Driving is an essential skill for many people, but it also comes with a cost to the environment. According to Transport Canada, road transportation accounts for about 20% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. This contributes to climate change, air pollution, and health problems.
Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the environmental impact of driving, without giving up your car altogether. This is called eco-driving, and it involves adopting some simple habits and techniques that can improve your fuel efficiency, lower your emissions, and save you money.
Today’s Driver Driving School, one of the best driving schools in Toronto, offers eco-driving lessons as part of their curriculum. They teach you how to drive safely and responsibly, while also being mindful of the environment. Here are some of the tips and tricks that they share with their students:
- Plan your trips ahead of time. Avoid unnecessary driving by combining errands, choosing the shortest and least congested routes, and using public transit or carpooling when possible.
- Maintain your vehicle regularly. A well-tuned car performs better and consumes less fuel. Check your tire pressure, oil level, air filter, and fluid levels regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for service intervals.
- Drive smoothly and moderately. Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and speeding, as these waste fuel and increase emissions. Aim for a steady speed and use cruise control on highways. Anticipate traffic flow and road conditions, and adjust your speed accordingly.
- Use the highest gear possible. Driving in a lower gear than necessary increases your engine speed and fuel consumption. Shift to a higher gear as soon as you can, without straining the engine. If your car has an automatic transmission, use the overdrive mode if available.
- Turn off the engine when idling. Idling for more than 10 seconds consumes more fuel than restarting the engine. Turn off the engine when you are parked or waiting for someone, unless it is unsafe or impractical to do so.
- Reduce your load and drag. Carrying excess weight or having a roof rack or trailer attached to your car increases the aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption. Remove any unnecessary items from your car, and use a trunk or rear-mounted carrier instead of a roof rack if possible.
- Use the air conditioner sparingly. The air conditioner puts an extra load on the engine and increases fuel consumption. Use it only when necessary, and set the temperature to a comfortable level. You can also use the fan or open the windows to cool down your car, but avoid doing so at high speeds as this increases drag.
- Monitor your fuel consumption. Keeping track of how much fuel you use and how far you drive can help you assess your driving habits and identify areas for improvement. You can use a fuel consumption calculator, such as the one provided by Natural Resources Canada, to estimate your fuel efficiency and compare it with the ratings of other vehicles.
By following these eco-driving tips, you can make a positive difference for the environment and your wallet. You can also learn more about eco-driving and other safe driving skills from the experienced instructors at Today’s Driver Driving School. They offer flexible and affordable driving lessons for beginners and advanced drivers, as well as refresher courses and road test preparation. Visit their website or call them at 416-888-2318 to book your lesson today!
: Transportation – Canada.ca: Fuel Consumption Calculator – Natural Resources Canada: Today’s Driver Driving School – Driving School Toronto