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Alberta Class 1–4 overview

Alberta Class 1–4: Fueling and fuel efficiency

Safe fueling of gasoline, diesel and propane vehicles, fueling with passengers, and driving and maintenance habits that save fuel.

  • 12 questions
  • Topic drill
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Fueling and fuel efficiency · Question 1Score 0/0

While filling propane, how do you know the tank has reached its maximum?

Study reference: Commercial Driver's Guide (Spring 2023), Ch. 11 Fueling and Fuel Efficiency — Fueling a vehicle, Fuel efficiency

All 12 questions in this test

Every question and its answer choices. The correct answers and explanations appear when you take the test above.

  1. While filling propane, how do you know the tank has reached its maximum?

    1. The engine warning light turns on
    2. The hose becomes warm
    3. The pump shuts itself off automatically
    4. Liquid mist leaves the bleeder valve

  2. Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10 per cent improves fuel efficiency by about:

    1. 5 per cent
    2. 2 per cent
    3. 20 per cent
    4. 10 per cent

  3. Who may refuel a propane vehicle?

    1. Any licensed driver of the vehicle
    2. Certified or trained people only
    3. Only the registered vehicle owner
    4. Any station attendant

  4. What must you do with the engine while adding gasoline or diesel?

    1. Leave it idling
    2. Keep it at high idle
    3. Shut it off
    4. Turn it off only for gasoline

  5. At about what engine speed does the guide suggest progressive shifting?

    1. About 1,600 rpm
    2. About 2,500 rpm
    3. Right at governed rpm
    4. About 900 rpm

  6. May a taxi or school bus be fueled while passengers are on board?

    1. Yes, for diesel only
    2. Yes, in winter
    3. No
    4. Yes, if the engine is off

  7. How long is generally enough to idle a truck engine for warm-up?

    1. About five minutes
    2. About 30 minutes
    3. About one minute
    4. Until the cab is warm

  8. How much can snow-covered roads increase fuel consumption?

    1. 15 to 20 per cent
    2. 2 to 5 per cent
    3. 40 to 50 per cent
    4. It has no effect

  9. About how much fuel is wasted for every 10 psi of tire under-inflation?

    1. 10 per cent
    2. 5 per cent
    3. 1 per cent
    4. 0.1 per cent

  10. How close to a propane dispenser may an ignition source be during filling?

    1. Not within 15 m (50 ft)
    2. Anywhere if the engine is off
    3. Not within 3 m (10 ft)
    4. Not within 1 m (3 ft)

  11. About what share of its total volume is a propane tank filled to?

    1. About 95 per cent
    2. About 60 per cent
    3. Completely full
    4. About 80 per cent

  12. What payload level does the guide suggest aiming for to save fuel?

    1. About 60 per cent of capacity
    2. Exactly 50 per cent of capacity
    3. Over 110 per cent with a permit
    4. 80 to 90 per cent of capacity

Fueling and fuel efficiency: key rules to remember

Our summary of what the official handbook says on this topic, in our own words. Read it before or after the practice questions above, then check the original chapter. Read the official chapter ↗

Gasoline and diesel (p. 95)

  • Do not fuel while the engine is running, and never overfill the tank.
  • Report any fuel spill so it is cleaned up immediately with approved absorbent material.
  • Do not fuel near electrical sparks or open flame, do not smoke or let anyone nearby smoke, and do not use a cell phone while fueling.

Propane (p. 95)

  • Only people with proper certification or training may refuel a propane vehicle or container.
  • Nothing that could ignite may be within 3 m (10 ft) of the dispenser or container being filled.
  • Wear protective gloves and clothing such as long sleeves; switch off engine and electrical accessories.
  • Open the fixed liquid-level (bleeder) gauge; when liquid propane mist comes out of it, the tank has reached its maximum and fueling stops.
  • A propane tank's filled capacity is about 80 per cent of its total volume.

Passengers (p. 95)

  • Do not fuel when the engine is running or a radio transmitter is on.
  • A bus, school bus or taxi should not be fueled with passengers on board; make sure there is enough fuel before picking them up.

Fuel efficiency (pp. 95–97)

  • Nearly 30% of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions come from road transportation, much of it from heavy-duty vehicles.
  • Flat routes use less fuel than mountainous ones; highway driving uses less than inner-city driving.
  • Maximize payload: aim for 80 to 90 per cent capacity rather than 60.
  • The proper fuel grade and type can improve fuel economy by up to 3 per cent; a direct-drive transmission instead of overdrive may cut fuel use by up to 2 per cent.
  • Reducing aerodynamic drag by 10 per cent can improve fuel efficiency by 5 per cent.
  • Rib-design tires in all positions are more fuel efficient than lug tires on drive and steer axles; low rolling resistance and super single tires help too.
  • Snow-covered roads can increase fuel consumption by 15 to 20 per cent; reduce speed in a strong head wind.
  • A flat multi-lane highway saves 4–11% versus a flat two-lane highway, up to 18% versus a mountainous highway, and 25–35% versus a suburban route.
  • Do not park a tractor-trailer on an icy grade.

Caring for your vehicle and smart driving (pp. 97–98)

  • About 1 per cent of fuel is wasted for every 10 psi of tire under-inflation.
  • Check gauges, tires and cargo about every three hours during a trip.
  • Start with zero throttle, do not pump the throttle of a fuel-injected engine, and use ether sparingly.
  • Five minutes of idling is generally enough for warm-up; then drive gently.
  • Back off the accelerator going over the top of a hill and let momentum work.
  • Professional, smooth shifting can improve operating costs by about 30 per cent; always use the clutch.
  • Progressive shifting at about 1,600 rpm reduces wear, noise and fuel use; run in the highest gear to keep revs low.
  • Use cruise control where appropriate, reduce average speed, and turn the retarder off when it is not needed.

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