Get money-saving tips in your inbox.

Stay on top of personal finance tips from our money experts!

News & Resources

6 Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas During the Winter

Nov. 9, 2021
3 mins
A man brushes the snow off his white car

Winter driving can take quite a toll on your car (pun intended). Not only is it messy, slippery, and slow – it can also be very expensive.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that a drop in temperature from 24 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius can increase fuel consumption by 12% to 28%. And with snow, slush and ice on the road, your car works harder to get you where you need to go, meaning that you’re paying more at the pump during the winter than the summer. Even hybrid cars lose efficiency as temperatures drop below freezing.

Cold air is denser, which increases drag on your car and reduces gas mileage. Driving slow and diligently means more time spent on the road, and more gas being used. And of course, heaters and defrosters use additional power, leading to more fuel consumption.

But since avoiding winter weather isn’t really an option for Canadians, here are some ways to stretch your dollar this season, and save on gas for your car:

1. Inflate your tires regularly

Dense, cold air can cause your tires to lose pressure and resist rolling in slush or snow. As a result, your car is working harder to move through the snow. Check your tires' air pressure regularly and keep it at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

2. Know there’s no need to “warm up”

Warming your car for five to 10 minutes to “get the engine going” has been a widespread custom for a long time. But the fact of the matter is that most cars nowadays don’t need to be warmed up for more than 30 seconds. Idle time just means more fuel consumption for zero mileage. Older cars may need longer, but no more than two or three minutes.

3. Get a winter tune up

This means making sure everything is running at peak efficiency to ensure the best mileage on your car, no matter the conditions. Have your mechanic take a look at your battery, check your wheel alignment, and change your oil.

4. Get all your errands done in one trip

Instead of making several short trips on various days, choose a block of time in one day and combine your errand trips into one. Plan out your itinerary to ensure you use the shortest route with the least amount of stops. This will help to keep your engine warmer and ultimately save gas.

5. Avoid carrying too much weight

Your engine uses more energy to move a heavy vehicle. Remove unnecessary items from the trunk, or external accessories like bike racks. Removing roof racks can also decrease wind resistance and reduce the amount of gas you use.

6. Drive carefully

This is a given, considering how unsafe winter road conditions can be. But either way, it’s important to note that aggressive driving and hard braking uses more gas. Keep a light foot and always adjust your speed to the conditions. If you can avoid driving until the roads have been cleared, you’ll probably save your car the trouble of having to exert extra energy to plough through.

Looking for more ways to save on your car all year long? One of the best ways is to cut your auto insurance bill. Compare car insurance quotes online at RATESDOTCA and find the lowest rate for the car insurance you need.

car mascot.png

Don't waste time calling around for auto insurance

Use RATESDOTCA to shop around, and compare multiple quotes at the same time.

RATESDOTCA Team

The RATESDOTCA editorial team are experienced writers focused on sharing stories and bringing you the latest news in insurance and personal finance. Our goal is to provide Canadians with the information and resources they need to make better insurance and financial decisions.

Latest life insurance articles

What does life insurance cover in Canada?
Typically, life insurance covers natural death, accidents, and certain terminal illnesses, though there are exceptions.
3 mins read
10 Life insurance myths debunked
Life insurance is for someone older or has kids, right? Wrong. Let’s debunk life insurance myths and learn why everyone needs some form of coverage.
6 mins read
Do you need life insurance? A primer for Canadians
Life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits all solution. But if you have dependents, it can be an important financial safety net for those you love.
7 mins read

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay on top of our latest offers, relevant news and tips!

Thanks for joining!

You'll be hearing from us shortly - stay tuned.