While all vehicles contribute to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to some degree, owners of gas-powered vehicles can still take meaningful steps to reduce their impact by adjusting a few everyday driving behaviours and being more mindful behind the wheel.

CAA offers a range of fuel-efficiency tips and tricks to help you drive smarter. But if you’re looking for a quick place to start, here are four simple tips on how to be a little more environmentally conscious — and boost your fuel economy — the next time you hit the road.

1. Acceleration and braking

Going easier on the gas pedal while accelerating reduces the amount of energy consumed and emissions generated. Try to maintain a steady speed where possible when accelerating and coast to a stop when you see traffic slowing down. Don’t forget to leave some distance between your car and the one in front. According to Natural Resources Canada, varying your speed from 75 to 85 km/h and vice versa every 18 seconds increases fuel use by 20 percent.

2. Idling

What is idling? Idling describes the act of running an engine while the vehicle is not in motion, which is harmful to the environment, as every litre of burned gasoline produces about 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide — the principal GHG contributing to climate change. If you’re stopped for more than 60 seconds or not actively driving, turn off the ignition to avoid unnecessary idling. A typical 3.0-litre V6 engine uses 300 ml of fuel for every 10 minutes it idles.

Pro tip: on particularly cold winter days/nights, consider using a block heater — an electric heating element, connecting the vehicle to a household outlet — rather than leaving the car running to warm up the engine.

3. Regular maintenance

Performing recommended scheduled tune-ups can not only avoid premature and potentially costly big-ticket repairs, but a properly maintained automobile literally runs like a well-oiled machine. Replacing, repairing and cleaning parts such as the air and fuel filters, spark plugs, belts and hoses, and staying on top of engine oil and other fluid changes helps keep your vehicle running smoothly. This ensures efficient operation, so the engine is not burning unnecessary fuel.

4. Trip planning

Driving less — when possible — means less harmful GHGs emitted from the tailpipe. Rather than making several short, one-off trips during the day or week to run errands, try to plan nearby stops together and go at off-peak hours to avoid backtracking and sitting in traffic. Doing so will also let the engine reach optimum operating temperature and therefore increase fuel efficiency.

CTA: These intentional changes have a cumulative effect, cutting fuel costs and improving overall sustainability for everyone’s benefit. Learn more about the latest sustainability features on new vehicles in the latest issue of CAA Magazine.