Rising gas prices drive search for savings

    BCAA offers tips on getting more mileage for your money

    BURNABY, BC, May 13 /CNW/ - With gas prices rising and no relief in
sight, cash-strapped drivers are scrambling for ways to save money at the
pumps. BCAA advises drivers to control what they can and recognize that small
changes can add up to significant savings.
    "When gas prices soar, motorists may be tempted to skimp on taking proper
care of their vehicles," says BCAA's Road Assist Director, Ken Cousin. "What
they don't realize is that good maintenance and driving habits will save them
money. In addition, they will also reduce harm to the environment, by lowering
air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions."
    BCAA's "top ten" list of gas-saving tips include:

    1.  Consolidate trips. Find one location where you can take care of
        banking, grocery shopping and other chores. When possible, combine
        them with your daily commute. Short trips less than five kilometres
        generally do not allow the engine to reach its peak operating
        temperature, reducing the level of fuel efficiency.

    2.  Only use as much vehicle as you need. If you own more than one
        vehicle, use the more energy-efficient vehicle as often as possible.
        Better still, ditch the car and ride your bike or consider walking.

    3.  Watch that lead foot. Save fuel by slowing down, anticipating traffic
        patterns, maintaining steady speeds and avoiding jack-rabbit starts
        and hard braking. A European study found rapid acceleration from
        stoplights and hard braking reduced travel time by just four per cent
        in city driving - the equivalent of just over a minute every half-
        hour - but resulted in a 37 per cent jump in fuel consumption and a
        five-fold increase in emissions.

    4.  Avoid unnecessary idling. Shut off your engine when waiting in ferry
        or border lineups, or picking up friends and family. Shutting off and
        re-starting the engine consumes less fuel and emits less pollutants.

    5.  Watch the weight. Clean out the trunk, cargo areas and passenger
        compartments. Less weight means better mileage. Also remove items on
        roof racks such as storage boxes to reduce drag.

    6.  Shop wisely. Keep your eyes open for low fuel prices but don't waste
        gas driving to a distant filling station to save a few cents a litre.
        Purchasing gas from companies that offer loyalty rewards is one small
        way to offset high gas prices. To maximize benefits, try to stick to
        a single program.

    7.  Choose regular gas, if you can. Most cars today don't require high-
        octane premium gas. Check your owner's manual for the recommended
        octane rating for your car. Most modern vehicles are designed to run
        on regular-grade (87-octane) gas, which contains all the necessary
        detergents and additives.

    8.  Stay in tune. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly
        lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will
        help maximize fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle.
        Even something as simple as replacing a clogged air filter can make a
        measurable improvement in gas mileage. Follow the service schedules
        listed in your owner's manual and have the work performed by
        qualified technicians.

    9.  Consider other commuting options. Think about carpooling
        (www.ride-share.com), cycling and public transportation as ways to
        commute. How about working from home one or more days per week? And,
        why not ask the boss about beginning your work day earlier or later
        to avoid wasting gas in bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic?

    10. Ditch your gas guzzler. If you're upgrading your vehicle, compare
        fuel efficiency ratings with EnerGuide's Fuel Consumption Guide,
        produced by Natural Resources Canada (www.vehicles.gc.ca).

    About BCAA

    BCAA is dedicated to meeting the needs of its members and customers
throughout B.C. and the Yukon, connecting them with a team of membership,
automotive, travel and insurance professionals. With over 780,000 members and
$120 million in revenues, BCAA is the largest organization of its kind in B.C.
and the fourth largest CAA-affiliated association in Canada. In 2007 and 2008,
BCAA was named one the 50 Best Employers in Canada by international HR
consultants Hewitt Associates and the Globe & Mail's Report on Business
magazine. To learn more about BCAA's products, services and member advocacy,
visit www.bcaa.com. For more information on the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation
visit www.tsf-bcaa.com

    Editors notes:

    Gas related photos are available at ftp.bcaa.com. Refer to folder
entitled "media" and then "gas related photos".

For further information: Jennifer Timm, Advisor, Media Relations, Tel:
(604) 268-5342, Cell: (778) 228-8859, Email: jennifer.timm@bcaa.com; Trace
Acres, Director, Corporate Communications & Government Affairs, Tel: (604)
268-5029, Cell: (604) 788-3753, Email: trace.acres@bcaa.com