Increasingly pinched at the pump, Canadians more than ever, are looking for ways to save on two of their least favourite car costs: gas and auto insurance.

Save money at the pumps

A few simple gas saving tips found online at Natural Resources Canada, can go a long way in fuel efficiency:

• Slow down

On most major Canadian highways the posted limited is 100 km/h. If you increase your speed from 100 km/h to 120 km/h, you’ll also increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by about 20%. Do you really want to have to buy 20% more gas?

• Relax and enjoy the drive

Drivers who speed, rapidly accelerate and brake hard, increase their fuel consumption by up to 37%. The more fuel-efficient option is to accelerate smoothly, brake evenly, and maintain a steady speed.

• Minimize the “stuff” you keep in your vehicle

Too often cars become a storage room. While it may seem convenient, it’s estimated by the U.S. Department of Energy that for every additional 100 pounds in your vehicle you are likely reducing the mileage you get per tank by 1-2%.

• Not driving? Turn off the car

You get 0 kilometres per litre if your car is idling. Instead of idling at a drive-up window, why not park the car and go in? It’s estimated that idling longer than 10 seconds means you’re burning more fuel than you would restarting the vehicle.

• Keep your car maintained and running smoothly

Poorly maintained vehicles can boost fuel consumption by up to 15%. So replace your car’s air filter if dirty, check your tires to ensure they’re inflated to your car’s proper tire pressure, and use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil, for gas-saving starters.

Save money on your auto insurance

Saving money at the pumps helps, but the following tips will ensure you maximize your insurance savings too.

• If you can, don’t drive to work.

This one will save you on gas and insurance. If you can, take public transit to work because insurance rates are generally higher for people who commute to work.

• Make sure all your cars are on the same policy

Most insurance companies offer a "Multi-vehicle discount" for customers who insure more than one car on the same policy.

• Insure both your car and home with the same company

Again, this may qualify you for a discount called the "Multi-line discount". Most companies offer this savings as an incentive to get your home insurance business too.

• Have an anti-theft device installed in your car

If you take measures to ensure your car less likely to be stolen, then some insurance companies will offer an “Anti-theft discount” if certain anti-theft devices are installed.

• Ask about other discounts you might be able to get

Additional common discounts include the age, low mileage, occupational and auto club discounts all of which could save you money, if you qualify.

• Increase your deductibles

The higher your deductibles, the lower your insurance premium so raise them as much as you can. Keep it affordable though, because this is how much you’ll have to cover if you need to submit a claim.

• Drive carefully

Drivers with no accidents, tickets or insurance claims almost always pay less for their auto insurance coverage. With a less than perfect driving record, you can find yourself paying much higher insurance premiums over the years.

•    Shop around

Auto insurance premiums across insurers are not the same. In fact, each insurer’s rates are so unique to them it’s safe to say that no two are alike. So get quotes from competing insurers to see who will offer you the best price. You can shop for car insurance easily, online too; at kanetix.ca, for example. kanetix.ca’s quote comparison service offers you an easy way to get quotes from competing insurers so you can then compare their quotes side-by-side to see if you could be saving money.