Gas prices have broken records in recent weeks as the world struggles with the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The average daily retail price of gas nationwide reached an all-time high of 197.4 cents per liter on Tuesday, up from the beginning of the year, when it hovered around 146.1 cents, according to data from the Canadian Natural Resources Agency.

High prices make drivers grumble, but there are several ways to get better mileage and reduce fuel bills, says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice president at the South Central Ontario branch of the Canadian Automobile Association.

Plan your trips

Fuel saving and improving mileage start before leaving the house. If you plan your route and use traffic news bulletins or driving apps, you can avoid accident areas and other slow-moving zones, which helps you save gas, says "Di Felice".

She added in her statement: "Sometimes we go somewhere and then come back home and say, 'I meant to go to that place' and go out again, and this is considered a waste of energy and an increase in the budget." She also urged motorists to take care of their cars and always maintain them for lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions.

She also said: Avoid idling as people think they need to run their car before they start driving it to warm it up because they believe this is better for the car.

"That may be true if you’re driving a really old model... but you don’t need to do that with modern cars." Be strategic about air conditioning as your AC is a major drain on your gas tank. Remove roof racks when not in use: if you have roof racks or other storage devices on your car, consider taking them off when not needed for carrying cargo because these devices create a load on your car and reduce your fuel efficiency.

Look for "LOYALTY PROGRAMS" Many gas stations, credit cards, and other programs offer discounts on gas. "CAA," for example, offers three cents per liter at Shell stations for all its members, says "Di Felice." "Esso," "Husky's," and many other stations also have incentive programs.

These programs sometimes allow you to earn points each time you fill up, and these points can be exchanged for other rewards.

"Di Felice" concludes her remarks, "You may not save directly at the pump, but you save a few dollars on the grocery bill or whatever else you usually buy." "Make these tips a daily habit to save fuel consumption and apply them in all areas of your life."