Transportation Conservation Tips

Do gas prices have you stressed out? Are you trying to find a way to keep your vehicle and still make ends meet? Do you wish you could have a positive impact on climate change?

Well, we have some easy and effective tips to help you to Reduce your Juice! Read on to see how small changes can make a big difference!

Vehicle Maintenance
1.	Check your tire pressure twice a month. Improper tire inflation can increase fuel consumption by 1% for every 2 psi under normal.
2.	Keep your engine tuned. This includes regular oil and air filter changes
3.	If you are ready to trade in your old vehicle, consider donating it to programs such as carheaven.ca which encourage getting old, polluting vehicles off the roads. Or go check out Canada's National Vehicle Scrappage Program web page to see how getting that old clunker off the road can equal $300 in government cash for you.
4.	Choose an energy efficient vehicle. In addition to a growing number of hybrid options in Canada, explore the many other fuel efficient vehicles available.
5.	Do not idle your vehicle. With the exception of 30 seconds of idling in winter, it is a myth that your engine needs time to warm up before driving. It is not a myth that it costs less to restart your vehicle than it does to idle for 10 seconds.

Tips for Increased Fuel Efficiency:
1.	Drive smart. Avoid sudden stops and starts. For safety and fuel efficiency avoid driving aggressively.
2.	Adhere to maximum speed limits. Use your cruise control.
3.	Plan your trips. Use mapping resources to find the most efficient way to arrive at your destination.
4.	Plan to complete all your errands in one trip. Use reminders or lists to ensure you don't have to go out again. This is especially important in winter when short trips are hardest on your vehicle and your wallet.
5.	Avoid the use of drive thrus. Sitting idle in your vehicle increases harmful emissions, uses gas and costs more than parking your vehicle and walking inside. (And believe it or not, going inside is often faster!)
6.	Avoid the use of air-conditioning when possible. To cool your vehicle, park in the shade, use a garage or try windshield shades. When driving in town roll down the windows.
7.	Lighten the load. Remove roof racks and extra weight from the backseat and trunk which contributes to drag and increases fuel consumption.

Other Great Transportation Options:
1.	Use public transportation. Try the bus, a train, a taxi and the subway. The Region of Waterloo has a new trip planner tool to make taking the bus easier than ever.
2.	Take one less vehicle trip per week. Walk, bicycle, take the bus or share a ride.
3.	Carpooling is a great social and fuel efficient option over driving alone. See the Carpoolzone web site for more information.
4.	Car-sharing is increasing in popularity. Grand River CarShare (grandrivercarshare.ca) makes it easy.