Former automotive service expert offers tips to deal with rising fuel costs

The price for regular unleaded is up 35 percent over the last months.

Gas pump sticker shock is getting pretty wide-spread with fuel prices hovering around $1.80 a litre having shot up 35% in the last 12 months. Drivers are desperate for relief as their transportation costs are eating up more and more of their disposable income.

Our Brian Turner spent over 40 years in the automotive service industry, managing everything from small independent shops to new vehicle dealership service and parts departments.

He's been providing advice to vehicle owners for much of that time with regular contributions to PostMedia's Driving.ca. 

This may cause a claim denial and policy cancellation if an insurance company deems you are using your personal vehicle for a commercial enterprise without their knowledge. Simply alternating vehicle use between you and your co-pilot can avoid this and let you both save on maintenance costs. 

While interest in electric vehicles has risen with fuel prices, numbers show a slow uptick on EV purchases. Many automakers scaled back North American EV production when the US and Canadian governments ended purchase rebates, throwing more barriers up to those looking to kick their gasoline addiction.

While Ottawa has since reinstated their rebate program, many consumers are still put off by the premium pricing of new EV's.

When kicking the tires on a pre-owned EV, Turner says to check the odometer.

Remember to factor in the cost of installing a 220V home charging station with an EV purchase. They can run from $1500 to $2000 depending on site conditions and professional electrician rates. And no, they're not a DIY affair.

If a more fuel efficient replacement ride isn't in your immediate future, Turner says a few practices can make a real improvement.

Industry watchers feel even if the Middle-East crisis ended today, it may take months or years for pump prices to return to somewhat normal. The ability to cope with all this rests firmly in the hands on the steering wheel.

Story by Brian Turner