Here’s what day and time you should fill up as gas prices spike — plus 5 other tips on how to save
Overnight, gas prices in Toronto increased by eight cents, to $1.68.
At the provincial level, the New Democratic Party has introduced a private member's bill to regulate petrol prices. In Brampton, Mayor Patrick Brown has said he's concerned about the federal government's plan to raise the carbon tax in April.
Experts say the hike stems from the disruption coming from the Russia-Ukraine crisis, but what can drivers do in the meantime? Here are six simple tips that can help reduce the money you spend on gas.
Use driving techniques that will save you fuel
There are several techniques drivers can implement to use less gas, including driving at a steady speed and avoiding abrupt movements.
The government of Canada notes that people looking to save fuel should accelerate gently, use cruise control when possible, anticipate traffic and coast to deceleration instead of using brakes.
Tests have shown that when the speed of vehicles is sporadic, more fuel is used, and therefore, more money is spent. Varying speed up and down between 75 and 85 km per hour every 18 seconds can increase your fuel use by 20 per cent, the government website says.
It points out that avoiding fast driving and sticking to the speed limit also pays off. Overall, vehicles are most fuel-efficient when they're running between 50 and 80 kilometres per hour. Travelling at faster speeds will increase fuel use. Notably, at 120 km per hour, a vehicle uses about 20 per cent more fuel than at 100 km per hour.
Avoid idling
Whether you're pulling over for a few minutes or waiting for your lunch order in the drive through, turn off your car instead of idling. Every 10 minutes an average vehicle idles, it uses 300 millilitres, or one cup of fuel, the government website says.
Travel light
Not going to hockey practice for another week? Take out that heavy equipment. Don't need to salt the driveway yet? Take that new bag out. Natural Resources Canada notes that for every 25 kilograms of weight a mid-size car carries, fuel consumption increases by about one per cent.
Use apps that will direct you to cheaper gas stations
Apps like GasBuddy and Waze will guide users to the nearest gas stations with the most affordable prices. Users submit information to both, such as how much they just paid for gas, and make real-time updates available for others. Both are free to use and available for IOS and Android.
Choose when to pump gas
Hit the gas station earlier in the week. Trends show that gas prices tend to see a rise on Thursdays that continue through the weekend. According to Canada Drives, gas prices also change depending on the time of day. It's best to hit the gas station in the morning or evening because gasoline is more dense when it's cooler, so you'll get more fuel for the same amount of money," they wrote in a blog.
Carpool, ride your bike or walk
If your destination is within walking or biking distance, consider switching up your transportation routine, and avoid spending money on gas altogether. Alternatively, carpooling and splitting on gas prices could reduce costs by 50 per cent.
Manuela Vega is a Toronto-based digital producer for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @_manuelavega