Jun
18
Ellen Roseman, an ace consumer reporter at the Toronto Star, has a short feature on how to save money on fuel – a smart and timely read since the price of gas has once again leapt over the $1 a litre hurdle, at least in Toronto. Roseman looks at the unadornedly titled book 75 Ways to Save Gas by Prius-driver Jim Davidson and offers her 10 favourite tips gleaned from the tome.
For me, the most surprising suggestion — other than the fact that there are 75 ways to do anything (who knew?) — was:
“8) Park with the hood pointing out. Backing out of a parking spot when the engine is cold takes a lot of effort (and gas). All the jockeying to park with your hood pointing out is done when the engine is warm, so it’s easy on fuel.”
My driving instructor always wanted me to park with the hood out, since backing out of a space is apparently more dangerous. I’m pleased to hear there’s a cost-saving benefit as well.