Improving fuel efficiency (continued)
You can improve your fuel efficiency in summer by minimizing your use of air conditioning. Air conditioners used in stop-and-go traffic can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 25 per cent. At highway speeds, air conditioning increases fuel consumption by three to four per cent. To stay cool at highway speeds, use your vehicle’s flow through ventilation. When driving in the city, open a window.
Extra weight means using extra fuel. Heavy bags of sand and salt in the trunk will help winter driving traction, but should be removed when no longer needed. Trip planning can save you time, money, and fuel. Avoid traffic congested routes. Combine several errands into one longer trip and avoid rush hour traffic when possible.
Fuelling safety
Fuelling a vehicle should receive your full attention:
- Do not smoke, light matches, or use a lighter when fuelling your vehicle. Gasoline vapours mix with air, which contains oxygen. If you add an ignition source such as cigarettes or matches, a fire or explosion can occur.
- Do not use a cellular phone while fuelling. Phones that light up when switched on or when they ring may have enough energy to provide a spark. The spark could ignite gasoline vapours.
- Turn your vehicle ignition off before fuelling.
- If you have a recreational vehicle (RV) or trailer, be sure that any pilot lights are turned off. These could provide a source of ignition.
- Inform the station attendant if there is a fuel spill.
- Do not let children handle the fuel nozzle. Do not expose your child to the potential risk of being splashed with gasoline or inhaling fumes.
- Never prop the fuel nozzle handle open with an object. This greatly increases the chance of spills.
- Stay by the nozzle handle during fuelling. Static electricity can be generated as you move around or get in and out of your vehicle. When you return to the pump and touch the nozzle handle, static electricity could be released. This could ignite the gasoline vapours and cause a fire or explosion.
- Do not overfill your tank. Overflow and spills can affect the environment.
- When filling extra containers, such as gas containers for your lawn mower or snow blower, remove them from your vehicle and place them on the ground. This will allow static electricity to discharge and keep spills out of your vehicle.
Traffic laws
Some traffic laws that all drivers should be aware of include the following:
- Do not use your vehicle to tow anyone, for example, a person on skis, riding a toboggan, motorcycle, or bicycle.
- It is against the law to let a person ride in a trailer when it is being towed.
- People under the age of 14 cannot operate a tractor or any self-propelled farm equipment on a highway.