Here's how to save money at the pumps this summer as gas prices are set to remain high
Gas prices dropped to about 80 cents a litre 15 months ago when cars were parked and many people were working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast forward to the summer of 2021 and fuel prices in some parts of the country have more than doubled and the key reason is demand.
“Demand is going through the roof. Many of us are taking to the roads, especially in the United States, so we are seeing prices go back to where they were prior to the pandemic," explained Dan McTeague, president of Canadians for Affordable Energy.
Regular fuel in Toronto was selling for $1.31 a litre at several gas stations Friday. And while prices have been creeping up steadily in the Greater Toronto Area, it’s not nearly as high as in B.C., where drivers in Victoria are paying $1.73 a litre for regular fuel and almost $2 a litre for premium.
Moreover, McTeague says that prices in the GTA are expected to rise another four cents a litre this weekend and even more throughout the summer months.
“We are looking at a net increase of eight cents a litre [by August], so we will be back to $1.43 to $1.44 a litre, something we haven't seen since 2012 and even further," said McTeague.
With no sign of relief at the pumps anytime soon, if you've got a road trip planned for your summer holidays, you'll want to maximize your fuel efficiency.
Here are some tips to try and increase your gas mileage by up to 30 per cent:
- Before you go anywhere check the air in your tires.
“You want to start out by checking your tire pressure. Having tires with lower pressure than what is recommended on your door jamb sticker can affect fuel economy, along with performance and handling,” said Mike Quincy, auto editor with Consumer Reports.
- If your roof rack isn't being used, remove it.
At highway speeds, more than 50 per cent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag so don't carry unneeded weight on the roof if you don’t have to.
- Don't speed.
You’ll not only avoid getting a ticket, you'll save money on fuel. Consumer Reports found that reducing the speed of a Toyota RAV4 from 120 km/h to 100 km/h improved fuel economy by about three kilometres per litre.
Using cruise control, limiting your use of air conditioning, combining errands and trying to avoid idling can also help save you fuel.
Being a smooth driver can also help.
“The harder you accelerate, the more fuel you use. The goal should be to drive evenly and anticipate the movement of traffic. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking help extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes and tires too,” said Quincy.
Also, don't pay extra for premium fuel if you don't have to. Only fill your car with premium fuel if your vehicle’s fuel filler door or owner’s manual indicates that you should. Some may say premium is required while others may say it’s recommended, which means it's optional.
McTeague said it's usually cheaper to buy gas between Monday and Thursday in the evening as many gas stations will often drop the price of gas by two to three cents a litre only to raise it back up once the weekend arrives.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.