| Budget
Stretching Tips for May Long-weekend Trips
Drivers can save up to 5% with Shell® Mosaik MasterCard from
BMO Bank of Montreal®* and increase their fuel efficiency
TORONTO,
May 15, 2008 – Many Canadians are expected to hit
the road this weekend, racking up hours behind the wheel and consuming
litres of fuel in pursuit of the perfect long-weekend getaway. BMO
and Shell remind travellers that they can lower their trip costs
by following some simple fuel conservation tips listed below and
by using a credit card that offers cash back or rebates.
The Shell Mosaik MasterCard from BMO Bank of Montreal offers a Premium
CashBack reward option that provides customers with 3% cash back
on all card purchases at Shell stations in Canada and 1% cash back
on all other purchases. The card also includes a Roadside Assistance
Program valued at more than $50.
Customers who apply for the Shell card through Shell stations or
www.shell.ca/card will enjoy 5% cash back as part of a three month
introductory offer. With fuel prices recently averaging $1.25 per
litre nationally, that’s a savings of six cents per litre1.
“For most Canadians, the May long-weekend marks the official start
of a spring and summer-long season of weekend road-trips with family
or friends,” said Nancy Marescotti, Director, Card and Retail
Payment Services, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Whether it’s
a trip to the cottage or just a leisurely drive along some of Canada’s
most remarkable country roadscapes, the cost to travel can add up
pretty quickly, so make sure you’re travelling with a credit
card that helps put some of that cash back into your pocket.”
“Shell and BMO want to help drivers get the most out of every
fuel purchase by incorporating simple fuel saving tips,” said Todd
Gulbransen, Customer Loyalty Advisor, Shell Canada Products. “With
modest adjustments to their vehicles and driving habits, long-weekend
road travellers can stretch their fuel dollars regardless of their
destination.”
Fuel Saving Tips
- Replace
dirty or clogged air filters. A clean air filter
can improve your gas mileage by as much as 10%.
- Use cruise
control. Its use on major roads when it is safe to do so,
helps maintain a constant speed and, in many cases, will reduce fuel
consumption.
- Use air
conditioning sparingly. Using an air conditioner during city
driving can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.
- Avoid
idling. It gets
you nowhere and you’re still burning fuel!
- Avoid
higher speeds. Generally, increasing your speed from 100 km/h to
120 km/h will increase fuel consumption by about 20%.
- Keep
your tires properly inflated. A tire that is under-inflated by just
two psi (14kPa) can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 2%.
- Lighten
your load. An
extra 45 kilograms can increase your fuel costs by 2%. Don’t carry baggage, tools, food or equipment that you’re
not going to use. Remember, you’re on a weekend getaway,
not a six month trek across the Andes!
- Remove
bicycle racks and roof racks when you arrive. Sure they double as handy clothes lines
at the campsite, but carrier racks increase drag
and fuel consumption by as much as 5%. If you’re
going to drive after you arrive, do the smart thing and
remove these gas robbers until
you head back home.
- Plan
your route. Check with local auto associations to map out the shortest
route to your destination and to help you avoid construction zones.
The fewer miles you drive the less fuel you will use.
For more fuel saving tips and to apply for the new Shell Mosaik
MasterCard from BMO, visit www.shell.ca/fuelstretch. Consumers
can also apply at www.bmo.com or by visiting any BMO branch or Shell station.
1 Based on the national average regular unleaded gasoline price for
the week of May 6, 2008 as published by Natural Resources Canada.
® Registered trade-mark
of Shell Canada Limited. Used under license by Shell Canada Products.
® * Trade-marks/registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal.
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