Eco-driving encompasses a set of practices that help reduce fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle wear and tear. By better understanding the physical forces (PDF 164 Kb) that influence vehicles’ energy performance and by adopting appropriate behaviours, drivers help protect the environment while achieving savings.
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Tips
Discover a few simple actions you can take every day to adopt more energy-efficient driving habits.
Reduce your speed
A compact car travelling 20,000 kilometres per year can generate 4 tonnes of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Reducing your speed from 120 to 100 km/h can cut fuel consumption by up to 20% and lower GHG emissions, because air resistance increases as speed rises.
Choose an energy-efficient mode of transportation
Favour walking, cycling and public transit to reduce your costs and your environmental footprint. In fact, these modes of transportation are often faster in urban areas. Carpooling and carsharing also make it possible to share costs and limit GHG emissions associated with travel. For long distances, find out about options for travelling by coach or by train.
Choose a vehicle that fits your needs
Choose a vehicle that matches your actual use. Compare fuel consumption and GHG emissions before purchasing it. Weight, size, engine power and certain options all increase costs. You can also rent a higher-category vehicle with specific features to meet an occasional need instead of purchasing one.
Thinking about buying an electric vehicle? Consider your daily travel habits and assess your needs in order to make the most of your purchase.
Financial assistance programs could support you in the acquisition of a new or used electric vehicle and in the acquisition of a charging station.
Monitor your fuel consumption
Tracking your vehicle’s fuel consumption lets you know how energy-efficient it is. This can help you identify mechanical problems, compare your vehicle with other models and make a more informed choice when purchasing a more energy-efficient vehicle.
Maintain your vehicle
Adopt simple habits, combined with regular mechanical maintenance, to make your vehicle more economical, less polluting and safer. Check tire pressure every month and correct wheel alignment if necessary. Replace the air filter and spark plugs regularly, change the oil as recommended, check the cooling system and make sure your brakes are not causing unnecessary resistance.
Check your tire pressure
Incorrect pressure increases fuel consumption: underinflated tires deform and create more rolling resistance, while overinflated tires reduce grip and can be dangerous. Temperature variations also affect tire pressure, especially in winter, so it is essential to check it regularly. Also avoid keeping your winter tires on all year, because they increase fuel consumption and reduce efficiency on dry pavement.
Limit accessories and air conditioning
To improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics, remove unnecessary items and take off roof racks or bike racks when they are not in use. Use air conditioning in moderation: on the highway, it is more efficient than driving with the windows open, but in the city, limit its use.
Warm up by driving in winter
After letting the engine run for 30 seconds to lubricate it, start driving gently: your vehicle will warm up more efficiently and you will save fuel. Below 5°C, an engine block heater with a timer helps the engine reach its optimal temperature more quickly and warms the passenger compartment.
Plan your trips
Choose routes that allow you to maintain a steady speed and avoid rush hours. Combine trips to reduce short journeys that use more fuel because the engine does not reach its optimal operating temperature. Use navigation apps to find the most direct and smoothest route.
Avoid idling
Turn off your engine if you are stopped for more than 60 seconds. This reduces fuel consumption and GHG emissions, even in winter. For example, over two winter months, if you let your engine idle for 30 minutes a day, you will burn a full tank of fuel without driving a single kilometre.
Improve your engine’s efficiency
On a manual-transmission vehicle, use higher gears as soon as possible. Fuel consumption is closely linked to how efficiently you use the engine. The higher the gear ratio, the less fuel the engine consumes. Ease off the accelerator slightly to help the vehicle shift gears. If your vehicle has an “eco” mode or an additional gear, activate it to save fuel.
Regarding cruise control, please note that using it can increase fuel consumption on hilly roads, as it maintains the same speed when going uphill.
Techniques
Adopt these simple eco-driving techniques. You will reduce the environmental impact of your trips, improve road safety, optimize your vehicle’s range and achieve significant savings.
Look far ahead to anticipate traffic. Try to visualize the road up to one or two traffic lights ahead so that you can adjust your speed and avoid unnecessary stops.
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On the highway, watch the taillights of vehicles far ahead to anticipate slowdowns and avoid sudden braking. Slightly reducing your speed decreases fuel consumption and air resistance.
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As you approach a stop, release the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down on its own. Brake gently to come to a complete stop, then start again while anticipating the next stop when the lane is clear.
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Leave a distance of 3 to 6 seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This distance will allow you to react without braking suddenly. If traffic changes, simply release the accelerator and resume your speed once the danger has passed.
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The more you vary your speed, the more fuel you consume. Adopt a steady speed suited to road conditions and maintain it as much as possible. In this way, you will reduce your fuel consumption and your emissions and promote smoother, safer traffic.
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When driving uphill, use the highest possible gear to reduce your fuel consumption. When driving downhill, let the vehicle slow down naturally without braking too much, while respecting speed limits.
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To enter the highway, accelerate without hesitation so as to reach a high gear quickly and reduce engine speed. The higher the gear, the less fuel the engine consumes. If your engine is “screaming,” it is turning too fast and consuming more.
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Training for new drivers
Eco-driving principles are part of the mandatory driving course. All driving schools in Québec that are recognized by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) have access to it.
This training helps new drivers plan more environmentally friendly trips and adopt energy-efficient driving techniques.
For more information, consult the SAAQ document On the road, take the time to slow down (in French only) or Module 12 – Eco-driving of its Road Safety Education Program.
Last update: February 18, 2026