it to get stuck in traffic? Not only does it make us late, it also burns more fuel than city driving! Consider going the extra mile - taking an alternative route where there are (usually) no traffic jams. You might get to work faster and save gas!

Adapt your driving. Jerky stops and blasting off from stop signs and street lights uses an enormous amount of fuel as do small trips. Did you know your car can burn up to 5 times more fuel on a trip under 5 km? Stop and go driving is murder. By planning your journey you could save a lot at the pump. Also consider using the cruise control on the highway.

Check your tire pressures at least once a month. The right amount of pressure helps prolong your tires' life, improve the handling of your car and save fuel.