Study guide3 min read

Saving fuel and fuelling up safely

Most drivers can cut their fuel use a lot just by changing a few habits. And at the pump, a few rules keep a routine fill-up from turning into a fire.p. 93 p. 94

Checked against the Driver’s Guide (Spring 2026) on Oct 8, 2026.

The short version

Every 10 km/h above 90 km/h burns about 10 per cent more fuel.p. 93
Stopping for more than 10 seconds? Turn the engine off: 10 seconds of idling can use more fuel than restarting.p. 93
On a cold winter day, about one minute of idling is enough; driving is what warms the tires, steering and other moving parts.p. 93
At the pump: no smoking, no phone, ignition off, and stay by the nozzle.p. 94

Driving habits that save fuel

Speed: every 10 km/h above 90 km/h burns about 10 per cent more fuel.p. 93
Smooth driving: speed up gradually and keep a steady speed. Rapid acceleration and speed changes can raise fuel use by as much as 40 per cent. Cruise control helps on the highway.p. 93
Idling: every 10 minutes of idling uses about a third of a litre in an average vehicle, and up to half a litre with a larger engine.p. 93
Shifting: in a manual, move through the lower gears smoothly and quickly, then build speed in the higher ones. An automatic shifts up sooner if you ease off the gas as you speed up.p. 93
Air conditioning: in stop-and-go traffic it can raise fuel use by 10 to 25 per cent, and by three to four per cent on the highway. Use flow-through ventilation on the highway and open a window in town.p. 94
Weight: extra weight burns extra fuel. Take the bags of sand and salt out of the trunk once winter is over.p. 94
Trip planning: avoid congested routes and rush hour, and combine errands into one trip.p. 94

Winter: block heaters and remote starters

Idling isn’t the best way to warm up: about one minute on a cold day is enough, then drive gently to warm the rest of the vehicle.p. 93
A block heater warms the engine oil and eases cold starts. Put it on a timer to switch on two hours before you leave; used properly, it can improve fuel economy by up to 10 per cent.p. 93
Don’t leave the block heater on overnight, or the savings disappear in your electricity bill. And don’t start a remote starter too early.p. 93

Driving on ice and snow: Winter driving and skids in Alberta.

Maintenance and buying a vehicle

A poorly tuned engine can use up to 50 per cent more fuel.p. 93
A clogged air filter can cut fuel efficiency by 10 per cent.p. 93
Under-inflated tires use about five per cent more fuel, wear faster and grip the road less.p. 93
Buying a vehicle? A smaller engine generally uses less fuel. The EnerGuide label shows fuel use in litres per 100 km and the estimated yearly fuel cost.p. 93

Fuelling up safely

No smoking, matches or lighters. Gasoline vapour mixes with air, and a spark or flame can cause a fire or explosion.p. 94
No phone. A phone that lights up or rings may have enough energy to make a spark.p. 94
Ignition off, and on an RV or trailer, turn off any pilot lights.p. 94
Stay by the nozzle. Moving around or getting in and out of the vehicle builds static electricity, which can be released when you touch the nozzle again and ignite the vapour.p. 94
Never prop the nozzle open with an object, don’t overfill, and tell the attendant about any spill.p. 94
Don’t let children handle the nozzle.p. 94
Filling a gas can (for a lawn mower or snow blower)? Take it out of the vehicle and put it on the ground before filling.p. 94