chapter 2 — you and your vehicle driving tip Use other forms of transportation Reduce fuel consumption Reduce emissions Here are some things you can do to help protect the  environment — you’ll save money, too: Good safe-driving habits  can reduce your fuel  consumption by as much  as 30 per cent, save wear  and tear on your car, and  reduce emissions. For more smart ways to  be fuel-efficient, visit the  Natural Resources Canada  Office of Energy Efficiency  website at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca or  call 1-800-387-2000. Driving safely reduces fuel consumption and saves money, too: Choose a fuel‑efficient vehicle. Do not pour motor oil, gas,  antifreeze or battery acid  down drains. Take these  fluids to recycling locations. • Keep your vehicle tuned up to reduce emissions. • Change the oil regularly and use the right grade. Have any  oil leaks fixed. • Keep the air filter clean. • Make sure your air conditioning system doesn’t have any  leaks. • Remove roof racks and roof boxes to reduce drag. • Roll down your windows — refrain from using air conditioning  under 50 km/h. Use your vehicle’s flow‑through ventilation  rather than air conditioning on the highway. • Avoid excess weight — remove any items in the car that you  don’t need, such as things in the trunk. • Check tire pressure at least monthly — under‑inflated tires  increase fuel consumption. • Avoid idling — turn the motor off if stopped for more than 60  seconds, such as when stopped at the side of the road. • Plan your route — combine several errands into one trip,  and plan the route so that you go to the destination that is  farthest away first — this will allow your vehicle to warm up  to normal operating temperature which helps reduce fuel  consumption. • Slow down and save — keep to posted speeds or below. • Be a smooth operator — avoid “jackrabbit” starting and  stopping, drive at a steady speed. • Arrange carpools. Instead of driving children to school, walk  or cycle with them or enroll them in a walking school bus. • Walk, cycle or take public transit whenever possible. 27