table of contents · their property 1 pollution probe, primer on automobile fuel efficiency and...

Auto$mart Student Workbook i

Table of Contents

Module 1. Driving and the environment � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1

Module 2. Behind the wheel � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8

Module 3. The vehicle for you � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17

Module 4. Auto$mart summary � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 25

ii Auto$mart Student Workbook

Auto$mart Student Workbook 3

Module 1. Driving and the environment

1 Warm-up exercise – Questions for students

Take a few moments to complete this quiz� If you’re not sure whether something is true or false, take your best guess� We’ll talk about the answers later�

True or False?

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas (GHG) produced when fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, burn. T ¨ F ¨

2. Climate change affects your health and that of your family, friends and neighbours. T ¨ F ¨

3. You can minimize the impact your driving has on the environment by lowering your fuel consumption. T ¨ F ¨

4. Canadians consume less energy than the citizens of all other industrialized countries. T ¨ F ¨

5. Drivers must spend more money to drive fuel efficiently. T ¨ F ¨

6. GHGs occur naturally in the atmosphere, so they pose no threat to people. T ¨ F ¨

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Intended learning outcomes

The way Canadians consume energy has long-term implications for Canada’s climate� Over the next 100 years, scientists expect the temperature in parts of the country to rise 5°C� This climate change will have far-reaching consequences for the environment� By adopting fuel-efficient driving practices, Canadians can do their part to reduce the impact their driving has on the environment�

After completing this module, you will understand

§ the relationship between driving – and the burning of fossil fuels – and the health of the planet

§ the seriousness of climate change and its impact on Canadian people, communities and wildlife

§ the importance of fuel-efficient driving choices and habits

4 Auto$mart Student Workbook


2. Theory – Driving and the environment

The quality of life that Canadians enjoy is the envy of the world� But is it sustainable? Canada consumes more energy per person than almost any other country, due in part to our reliance on automobiles� Together, we own nearly 20 million vehicles and drive more than 300 billion kilometres each year�

Our climate, vast landmass and dispersed population are partly to blame for our energy use� But Canadians must take responsibility too� We often waste fuel without realizing it� We buy bigger, less fuel-efficient vehicles than we need� We also burn unnecessary gasoline and diesel on the road because we speed and have other poor driving habits

Energy consumption and the environmentAn engine emits dozens of gases that can impact air quality and environment� Chief among them is carbon dioxide (CO2), the principal greenhouse gas (GHG) that traps heat from the sun near the earth’s surface and contributes to changes in the global climate�

A vehicle produces about 2�3 kilograms (kg) of CO2 for every litre of gasoline it burns� And for every litre of diesel it consumes, a vehicle produces about 2�7 kg of CO2� On average, cars produce roughly three times their weight in CO2 emissions every year�

The problem with GHGsGHGs make life on this planet possible� Found naturally in the atmosphere, these gases provide warmth to animals, plants and people� Without them, the average temperature on the earth would drop 33°C, resulting in an environment too cold for many species to survive�1

Yet it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to CO2 and other GHGs� Too many GHGs in the atmosphere causes temperatures around the world to rise – dangerously� Consider for a moment the devastating impact even a modest increase in temperature would have�

§ Sea levels would rise, threatening the safety of coastal communities�

§ Dry conditions in some areas would lead to forest fires, droughts and crop failures�

§ Summers would intensify, diminishing the air quality of urban areas and compromising the health of people affected with asthma and other respiratory conditions�

§ Floods, droughts, rainstorms and other extreme weather events would become more frequent and severe, posing numerous dangers to Canadians and their property�

1 Pollution Probe, Primer on Automobile Fuel Efficiency and Emissions (2009), p� 19, www�pollutionprobe�org/publications/primers�html (cited December 2010)�

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Fast facts

With nearly one vehicle for every two people, Canada has one of the highest rates of car ownership in the world.



You can help minimize the impact of your driving on the environment by reducing your fuel consumption� The most obvious way to consume less fuel is to drive less� Avoid the daily drive to work by telecommuting or, on short trips, save fuel by walking, biking, busing or carpooling to your destination� Even on longer excursions, you can dramatically reduce the time you spend on the road by thinking before you drive�

A little travel management can help you realize big fuel – and environmental – savings� Combine trips and run several errands one after the other� Plan your route with the help of up-to-date roadmaps, to avoid stoplights, backtracking, rush-hour traffic and steep hills that require your vehicle’s engine to work hard� Listen to traffic reports on the radio to steer clear of accidents, road construction and other trouble spots� And give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going�

Indeed, as drivers, we can do a lot to conserve fuel and lessen our environmental footprint� The Auto$mart program shows us how� This lesson shows us why we must�

3. Video

In this episodeWe learn that Canadians’ reliance on automobiles affects the earth’s climate� To cut down on the GHGs that our vehicles emit into the atmosphere, we must drive like the future depends on it – because it does� More specifically, we must park our vehicles and plan our trips� Four friends and several other eco-conscious Canadians show us how�

Onscreen lessons to learn § Gas- and diesel-burning vehicles produce CO2 – a

GHG� Other vehicle emissions – such as volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen – are contaminants that contribute to air pollution and smog�

§ GHG emissions affect the earth’s climate�

§ Climate change compromises the survival of some living things�

§ As a driver, you can take several easy steps to lower your fuel consumption, minimize your emissions and help protect the planet�

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Fast facts

The average Canadian vehicle releases more than four tonnes of CO2 – roughly the weight of eight full-grown dairy cows – every year.

Fast facts

Canadians drive approximately 300 billion kilometres every year – enough to make about 1000 trips to the sun and back.



4 Review activity

Answers

1. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas (GHG) produced when fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, burn.

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2. Climate change affects your health and that of your family, friends and neighbours.

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3. You can minimize the impact your driving has on the environment by lowering your fuel consumption.

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4. Canadians consume less energy than the citizens of all other industrialized countries.

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5. Drivers must spend more money to drive fuel efficiently.

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6. GHGs occur naturally in the atmosphere, so they pose no threat to people.

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5. Group work

Question 1

What is a greenhouse gas?

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Question 2

What are some of the potential consequences of climate change?

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Question 3

What can you do before you get behind the wheel to limit your fuel consumption?

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6 Review of key points

§ Fuel efficiency is about using the least amount of fuel possible to drive a vehicle�

§ Fuel efficiency is important because burning less fuel means producing fewer GHGs�

§ The main GHG that vehicles emit is CO2�

§ CO2 and other GHGs cause climate change, which affects our environment and compromises our health�

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Module 2. Behind the wheel



True or False?

1. Fuel-efficient driving habits always save you money at the pump. T ¨ F ¨

2. The faster you drive on the highway, the less time you spend on the road, which helps reduce fuel consumption. T ¨ F ¨

3. In the city, about half of the fuel your vehicle consumes is used for acceleration. T ¨ F ¨

4. Drivers who maintain a constant speed waste the most fuel – and money. T ¨ F ¨

5. Defensive driving techniques promote road safety, not fuel efficiency. T ¨ F ¨

6. You can decrease your vehicle’s speed without applying the brakes. T ¨ F ¨

7. Vehicles consume about 20% more fuel travelling 120 kilometres per hour (km/hr) than 100 km/hr. T ¨ F ¨

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After completing this module, students will appreciate that how they drive influences their vehicles’ fuel consumption, operating costs and environmental impact� Specifically, students will be able to

§ recognize the impact of their driving styles on fuel efficiency

§ identify the environmental and financial benefits of fuel-efficient driving

§ name the five fuel-efficient driving habits that together can cut fuel consumption by as much as 25%, regardless of vehicle size or type�



2 Theory – Behind the wheel

What type of driver will you be? An aggressive driver who craves speed and wants the whole world to notice? A rushed driver who continually cuts corners to save a few seconds, or maybe an indifferent driver who just goes through the motions to get from here to there? Your choice could cost you – and not just in speeding tickets, bumper repairs and insurance hikes� Your actions behind the wheel could increase your fuel consumption by up to 25%�

Choose instead to be a fuel-efficient driver� These drivers save hundreds of dollars each year and lessen their environmental footprint by adopting five straightforward fuel-efficient driving techniques�

1. Accelerate gently.Stopped? Get your vehicle going again by pressing the pedal down gently and taking about five seconds to accelerate to 20 km/hr� Imagine an egg under your accelerator pedal and an open, nearly full cup of coffee on your dashboard� Don’t break the shell or spill the drink! You will not only avoid costly accidents but also save fuel and money�

2. Maintain a steady speed.Dips in speed, followed by sudden surges to keep pace, take a toll on your gas tank – and your wallet� Even small fluctuations of 5 km/hr can consume a lot of fuel� To maintain a steady speed and optimize your fuel savings, consider using cruise control for highway driving where conditions permit� You’ll reach your destination just as quickly and use less fuel�

3. Anticipate traffic. It pays to be safe – literally� You can lower your fuel costs (not to mention your insurance bills) simply by observing vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles on the road around you� Pay particular attention to sirens, slow-moving vehicles, children and animals that may dart into traffic, and signs of construction up ahead� Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front, and plan your manoeuvres well in advance to maintain your vehicle’s momentum and avoid unnecessary stops� By keeping your eyes and ears peeled, you’ll prevent traffic irregularities from becoming traffic emergencies, and avoid the need to slam on the brakes or swerve into other lanes, while conserving fuel�

4. Coast to decelerate.Next time you need to come to a stop under normal circumstances, just take your foot off the accelerator� Unless you’re on a downward slope, your vehicle will gradually slow down – saving wear on your brake pads and fuel in your gas tank and putting cash in your pocket� Most vehicles today are equipped with fuel-injection systems that automatically shut off the flow of fuel to the engine when you take your foot off the accelerator� In this mode, vehicles coast to a stop and use no fuel�

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Fast facts

By adopting a few simple techniques, the average driver could save $500 per year in fuel costs and prevent 1000 kilograms of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere (based on $1.00 per litre).



5. Avoid high speeds.What’s the rush? Cars, vans and light trucks and alternative fuel vehicles operate most efficiently between 50 and 80 km/hr� Push your vehicle past its prime, and it will burn more fuel – taking a toll on your wallet� Above this optimal speed zone, vehicles consume increasingly more fuel the faster they go� At 120 km/hr, a vehicle needs 20% more fuel than at 100 km/hr�

In short, you don’t need to be a superhero to save the planet� With these five simple driving techniques, you can reduce your fuel consumption, curb climate change and minimize the impact of your driving on the environment – all while staying safe and saving money�

3 Video

In this episodeWe discover why the gas pedal would be better called the money pedal� Aggressive acceleration drains our fuel tanks and our wallets� To drive our money directly to the bank, we must get in the groove – keeping our speed down and steady, anticipating traffic and changes in road conditions, and coasting to decelerate�

Onscreen lessons to learn § Five simple driving techniques can improve the fuel

efficiency and cost-effectiveness of your time on the road: accelerate gently, maintain a steady speed, anticipate traffic, coast to decelerate and avoid high speeds�

§ Aggressive drivers accelerate quickly, brake hard, drive fast, make frequent lane changes and pass other drivers whenever possible� These drivers consume more fuel�

§ Always in a hurry, rushed drivers save little time despite accelerating hastily, passing other drivers frequently and consuming fuel carelessly�

§ Fuel-efficient drivers save fuel and money and improve the safety of Canada’s roadways�

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4. Review activity

Answers

1. Fuel-efficient driving habits always save you money at the pump.

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2. The faster you drive on the highway, the less time you spend on the road, which helps reduce fuel consumption.

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3. In the city, about half of the fuel your vehicle consumes is used for acceleration.

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4. Drivers who maintain a constant speed waste the most fuel – and money.

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5. Defensive driving techniques promote road safety, not fuel efficiency.

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6. You can decrease your vehicle’s speed without applying the brakes.

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7. Vehicles consume about 20% more fuel travelling 120 kilometres per hour (km/hr) than 100 km/hr.

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5 Group work

Question 1

What can you do behind the wheel to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency?

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Question 2

What are environmental benefits of fuel-efficient driving?

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Question 3

What are personal benefits of fuel-efficient driving?

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§ Driving behaviour impacts the amount of fuel that vehicles consume�

§ Aggressive driving is inefficient and increases wear on your vehicle�

§ Fuel-efficient driving is safe, cost-effective and environmentally responsible�

§ Five easy-to-adopt fuel-efficient driving techniques are accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, avoiding high speeds, anticipating traffic and coasting to decelerate�

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Module 3. The vehicle for you



True or False?

1. The heavier the vehicle, the more energy it needs to move. T ¨ F ¨

2. Many vehicle models come with a choice of more than one engine size. T ¨ F ¨

3. A hybrid electric vehicle stops working when its battery runs out. T ¨ F ¨

4. Gasoline-powered vehicles consume 30% less fuel on average than diesel-powered vehicles. T ¨ F ¨

5. A vehicle with a fuel consumption rating of 10 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) is more fuel-efficient than a vehicle rated at 7 L/100 km. T ¨ F ¨

6. A four-wheel drive vehicle uses less fuel than a two-wheel drive vehicle. T ¨ F ¨

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Choosing a vehicle to buy is a big decision� A driver’s selection will affect his or her wallet and will impact the environment for years� This module helps give buyers the information they require to find the most fuel-efficient vehicle for their needs� After completing the module, students will be able to

§ compare vehicles based on their fuel efficiency

§ identify vehicle features that affect fuel efficiency

§ find more information on the fuel efficiency ratings and performance of passenger vehicles on the market

§ make environmentally conscious consumer choices



2 Theory – The vehicle for you

Are you in the market for a vehicle? Save money – and the environment – for as long as you own the vehicle by factoring fuel efficiency into your decision� Here are six tips to help you find the most fuel-efficient vehicle for your everyday driving needs�

1. Remember: the smaller, the better.Generally, the bigger the vehicle, the more it weighs� The more it weighs, the more fuel it consumes and carbon dioxide (CO2) it produces� Case in point, a large sport utility vehicle (SUV) can produce six tonnes (t) of CO2 annually, while a mid-sized vehicle produces an average of only 4 t per year� Narrow your options to the smallest class of vehicle that adequately meets your everyday needs�

2. Reign in the horsepower.The size of the engine you choose will affect the fuel consumption of your vehicle� Don’t be oversold� Many vehicle models can accommodate more than one size of engine� Choose the smallest engine that meets your needs� For example, opting for a four-cylinder engine, rather than a six-cylinder engine, could save you a significant amount of fuel – and money – for every kilometre you drive�

3. Pick your power wisely.Gasoline engines power most passenger vehicles� However, some passenger vehicles come with diesel engines, offering comparable performance, features and comfort – and cut fuel consumption by as much as 30%�

All-electric vehicles are also becoming a practical option as their availability increases� They do not have internal combustion engines� Instead, they are fitted with electric motors that draw energy from on-board battery packs� The battery packs must be plugged in and recharged regularly� As a result, all-electric vehicles don’t have the driving range of conventional vehicles� Still, all-electric vehicles are suitable for most of the trips you take every day, and they produce zero on-road emissions�

Hybrid electric vehicles are a cross between conventional automobiles and all-electric vehicles� Engineered to use both an electric motor for energy efficiency and an internal combustion engine for convenient refuelling, hybrid electric vehicles have the driving range of conventional vehicles yet consume far less fuel – saving you money and shrinking your environmental footprint�

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Fast facts

Cylinder deactivation enables V-6 and V-8 engines to operate as though they have fewer cylinders. While cylinder deactivation can’t decrease the weight of engines, it does reduce fuel consumption under light-load conditions by providing fuel to activated cylinders only.



4. Gear up your transmission.Whether you’re leaning toward an automatic or a manual transmission, try to choose an option that provides as many gears as possible� Additional gears enable an engine to operate at optimal efficiency, keeping your fuel consumption – and fuel costs – down�

5. Watch the weight of your wheels.Four-wheel and all-wheel drives enable your vehicle to accelerate and climb better on slippery and loose surfaces� The improved performance, however, comes at a cost� Vehicles that use four-wheel or all-wheel drive consume up to 10% more fuel than their two-wheel-drive cousins, due to the weight and friction of additional drivetrain parts�

6. Think aerodynamic.Fuel efficiency is not only smart but also stylish� Sleek contours, rounded edges and smooth textures make for a sophisticated, aerodynamic design that reduces wind resistance and improves fuel efficiency�

Are you still unsure which vehicle to buy? Use Natural Resource Canada’s Fuel Consumption Guide to find a fuel-efficient vehicle� The guide is available online at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca and compares vehicles based on

their fuel consumption ratings, estimated CO2 emissions and annual fuel costs� You can also find fuel consumption information on the EnerGuide labels affixed to the windows of new vehicles for sale at car dealerships� Note that the fewer litres per 100 km a vehicle requires, the more fuel-efficient it is�

With a little research and a lot of consideration about your everyday driving needs, you can find a fuel-efficient ride that’s perfect for you�

3. Video

In this episodeWe discover what makes the big moment – the experience of buying a first vehicle – so significant� It’s exciting and can be a little overwhelming� We also learn, however, that a bit of homework can help clear up a buyer’s confusion� To make the most of this big decision in our lives, all we have to do is analyse our lifestyles and choices, avoid the temptation to buy especially thirsty vehicles and crunch a few numbers� This episode shows us how�

Onscreen lessons to learn

§ Buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your everyday needs�

§ Do you really need a vehicle? People who have infrequent need of a vehicle can save money by renting vehicles on occasion or joining auto-sharing programs�

§ A vehicle’s weight, fuel type, transmission, number of powered wheels, extra features, aerodynamics and rolling resistance influence the amount of fuel it consumes�

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Fast facts

Continuously variable transmissions are the most fuel-efficient, because they enable your vehicle’s engine to perform at optimal efficiency over a broader range of speeds.



§ Alternative fuels and new technologies, such as continuously variable transmissions and hybrid vehicles, can help reduce the impact your driving has on the environment�

§ You can find more information online about the fuel consumption ratings of all light-duty cars and trucks sold in Canada at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca.

4 Review activity

Answers

1. The heavier the vehicle, the more energy it needs to move.

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2. Many vehicle models come with a choice of more than one engine size.

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3. A hybrid electric vehicle stops working when its battery runs out.

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4. Gasoline-powered vehicles consume 30% less fuel on average than diesel-powered vehicles use.

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5. A vehicle with a fuel consumption rating of 10 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) is more fuel-efficient than a vehicle rated at 7 L/100 km.

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6. A four-wheel drive vehicle uses less fuel than a two-wheel drive vehicle.

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5 Group work

Question 1

What does vehicle size have to do with fuel savings?

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Question 2

What vehicle options and features contribute to high fuel consumption?

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Question 3

Where can you learn more about a vehicle’s fuel consumption?

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§ Think carefully about your daily driving needs and buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible to meet them�

§ Light vehicles generally consume the least amount of fuel�

§ A vehicle’s transmission type, drivetrain configuration and extra features affect its fuel consumption�

§ New technologies – such as cylinder deactivation, continuously variable transmissions, and clean diesel and hybrid vehicles – can help you shrink your environmental footprint and save money on fuel�

§ You can find more information online about the estimated fuel consumption ratings, greenhouse gas emissions and annual fuel costs of light-duty cars and trucks at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca�

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Module 4. Auto$mart summary



True or False?

1. When a vehicle burns fuel, it produces carbon dioxide (CO2) – a greenhouse gas (GHG) that can change weather conditions and climate patterns and threaten the survival of some living things. T ¨ F ¨

2. The less fuel your vehicle burns, the fewer CO2 emissions it produces. T ¨ F ¨

3. Defensive driving techniques that cost you money at the pump are accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, anticipating traffic, coasting to decelerate and avoiding high speeds. T ¨ F ¨

4. Vehicles consume the most fuel when travelling between 50 and 80 kilometres per hour (km/hr). T ¨ F ¨

5. The only way to slow a vehicle down is to apply the brakes. T ¨ F ¨

6. Driving at high speeds cuts the amount of fuel you consume, because you reach your destination faster and spend less time on the road. T ¨ F ¨

7. As a rule, the lighter a vehicle, the less fuel it consumes. T ¨ F ¨

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This module reinforces what students have learned in the previous three modules of this course� Students will review

§ the effects of driving on the environment

§ the five fuel-efficient driving techniques

§ the environmental, financial and safety benefits of fuel-efficient driving

§ the importance of choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicles to meet their everyday driving needs



8. The more litres of fuel that a vehicle uses per 100 km, the more fuel-efficient it is. For example, a vehicle with a fuel consumption rating of 10 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) uses less fuel than a vehicle with a rating of 8 L/100 km. T ¨ F ¨

9. In vehicle models that feature two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, the two-wheel drive option uses more fuel. T ¨ F ¨

2 Theory – Auto$mart summary

Vehicle engines burn fuel� As a result, they produce CO2, a potentially dangerous GHG that traps heat from the sun near the earth’s surface, raises global temperatures and contributes to extreme weather conditions� Every year, light-duty vehicles (e�g� cars, vans, light trucks, sport utility vehicles [SUVs] and alternative fuel vehicles) account for roughly 85 million tonnes (t) of CO2 and other GHG emissions – the weight of more than 470 000 blue whales�

You can help minimize these emissions by taking five simple actions to conserve fuel – by as much as 25% – and keep cash in your wallet� Next time you get behind the wheel, do the following:

1. Accelerate gently.Imagine an egg under your accelerator pedal and an open, nearly full cup of coffee on your dashboard� Take about five seconds to accelerate to 20 km/hr so you don’t break the shell or spill the drink!

2. Maintain a steady speed.Optimize your fuel savings by avoiding casual dips in speed and sudden accelerations� Where road, traffic and weather conditions permit, use cruise control on relatively flat stretches of highway�

3. Anticipate traffic.Keep your eyes open for vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles on the road around you, and plan your manoeuvres well in advance to avoid hitting the brakes or swerving into other lanes unnecessarily�

4. Coast to decelerate.Come to a slow stop simply by taking your foot off the accelerator� The fuel-injection systems fitted in most vehicles will automatically reduce the flow of fuel to your engine, saving fuel – not to mention your brake pads�

5. Avoid high speeds.How far can you drive on a single tank of fuel? To go the ultimate distance, heed the speed limit on the highway� Travel any faster and your vehicle will need increasingly more fuel�

Consider that a vehicle consumes 20% more fuel cruising at 120 km/hr than at 100 km/hr� And to what end? Driving at high speeds doesn’t necessarily help you reach your destination much sooner� At 100 km per hour, you can make a 50-kmtrip in 30 minutes� Increasing your speed to 120 km/hr will hike up the amount of fuel you consume by as much as 20% and shave off only five minutes of your travel time�

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Fast facts

A vehicle produces about 2.3 kilograms (kg) of CO2 for every litre of gasoline it burns.



Do you need a new vehicle? Choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your everyday needs� Consult Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Guide (available online at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca) to compare vehicles based on their fuel consumption ratings, estimated CO2 emissions and annual fuel costs� And check out the EnerGuide labels affixed to the windows of new vehicles on dealership lots to see the fuel consumption information of your favourite new rides�

Generally, the larger and heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it consumes� Consider that for every 10% of added weight, your vehicle will consume about 6% more fuel – and produce about 6% more CO2 emissions� Choose the smallest and lightest vehicle to meet your needs�

The size of the engine you choose can also affect your vehicle’s fuel consumption� Don’t be oversold� Many vehicle models are available with more than one size of engine� Choose the smallest one that meets your needs� For example, opting for a four-cylinder, rather than a six-cylinder, engine could save you fuel – and money – on every kilometre you drive�

Whether you have your eye on an automatic or a manual transmission, try to choose an option that provides as

many gears as possible� Additional gears enable the engine to operate at optimal efficiency at a broader range of speeds, keeping your fuel consumption down�

Also, consider whether you really need a four-wheel or an all-wheel drive vehicle� These vehicles consume as much as 10% more fuel than their two-wheel-drive cousins� All-wheel drive is even less fuel-efficient because it powers all four wheels all of the time, even when they’re not needed for added performance�

Before you take your ride on the roadWhatever vehicle you use, remember: Think before you drive� Ultimately, the surefire way to cut your fuel consumption is to reduce your time on the road altogether� Walk, bike or take the bus whenever possible� And consider carpooling with friends and family to shared destinations� Plan your trips to avoid stoplights, backtracking, rush-hour traffic and steep hills, and run several errands one after the other�

Fast facts

The average large SUV produces about 6 t of CO2 annually. The average mid-size vehicle produces about 4 t.



3 Video

In this episodeWe explore whether we’ve truly earned the keys to our freedom and future yet� Driving is a privilege that demands skill, knowledge and responsibility behind the wheel� We must be aware of the negative environmental consequences of driving and take steps to cut our CO2 emissions� Our choices on the road and off can keep fuel in our tanks and money in pockets, all while helping the environment�

Onscreen lessons to learn § CO2 emissions from cars and other passenger vehicles

contribute to the dangerous amount of GHGs in the atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun near the earth’s surface, raising global temperatures and compromising the survival of some living things�

§ You can cut your fuel consumption – and CO2 emissions – by as much as 25% by adopting five straightforward driving techniques: accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, anticipating traffic, coasting to decelerate and avoiding high speeds�

§ Fuel-efficient driving is safe and cost-effective driving�

§ To realize even more fuel – and cost – savings, choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle to meet your everyday needs�

§ Information on a vehicle’s fuel consumption ratings, estimated CO2 emissions and annual fuel costs is outlined in Natural Resources Canada’s Fuel Consumption Guide, available online at vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca� You will find additional information on the EnerGuide label affixed to the windows of all new vehicles for sale in Canada�

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4 Review activity

Answers

1. When a vehicle burns fuel, it produces CO2 – a GHG that can change weather conditions and climate patterns and threaten the survival of some living things.

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2. The less fuel your vehicle burns, the fewer CO2 emissions it produces.

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3. Defensive driving techniques that cost you money at the pump are accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, anticipating traffic, coasting to decelerate and avoiding high speeds.

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4. Vehicles consume the most fuel when travelling between 50 and 80 kilometres per hour (km/hr).

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5. The only way to slow a vehicle down is to apply the brakes.

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6. Driving at high speeds cuts the amount of fuel you consume, because you reach your destination faster and spend less time on the road.

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7. As a rule, the lighter the vehicle, the less fuel it consumes.

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8. The more litres of fuel that a vehicle uses per 100 km, the more fuel-efficient it is. For example, a vehicle with a fuel consumption rating of 10 litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km) uses less fuel than a vehicle with a rating of 8 L/100 km.

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9. In vehicle models that feature two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, the two-wheel drive options use more fuel.

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5 Group work

Question 1

Why should Canadians care about the amount of CO2 emissions that their vehicles produce?

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Question 2

What five things can you do on the road to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency?

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Question 3

How does fuel-efficient driving benefit you?

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Question 4

Before you buy a vehicle, what are some things to consider in terms of fuel efficiency?

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§ Climate change is a real concern�

§ CO2 emissions from vehicles contribute to climate

change�

§ Driving behaviour impacts the amount of fuel that vehicles consume�

§ Five easy-to-adopt fuel-efficient driving techniques are accelerating gently, maintaining a steady speed, avoiding high speeds, anticipating traffic and coasting to decelerate�

§ Fuel-efficient driving is safe, cost-effective and environmentally responsible�

§ You should think carefully about your daily driving needs and buy the most fuel-efficient vehicle possible�

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table of contents · their property 1 pollution probe, primer on automobile fuel efficiency and...

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