Factors that affect fuel efficiency
The choices you make as a driver can have a major impact on fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Choose a vehicle with the most fuel-efficient technologies. Once you’re on the road, make a conscious choice to use fuel-efficient driving techniques, no matter the weather.
Watch the video: Factors that affect fuel consumption
Technology and other vehicle variables
Canada’s GHG emission standards are becoming more stringent, and vehicle manufacturers have responded with a wide range of engineering advancements. These features reduce emissions while saving you money on fuel.
Vehicles with these options are available now.
- Cylinder deactivation systems
- Turbocharging
- Variable valve timing
- Idle stop-start technology
- Direct fuel injection
- Vehicle weight
- Modern diesel vehicles
- Horsepower
Cylinder deactivation systems
Vehicle manufacturers are adding cylinder deactivation systems (CDS) to some light-duty vehicles to help them meet Canada’s increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards.
A CDS can lower fuel consumption by 4 to 10%, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment.
A CDS fine-tunes an engine’s power
A CDS in a 6- or 8-cylinder engine shuts down half of the cylinders when only a small amount of the engine’s power is needed. This happens in situations such as highway or downhill driving.
The “brain” of the engine is the electronic control unit (ECU). In a vehicle that has CDS, the ECU shuts down cylinders at the right moments by deactivating the intake and exhaust valves and the fuel injectors.
The energy cost to keep the deactivated pistons moving and oil circulating is outweighed by the fuel savings.
When more power is needed, such as in uphill driving or acceleration, the ECU reactivates the valves and fuel injectors of the deactivated cylinders. This returns the engine to full power.
How much a CDS can save
Over 10 years, a CDS can save you $480 to $2,800 in fuel costs and lower your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 1,100 to 6,440 kg. At the high end, this is equivalent to
- nearly 1.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools of CO2
- removing a large SUV from Canadian roads for one year
- about 30% of our annual per capita emissions in Canada, which is 22.1 tonnes
| Fuel consumption | 10-year savings* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (L/100 km) | With a 4% reduction (L/100 km) |
With a 10% reduction (L/100 km) |
Fuel cost savings | CO2 reduction |
| 14.0 | 13.44 | 12.6 | $1,120 to $2,800 | 2,580 to 6,440 kg |
| 12.0 | 11.52 | 10.8 | $960 to $2,400 | 2,210 to 5,520 kg |
| 10.0 | 9.6 | 9.0 | $800 to $2,000 | 1,840 to 4,600 kg |
| 8.0 | 7.68 | 7.2 | $640 to $1,600 | 1,470 to 3,680 kg |
| 6.0 | 5.76 | 5.4 | $480 to $1,200 | 1,100 to 2,760 kg |
*Based on an annual driving distance of 20,000 km, a fuel price of $1.00/L and a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
Turbocharging
Vehicle manufacturers are adding energy-efficient technologies such as turbochargers to their products to meet Canada’s increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles.
Using a smaller, turbocharged engine can lower fuel consumption by 2 to 6%. This saves you money and reduces your impact on the environment.
Turbochargers boost the power of smaller engines
Turbochargers force air into an engine’s cylinders – unlike a standard engine, which draws air in at atmospheric pressure. This means that a smaller, turbocharged engine can produce the same power as a larger standard engine.
Turbochargers use the otherwise wasted energy from the exhaust to drive a turbine that is attached to a compressor.
The compressor forces air into the cylinders of the engine. This provides two benefits. First, more air and fuel means a larger combustion reaction and more power. Second, the pistons have less work to do pulling the air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber.
How much a turbocharger can save
Over 10 years, a turbocharger can save you $240 to $1,680 in fuel costs and lower your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 550 to 3,860 kg. At the high end, this is equivalent to
- three quarters of an Olympic-sized swimming pool of CO2
- removing a mid-size car from Canadian roads for one year
- nearly 20% of our annual per capita emissions in Canada, which is 22.1 tonnes
| Fuel consumption | 10-year savings* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (L/100 km) |
With a 2% reduction (L/100 km) |
With a 6% reduction (L/100 km) |
Fuel cost savings | CO2 reduction |
| 14.0 | 13.72 | 13.16 | $560 to $1,680 | 1,290 to 3,860 kg |
| 12.0 | 11.76 | 11.28 | $480 to $1,440 | 1,100 to 3,310 kg |
| 10.0 | 9.8 | 9.4 | $400 to $1,200 | 920 to 2,760 kg |
| 8.0 | 7.84 | 7.52 | $320 to $960 | 740 to 2,210 kg |
| 6.0 | 5.88 | 5.64 | $240 to $720 | 550 to 1,660 kg |
*Based on an annual driving distance of 20,000 km, a fuel price of $1.00/L and a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
Variable valve timing
Vehicle manufacturers are adding variable valve timing (VVT) to some vehicles to help them meet Canada’s increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards.
VVT and related lift systems help to improve combustion. That leads to better operation of the engine, lower emissions and a 1 to 6% reduction in fuel consumption.
VVT controls the flow of air and exhaust
Engine valves control the intake of fresh air and fuel, and the exhaust of combustion gases. VVT and lift systems adjust the timing of the valves to match the operating conditions of the engine. This improves efficiency over a wide range of engine operating speeds.
How much a VVT system can save
Over 10 years, a VVT can save you between $120 to $1,680 and lower your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 280 to 3,860 kg. At the high end, this is equivalent to
- three quarters of an Olympic-sized swimming pool of CO2
- removing a mid-size car from Canadian roads for one year
- nearly 20% of our annual per capita emissions in Canada, which is 22.1 tonnes
| Fuel consumption | 10-year savings* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (L/100 km) |
With a 1% reduction (L/100 km) |
With a 6% reduction (L/100 km) |
Fuel cost savings | CO2 reduction |
| 14.0 | 13.86 | 13.16 | $280 to $1,680 | 640 to 3,860 kg |
| 12.0 | 11.88 | 11.28 | $240 to $1,440 | 550 to 3,310 kg |
| 10.0 | 9.9 | 9.4 | $200 to $1,200 | 460 to 2,760 kg |
| 8.0 | 7.92 | 7.52 | $160 to $960 | 370 to 2,210 kg |
| 6.0 | 5.94 | 5.64 | $120 to $720 | 280 to 1,660 kg |
*Based on an annual driving distance of 20,000 km, a fuel price of $1.00/L and a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
Idle stop-start technology
Vehicle manufacturers are offering idle stop-start technology to help meet Canada’s increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards.
Idle stop-start technology can lower your fuel consumption during city driving by 4 to 10% or more. This saves you money and reduces your impact on the environment.
Commonly used on hybrid-electric vehicles, stop-start systems are now being offered on some conventional vehicles in Canada.
Turns your engine off when it isn’t needed
Stop-start systems lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions by turning off the engine when the vehicle is idling and during deceleration at low speeds.
The system turns off the engine when the vehicle speed drops below about 8 kilometres per hour, and automatically restarts the engine when the driver releases the brakes.
The technology combines smart electronic controls with a more robust battery, alternator and starter system. Electronics monitor and control the vehicle’s many systems to make sure everything is working efficiently and safely at all times.
Idle stop-start can save you money
Over 10 years, a vehicle with an idle stop-start system can save you $260 to $1,540 and reduce your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 610 to 3,540 kg. At the high end, this is equivalent to
- about three quarters of an Olympic-sized swimming pool of CO2
- removing a compact car from Canadian roads for one year.
| Fuel consumption | 10-year savings* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (L/100 km) |
With a 4% reduction (L/100 km) | With a 10% reduction (L/100 km) | Fuel cost savings | CO2 reduction |
| 14.0 | 13.44 | 12.6 | $620 to $1,540 | 1,420 to 3,540 kg |
| 12.0 | 11.52 | 10.8 | $530 to $1,320 | 1,210 to 3,040 kg |
| 10.0 | 9.6 | 9.0 | $440 to $1,100 | 1,010 to 2,530 kg |
| 8.0 | 7.68 | 7.2 | $350 to $880 | 810 to 2,020 kg |
| 6.0 | 5.76 | 5.4 | $260 to $660 | 610 to 1,520 kg |
*Based on an annual city driving distance of 11,000 km, a fuel price of $1.00/L and a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
Direct fuel injection
Vehicle manufacturers are using innovative technologies such as direct fuel injection to meet Canada’s increasingly stringent greenhouse gas emission standards for light-duty vehicles.
Direct fuel injection increases your engine’s combustion efficiency and can lower fuel consumption by 1 to 3%. This saves you money and reduces your impact on the environment.
Precision leads to efficiency
As the name suggests, this technology injects fuel directly into the cylinder under high pressure. In a conventional, indirect system the fuel is injected into the intake air stream at a lower pressure.
Direct fuel injection gives greater fuel efficiency because of a higher level of precision over the amount of fuel injected into the cylinder, the timing of the injection and the spray pattern. This precision also gives the engine greater power, which allows for a smaller engine.
Direct fuel injection systems must withstand a harsh combustion environment and operate at high fuel pressures. This means they are more expensive and complex compared to conventional systems. But the greater cost can be offset by fuel savings.
How much direct fuel injection can save
Over 10 years, a vehicle with direct fuel injection can deliver fuel savings of $120 to $840, and lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 280 to 1,930 kg. At the high end, this is equivalent to
- about half an Olympic-sized swimming pool of CO2
- nearly 10% of our annual per capita emissions in Canada, which is 22.1 tonnes
| Fuel consumption | 10-year savings* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average (L/100 km) | With a 1% reduction (L/100 km) | With a 3% reduction (L/100 km) | Fuel cost savings | CO2 reduction |
| 14.0 | 13.86 | 13.58 | $280 to $840 | 640 to 1,930 kg |
| 12.0 | 11.88 | 11.64 | $240 to $720 | 550 to 1,660 kg |
| 10.0 | 9.9 | 9.7 | $200 to $600 | 460 to 1,380 kg |
| 8.0 | 7.92 | 7.76 | $160 to $480 | 370 to 1,100 kg |
| 6.0 | 5.94 | 5.82 | $120 to $360 | 280 to 830 kg |
*Based on an annual driving distance of 20,000 km, a fuel price of $1.00/L and a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
Vehicle weight
A vehicle’s weight is an important factor in how much fuel it will consume. The heavier the vehicle, the more energy it needs to get moving. Extra weight also increases a vehicle’s rolling resistance, which is a force that resists forward motion produced as the wheels roll over the road.
This means that reducing weight is a very effective way to lower a vehicle’s fuel consumption.
Light vehicles are getting lighter
Strict legislation and consumer demand are already making a difference. Automakers are making lighter-weight vehicles by using lighter materials such as aluminum and advanced composites. Automakers are also changing designs in ways that shed weight.
These improvements are leading to the use of smaller engines – without any sacrifice in performance, because less power is needed to move a lighter vehicle.
Room for more weight loss
A recent Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study estimates that vehicles could be 35% lighter at a reasonable cost, and with no sacrifice to the safety or performance of vehicles. This could lower fuel consumption by another 12 to 20%.
| Weight reduction | Fuel cost savings over 200,000 km* | |
|---|---|---|
| Cars | Trucks | |
| 10 kg | $60 | $80 |
| 25 kg | $150 | $200 |
| 50 kg | $300 | $400 |
| 100 kg | $600 | $800 |
| 200 kg | $1,200 | $1,600 |
| 400 kg | $2,400 | $3,200 |
| 1,000 kg | $6,000 | $8,000 |
*Estimated savings are based on a fuel price of $1.00/L and the average fuel consumption and weight relationship reported by MIT.
How to reap the savings and benefits
- Research before you buy – Estimate how much fuel a vehicle will consume over its lifetime. The fuel consumption ratings search tool is a great resource to help you compare fuel consumption among vehicles and vehicle types.
- Buy only what you need – When you shop for a new vehicle, look for the lightest vehicle with the smallest engine option to meet your needs.
- Lighten your load – Don’t carry unneeded items in your trunk. That extra weight will increase your fuel consumption.
Modern diesel vehicles
Today’s diesel vehicles are cleaner, quieter and perform as well or better than their gasoline counterparts. This makes them a great option for drivers who want better fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Is a diesel vehicle right for you?
Diesel engines are more efficient and use less fuel
The diesel compression-ignition engine is more efficient than its gasoline spark-ignition counterpart. This factor, along with the higher energy content of diesel fuel (10% on average) reduces fuel consumption by 15 to 30%.
Diesel vehicles perform better
Today’s diesel vehicles are cleaner, quieter and perform on par or better than their gasoline counterparts. The improvements result from the availability of cleaner fuels and the use of advanced technologies, including electronic controls, common rail fuel injection, turbocharging, sound dampening and exhaust emission-reduction components.
Low sulphur diesel fuel is readily available
The sulphur content of diesel fuel sold in Canada has been reduced through regulations. Since 2006 the limit has been 15 parts per million. This ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel can be used in all diesel vehicles.
Diesel vehicles can save you money
A diesel vehicle costs more to buy than the same model equipped with a gasoline engine. But you can earn back the difference in price by paying less for fuel.
Actual savings depend on the specific vehicle and its operating conditions. The payback period depends on how much you drive and what happens with diesel and gasoline prices.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Research before you buy. When you shop for a vehicle, ask about diesel options. Ask for a cost, environmental and performance comparison and decide whether a diesel vehicle makes sense for you.
Estimate how much fuel your vehicle will consume over its lifetime.
Horsepower
Horsepower is a major factor in a vehicle’s fuel consumption. More power generally means higher fuel consumption. This means you can save money on fuel, and reduce your impact on the environment, by choosing a vehicle with no more horsepower than you need.
Comparison: The added costs of higher horsepower
Car makers often offer two engine choices for a vehicle model. For example, a compact car might be offered with a standard engine rated at 140 horsepower (hp) and a “sport” version rated at 201 hp.
The combined city and highway fuel consumption ratings for these two options are 6.4 and 8.4 L/100 km, respectively. The more powerful engine also requires premium fuel.
The higher horsepower engine could cost $6,520 more in fuel costs alone (based on the difference in fuel consumption over 200,000 km, and a 15-cent price difference between regular and premium gasoline).
Combined with a higher purchase price for the vehicle, the additional horsepower means major extra costs.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
Knowing what you need from your vehicle is one of the most important factors in choosing something fuel-efficient that’s right for you.
Think hard about fuel consumption when you buy. In general, choose a smaller, lighter vehicle with the smaller, more fuel-efficient engine option.
Research before you buy
The online fuel consumption ratings search tool is a great resource to help you choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
Environmental factors
Canada’s climate poses special challenges for fuel-efficient driving. Your vehicle’s air conditioner can be a major fuel consumer, and the cold weather challenges your fuel efficiency for many reasons.
Find smart tips below for lowering your fuel consumption – through the hottest days of summer and the worst of winter weather.
Vehicle air conditioning
Air conditioning uses fuel
Using a vehicle’s air-conditioning system increases its fuel consumption more than any other auxiliary feature.
An air-conditioning (a/c) system can increase fuel consumption by up to 20% because of the extra load on the engine. The actual load depends on the vehicle’s interior size, the outdoor temperature and other conditions.
Be careful, even in winter
In winter, vehicles use heat from the engine to warm the cabin air. However, if you use the defrost setting, the a/c system may also be engaged automatically to keep the windows from fogging.
Manufacturers are developing more efficient a/c technologies, such as electric a/c systems, so that their vehicles will use less fuel.
| Annual distance driven using a/c |
Annual increase in fuel consumption with a/c use |
Fuel cost of a/c use over 10 years* | CO2 emissions from fuel used for a/c over 10 years** | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| If your a/c uses 1 L/100 km |
If your a/c uses 2 L/100 km |
If your a/c uses 1 L/100 km |
If your a/c uses 2 L/100 km |
If your a/c uses 1 L/100 km |
If your a/c uses 2 L/100 km |
|
| 14,000 km | 140 L | 280 L | $1,400 | $2,800 | 3,220 kg | 6,440 kg |
| 12,000 km | 120 L | 240 L | $1,200 | $2,400 | 2,760 kg | 5,520 kg |
| 10,000 km | 100 L | 200 L | $1,000 | $2,000 | 2,300 kg | 4,600 kg |
| 8,000 km | 80 L | 160 L | $800 | $1,600 | 1,840 kg | 3,680 kg |
| 6,000 km | 60 L | 120 L | $600 | $1,200 | 1,380 kg | 2,760 kg |
*Based on a fuel price of $1.00/L of gasoline.
**Based on a CO2 emissions factor of 2.3 kg/L of gasoline.
How to keep cool and use less fuel
With more than 20 million passenger vehicles on the road in Canada, the potential for savings from reduced a/c use is substantial. Here are some tips you can use to reduce.
Turn it off
Consider whether you really need the a/c for cooling. Just as you would at home, adjust your thermostat settings. Aim for comfortable, not cold.
Let the air flow
Use the flow-through ventilation when you’re on the highway, and open your windows and sunroof while driving in the city.
Hit the re-circulation button
Use the “re-circulating” function of your a/c system. This uses less energy because you’re cooling only the air already in your vehicle, not bringing in warmer outside air to be cooled.
Find a little shade
Your vehicle will need less cooling from the a/c at start-up if it’s parked in the shade. If you can’t find a shaded area, use window shades to reduce the heat when your vehicle is parked. Also, don’t use the a/c when you first start your vehicle. Instead, open the windows for the first few minutes and allow the hot air to escape.
Shut the a/c off after the windows are defrosted
In newer vehicles, the defrost setting automatically uses the vehicle’s a/c system to keep the windows from fogging. After the windows are clear, turn the a/c off and adjust the heater settings.
Be a knowledgeable buyer
When you shop for a new vehicle, be sure to ask which models have an a/c system with an “econo” mode or smart controls that help reduce fuel consumption.
Cold weather
How winter weather hurts fuel efficiency — and what you can do about it
It seems inevitable: the colder it gets, the more fuel your vehicle uses. But there’s hope! You can make smart choices to lessen winter’s impact.
Cold weather means higher fuel consumption
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a drop in temperature from 24°C to 7°C can increase fuel consumption in urban commutes by 12 to 28%.
Why your vehicle uses more fuel in winter
Aerodynamic resistance is greater in the winter
Cold, dry winter air is 11% denser than warm, humid summer air. The increased resistance increases highway fuel consumption by about 1.3%.
The average wind speed is higher in the winter too, which also increases aerodynamic resistance and fuel consumption.
Winter weather creates difficult driving conditions
You’ll encounter rougher roads when driving in winter. Your engine must work harder to overcome the increased rolling resistance these obstacles create.
Snow and ice also increase wheel slippage, which means higher fuel consumption. Fuel consumption can increase 7 to 35% because of poor winter road conditions alone, according to U.S. EPA data.
Winter gas normally has lower energy density
Gasoline composition is seasonally and geographically adjusted based on historical temperature data. A litre of winter gas has less energy than a litre of summer gas, typically in the range of 1.5 to 3%. Diesel fuel is affected similarly.
Winter driving taxes the vehicle’s electrical system
Other than the use of air conditioning, your vehicle’s electrical loads are normally higher in cold weather. This is due to greater demand from heating, defrosting, head lights and interior lights, heated seats, heated mirrors and increased use of the windshield washer pump.
The energy for these comes from the vehicle’s electrical system, which gets its power from the engine.
How to reduce winter’s toll at the pump
By following these tips, you can lessen the impact of winter weather on your fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Don’t idle to warm up!
Idling for more than 30 seconds has no benefit for the vehicle. Ten minutes of idling burns 0.25 to 0.50 litres of fuel and emits 600 to 1,200 grams of CO2, depending on the vehicle and conditions.
Driving for a few minutes is the most efficient way to warm the engine, drivetrain and the cabin.
Keep tires properly inflated
Tire pressure drops when the temperature drops, and driving a vehicle with tires under-inflated by 56 kilopascals (8 pounds per square inch) can increase fuel consumption by up to 4% and reduce the life of the tires by more than 10,000 km.
Measure your tire pressure at least once every month, and more often during seasonal changes, to ensure a proper level of inflation.
Use a block heater
Block heaters warm your engine in advance, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions. For best results, put your block heater on a timer, set to turn on no more than 2 hours before you start the engine.
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