The price of gas is a constant concern for drivers, but is it a big enough concern that it affects the type of vehicle buyers choose to purchase?
High gas prices mean rethinking the next auto you buy
Gas prices and their potential influence on the vehicle purchasing habits of Canadians is significant. Back in June 2004, Leger Marketing out of Montreal surveyed Canadians across the country and 66 per cent of us told them that the recent hikes in gas prices will influence the type of vehicle we will buy in the future. Given that the average retail price of regular gasoline back then hovered well under a dollar per litre, the study is likely more relevant today then ever.
According to Natural Resources Canada's Fuel Focus website the following is the average retail price for regular gasoline in Canada for week 22 of each of the following years (for 2008, this is the week of June 2nd, 2008):
2008 - $1.311 per litre (6 weeks ago, it was only $1.23!)
2007 - $1.135 per litre
2006 - $1.062 per litre
2005 - $0.881 per litre
At an increase in 3 years of almost $0.43 cents, it's no wonder people are looking to make their driving habits and cars more fuel-efficient.
Fuel-efficient driving habits
The way we drive often impacts how efficiently the car runs. The following are tips from Natural Resources Canada that will help you get the most out of your car:
Plan your trips so you're not criss-crossing all over your hometown while running errands.
Avoid hard, fast acceration and hard braking. Studies have shown this style of aggressive driving increases fuel consumption by 37 per cent.
Use your cruise control on the highway if the landscape is relatively flat.
If hilly however--and if traffic conditions allow it--turn off the cruise control and let your speed drop going up hills and then allow it to increase going down.
Don't drive with your left foot on the brake pedal. Not only does this increase fuel consumption, but your brake lights are always on and drivers behind you have no way of knowing when you actually apply the brakes to slow down or stop.
If, in addition to driving with fuel-efficiency on your mind, you are also thinking about getting a gas-friendly auto next time around, you'll likely enjoy savings when it comes to the cost of auto insurance too. Often fuel-efficient vehicles are less expensive, physically smaller in size, with smaller engines and less horsepower. Generally speaking, these types of autos are also less expensive to insure.
Compare quotes and see if your auto insurance could be cheaper with a vehicle that is fuel-efficient. You could be saving money both with the decreased amount of gas you’ll need and your auto insurance premiums!
Top 10 most popular hybrids quoted online, in Winter/Spring 2006, for auto insurance through Kanetix.
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