CAA provides consumers with tool to calculate the costs of driving

OTTAWA – The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has released an updated version of its Driving Costs interactive guide that provides consumers with a comprehensive look at the price of owning a vehicle.

The 2011 Driving Costs brochure explains the overall costs of vehicle ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and depreciation. To help consumers understand these costs for different types of vehicles, the guide provides approximate costs for owning 2011 models of a representative small sedan, a minivan, and a hybrid vehicle. The brochure allows for consumers to calculate their own total annual driving costs based on national averages and approximate figures.

“Driving is one of the largest expenses for most people and we want consumers to have the necessary tools to be able to understand their real costs,” says Jeff Walker, vice president, public affairs.

Walker points out that while the costs of driving may be high, consumers can take steps to keep costs down. These include comparing the prices of competitors for automotive services and parts, and adopting driving habits that will save fuel.

“By changing the way you drive just a bit, you can reduce your fuel consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save money,” says Walker.

For fuel saving driving tips and to access CAA’s web-based 2011 Driving Costs brochure, please visit CAA.ca.

CAA’s 2011 Driving Costs brochure (http://caa.ca/documents/CAA_Driving_Cost_English_2011_web.pdf) is based on data from Runzheimer International Inc., a management consulting firm dealing in business vehicle allowance programs and fleet consulting services.