Natural Resources Canada has set-up a program to teach and instruct people on how to be more fuel efficient on the road.  I attended one of their seminars located at the Downsview Drive Test Center that focused on how to choose a fuel efficient vehicle, fuel-efficient driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and idling to name a few.  

The Canadian government’s target is to hit an average of six per cent emission reduction by the end of 2012. With the escalating cost of gas, it’s imperative for the government to promote a smart driver program aimed at reducing the amount of money spent at the gas pump.

The Natural Resources Canada seminar was highly interactive and focused on the many ways one could save on gas.  It’s incredible how many different ways a simple change to your car maintenance routine can save you money.  It’s as simple as maintaining the appropriate tire pressure, which will prolong tire life and save energy and reduce emissions.  Other measures to reduce gas consumption would be driving within the speed limit on the highway, turning on the heat and air conditioner when only necessary, and not making extra car modifications.  Even if you were to roll down your window only after building up enough temperature in your car could save you in the long run.  

The key is getting to know your car a little more.  Get familiar with how many kilometers it took for your car to consume a full tank a gas, what type of gas is preferred for your vehicle, and read through the vehicle manual fully for recommendations.  I will say the three hour seminar is a time well spent.

The seminars trainer was Michele Joslin, who took her time in going through the different techniques of effective gas savings. With her experience as a commercial license holder and trainer she displayed the mathematical calculation of how much a driver can save from not Idling a car or truck.  Joslin stressed that idling achieves nothing, can be very costly, and contributes to environmental degradation.  

Natural Resources Canada’s office of Energy Efficiency plays a leadership role in helping Canadians reduce energy consumption. The three-hour seminar was well worth it and I recommend it to anyone who’s fed up with spending so much on gas.  It will provide you some education, save you money, and help out the environment for a better future.  With the price of gas reaching its highest point in decades, now would be the time to learn how to conserve gas and at the same time lessen your maintenance expenses.