The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
December 2007

608 words
How to have a green winter in snowy Manitoba

You may not be able to convert to biodiesel anytime soon, or run out and buy a hybrid, but there are still a number of things you can do to be a green driver during a Manitoba winter. 

Two of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption – and therefore greenhouse gases – are to take it easy on the accelerator and watch how much your car idles.

“Slowing down and driving for the road conditions in winter are not only important for safety, but they have a beneficial side effect on fuel consumption,” says Lou Gervino, manager of Driver Education for Manitoba Public Insurance.

“When you accelerate gradually and give yourself more distance for braking, you don’t burn as much gas as you would if you were driving more aggressively.” Out on the highway you can also save fuel by keeping a steady speed.

According to the Canadian government’s Office of Energy Efficiency, ‘jackrabbit’ starts and stops save little time and increase fuel consumption by as much as 37 per cent.

Reducing your vehicle’s idling time can also pay dividends for the pocketbook and the environment. Conventional wisdom used to be that the best way to warm up a vehicle was to let it run for five or 10 minutes. Experts now say it’s better to drive it.

“With computer-controlled, fuel-injected engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days before driving away. Anything more simply wastes fuel and increases emissions,” according to Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency.

Of course, before you can drive it away you have to get it started. As Manitobans know, block heaters help engines start more easily, but there’s no need to have them heating all night long. Two hours before you leave is all you need, experts say, so an automatic timer is a useful investment.

Here are a number of other tips to make your winter driving experience easier on fuel consumption. 

Plan your holiday errands. Try to find a fuel-efficient route that avoids backtracking. A steady pace, even though it might be slightly longer, is often better than frequent stops and starts.

Team up with someone else. Car pools aren’t just for big-city commuters. By planning a shopping excursion to the city with a friend, you’ll save on fuel and have someone to have lunch with.

Don’t leave your vehicle idling. The recommended rule of thumb is, if you are going to be stopped for longer than 10 seconds, turn off the engine – except in traffic, of course. More than 10 seconds of idling can use more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting.

Clear excess snow from your vehicle. Aside from potentially reducing visibility, snow can add extra weight and therefore increase fuel consumption. Buildups in wheel wells can create resistance and should be cleared as necessary.

Check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires face more resistance and consume more fuel. They require special attention in the winter, especially during cold snaps.

Maintain your vehicle. Timely tune-ups ensure your vehicle is performing at its peak and getting the most out of every drop of fuel. Changing the oil and oil filter are two easy ways to jumpstart your fuel savings.

Of course, the most obvious way to cut down on fuel consumption is to leave the vehicle at home altogether, but that’s only an option if you live in an area with alternatives like public transportation.

“With a little foresight and conscious planning, you can cut back on your fuel consumption, be a safer driver and do a good turn for the environment, too,” says Gervino.

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© 2007 Manitoba Public Insurance

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Source: Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency.