Province Offers Eco-driving Tips for 2008

Conserve Nova Scotia wants to help Nova Scotia drivers shed a few tonnes off their carbon emissions in 2008.

"About 35 per cent of the province's energy use comes from the transportation sector," said Richard Hurlburt, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia. "By reducing the amount of fuel we consume, we will help protect our environment through reduced carbon emissions in Nova Scotia."

DriveWiser program co-ordinator Gina Patterson wants Nova Scotia drivers to make eco-driving their New Year's resolution.

"Nova Scotians can start the year off on a green foot," said Ms. Patterson. "Just a few small changes can make a big difference in fuel consumption, vehicle emissions and cash savings."

Here are 10 fuel-saving tips to help drivers reduce their impact on the environment:

• On cold winter days, brush or scrape windows before turning on the car. The best way to warm up vehicles is to drive them. The wheel bearings, steering, suspension, transmission and tires will warm up as the vehicle is driven.
• Unload excess weight from vehicle trunks and roofs. On snowy days, remove snow piled on vehicles for safety and fuel economy.
• Avoid drive-thrus. Hybrids aside, drive-thrus involve idling cars. Idling can increase fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent.
• Check tire pressure monthly. Under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to four per cent. The correct tire pressure can be found on the inside of the car door jams, in owners manuals, or on the inside of glove compartments.
• Walk or take the bus for trips of less than five kilometres.
• Develop a workplace carpool. Regular carpools cut down on fuel costs, parking costs and traffic congestion.
• Drive the speed limit.
• Change air filters regularly. Dirty air filters can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent.
• Avoid jackrabbit driving in the city. Rapid acceleration and hard braking is not only hard on tires, engine and brakes, it is hard on wallets, too. Jackrabbit driving can consume up to 35 per cent more fuel.
• Plan the week's errands in advance to avoid making several small trips.

For more fuel-saving tips or information on the DriveWiser program, visit www.DriveWiser.ca .