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JBs Power Centre - Fuel Economy Guide

06 May 2026 0 Comments

JB's Power Centre — Fuel Economy Guide

Stretch Your
Fuel Dollar

Rising fuel costs don't have to drain your wallet. Here's a practical guide to the products and habits that genuinely move the needle on your fuel economy — all available at JB's Power Centre.

Calgary & Edmonton, AB  •  jbspowercentre.com  •  Professional Installation Available

With fuel prices continuing to climb, every litre counts. At JB's Power Centre, we've assembled a lineup of proven products and practical tips designed to help you squeeze the most out of every tank. Whether you drive a daily commuter, a diesel pickup, or a weekend truck, there's something here that will make a real difference at the pump.

01 For GM Truck & SUV Owners

Plug-and-Play Fuel Management

Range Technology

Optimize Your GM Engine's Fuel Management System

If you own a GM truck or SUV equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), Range Technology makes one of the smartest plug-and-play investments on the market. Their devices connect directly to your OBD-II port — the same port mechanics use for diagnostics — with zero tuning or mechanical experience required.

Range AFM+ works with your factory AFM system to keep your truck in V4 mode up to 80% of the time, maximizing fuel economy during light cruising while seamlessly delivering full V8 power when you need it. Average drivers can save approximately 65 gallons (roughly 246 litres) of fuel per year — about $250 annually at current Canadian fuel prices — and over the life of the vehicle the savings can reach $1,700 or more.

Range AFM/DFM Disabler keeps your engine in full-cylinder mode 100% of the time, eliminating the hesitation and shudder caused by cylinder cycling. It also helps protect against the costly lifter wear associated with AFM systems. Unplug it anytime to return to factory settings — no permanent modifications, no ECU reprogramming, no warranty concerns.

Range Start/Stop Disabler eliminates the Auto Start/Stop function that kills your engine at every red light, reducing starter wear and smoothing out stop-and-go driving.

  • Plug into OBD-II in seconds
  • No tools or tuning needed
  • Fully reversible — unplug anytime
  • No factory ECU reprogramming
  • Fits GM cars, trucks & SUVs
  • ~246 L/year potential savings (AFM+)
02 Engine, Fuel & Exhaust System Cleaner

Catalytic Converter & Fuel System Care

Cataclean

Protect Your Catalytic Converter & Restore Combustion Efficiency

Your catalytic converter is one of the most expensive components in your exhaust system — and it's quietly under attack from carbon deposits every time you drive, especially on short city trips where the exhaust never fully heats up. Cataclean is a patented, EPA-approved engine, fuel, and exhaust system cleaner that works on both sides of the combustion process to keep everything flowing clean.

Before combustion, Cataclean is carried through the fuel system, dissolving carbon buildup from injectors, intake valves, EGR valves, and cylinder heads. Upon ignition, it creates an acidic vapour of carboxylic acids that travels through the exhaust, targeting deposits on oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter itself. A cleaner catalytic converter and fuel system means more complete combustion — and that directly improves fuel economy.

One independent fleet study showed emissions dropping by 24%, diesel particulate filter (DPF) performance improving by 27%, and fuel consumption falling nearly 10% after treatment. Available in gasoline, diesel, and hybrid formulations, it's recommended every three months or whenever you notice rough idling, hesitation, a sulphur-like exhaust smell, or a check engine light tied to emissions codes. A proactive bottle of Cataclean is a fraction of the cost of a catalytic converter replacement.

  • Improves fuel economy
  • Reduces hydrocarbon emissions up to 50%
  • Cleans O2 sensors & fuel injectors
  • Helps address P0420/P0430 codes
  • Protects against DPF clogging (diesel)
  • Patented, EPA-approved formula
  • Safe for gas, diesel & hybrid engines
  • Simple pour-and-go use
How to Use

Pour the entire contents of one bottle into approximately a quarter tank of fuel (about 15 litres), drive for at least 15–20 minutes at operating temperature, then refuel as normal. Use every three months for best results.

03 Professional-Grade Fuel Additive

High-Concentration PEA Fuel System Cleaner

Red Line SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner

The Formula Professional Mechanics Reach For

Not all fuel system cleaners are created equal, and Red Line SI-1 sits at the top of the class. Its verified 30–50% concentration of polyether amines (PEA) — one of the most effective detergent compounds available — breaks down carbon deposits inside injectors, intake valves, and combustion chambers that no ordinary additive can touch. Unlike many competitors, Red Line still lists its PEA content on the Material Safety Data Sheet, because they have nothing to hide.

A single bottle can clean injectors to nearly 100% efficiency in one treatment. The cleansing effect on injector deposits can restore fuel economy by approximately 12% or more depending on your vehicle's condition — a meaningful real-world recovery for any high-mileage engine. SI-1 also contains a synthetic upper-cylinder lubricant that can reduce octane requirements by 1–2 points, meaning you may be able to step down from premium fuel over time.

One bottle treats up to 100 gallons (roughly 380 litres) of fuel, making it outstanding value. Add it at every oil change or every 3,000 km. Safe for oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, and all unleaded and oxygenated gasoline blends including Canada's E10 fuels.

  • Up to 12%+ fuel economy recovery
  • Cleans injectors to ~100% efficiency
  • 30–50% PEA concentration — verified
  • Reduces octane requirement 1–2 pts
  • Synthetic upper-cylinder lubricant
  • Protects fuel system from rust & moisture
  • Treats up to ~380 L per bottle
  • Safe for cats, O2 sensors & E10 blends
04 Washable & Reusable Air Filtration

Lifetime Engine Air Filters

K&N Automotive Replacement Air Filters

A Lifetime of Engine Protection & Improved Airflow

A clogged or restrictive air filter forces your engine to work harder, reducing combustion efficiency and robbing you of power. K&N's drop-in replacement air filters use a multi-layer oiled cotton gauze design that flows more air than a standard disposable paper filter, while still providing excellent engine protection. They fit directly into your factory airbox — no modifications required.

The standout value of a K&N filter is its longevity. A standard paper filter needs replacement every 20,000–25,000 km. A properly maintained K&N filter is engineered to last the lifetime of your vehicle. Clean it, re-oil it, and reinstall — that's it. Over time, the savings on replacement filters add up significantly, particularly for Canadian drivers who rack up highway kilometres across longer distances between cities.

K&N manufactures filters for over 1,500 different vehicle applications. The drop-in replacement filter is the simplest upgrade: no intake system changes, full compatibility with your factory airbox and mass airflow sensor, and the confidence of a million-mile limited warranty behind every unit.

  • Lifetime filter — wash & reuse
  • Drops into factory airbox
  • Increased airflow vs. paper filters
  • 1,500+ vehicle applications available
  • Million-mile limited warranty
  • Reduces long-term filter replacement cost
05 Free & Immediate Fuel Savings

Maintenance Habit

Proper Tire Pressure

The Easiest Fuel Economy Win Available to Any Canadian Driver

This one costs nothing and takes two minutes. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by an average of 0.6%, and up to 3% when tires have dropped significantly. Based on Statistics Canada data showing Canadians purchased 43.8 billion litres of gasoline in 2024, proper tire inflation across the country could save an estimated 262.8 million litres of fuel annually — roughly $444 million at current prices. That math starts with individual drivers like you.

Underinflated tires are slightly flattened where they contact the road, increasing rolling resistance. Your engine has to work harder to maintain speed, burning more fuel to cover the same distance. The problem is compounded by Alberta's climate: for every 5–6°C drop in temperature, tire pressure falls by approximately 1 PSI — meaning a tire that's correctly inflated in September can be noticeably underinflated by November without a single leak occurring.

Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy Efficiency identifies proper tire inflation as one of the simplest actions Canadian motorists can take to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Yet surveys consistently show that only 16% of Canadian drivers check their tire pressure monthly as recommended by tire manufacturers.

3% Potential fuel savings
from correct inflation
$444M Annual Canadian savings
if all tires were properly inflated
25% Low pressure threshold
before your TPMS light comes on
Don't Rely Solely on Your TPMS Warning Light

Your vehicle's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) typically only triggers an alert when pressure has dropped 25% or more below the recommended level. By that point you've already been losing fuel economy for weeks. Check manually with a gauge once a month — and always before a long trip or at the start of each new season.

Find the Right Pressure

Check the sticker on your driver's door jamb or your owner's manual. Do not use the number moulded into the tire sidewall — that's the maximum pressure, not the recommended operating pressure.

Check When Cold

Measure before driving or after the vehicle has sat for at least three hours. Driving heats the air inside the tire and temporarily raises PSI, which can mask underinflation.

Monitor Through Winter

Alberta winters are especially tough on tire pressure. Check at the start of every season and during extended cold snaps. Tires properly inflated in autumn may be 4–6 PSI low by January.

Don't Overinflate

More is not better. Overinflation reduces your tire's contact patch, hurts braking and cornering, and increases blowout risk — none of which is worth chasing a marginal fuel gain.

06 Exhaust System Upgrades & Replacement

Catalytic Converters, Mufflers & Exhaust Systems

Replace Aged Exhaust Components

Restore Flow, Recover Power & Improve Efficiency

A deteriorating exhaust system is one of the most overlooked causes of poor fuel economy. Over time, catalytic converters become clogged with carbon deposits and their precious-metal catalyst substrate degrades, reducing their ability to process exhaust gases efficiently. A restricted catalytic converter creates backpressure that forces the engine to work harder on every combustion cycle — burning more fuel to produce the same output. Corroded pipes and failing mufflers compound the problem further.

The warning signs are familiar: a sulphur smell from the tailpipe, rattling or droning exhaust sounds, a check engine light with codes like P0420 or P0430, noticeably reduced throttle response, and an engine that feels sluggish on the highway. In many cases, a quality replacement catalytic converter or exhaust system will restore measurably better performance and fuel economy — while also keeping your vehicle compliant for emissions testing.

JB's Power Centre carries top names in exhaust technology, with licensed mechanical technicians on staff at both our Calgary and Edmonton locations to handle professional installation.

MagnaFlow

Direct-fit and universal catalytic converters, cat-back exhaust systems, and performance mufflers. Stainless steel construction, mandrel-bent tubing for maximum flow, and a lifetime warranty. Available in OEM-grade replacement and high-performance configurations.

Flowmaster

Cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems built with 409 stainless steel and Flowmaster's patented Delta Flow technology. Backed by a lifetime limited warranty and available for a wide range of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles.

Schultz Exhaust

Canadian-built exhaust components trusted for heavy-duty durability in our climate. Schultz products are a proven choice for drivers who demand quality materials and reliable fit across trucks and commercial-use vehicles.

  • Restores lost power & throttle response
  • Reduces exhaust backpressure
  • Improves fuel combustion efficiency
  • Helps clear P0420 / P0430 codes
  • Reduces harmful emissions
  • Stainless steel resists Alberta winters
  • Direct-fit units bolt in — no welding needed
  • Professional installation at JB's locations
Signs Your Catalytic Converter Needs Attention

Sulphur or rotten-egg smell from the exhaust • Check engine light (especially P0420 / P0430) • Noticeably reduced power or throttle response • Failing an emissions inspection • Rattling sound from underneath the vehicle at startup. If Cataclean treatments haven't resolved the issue, it's time to consider a replacement — and JB's has the parts and the technicians to get it done right.

07 For Pickup Truck Owners

Aerodynamics & Cargo Protection

Truck Bed Covers & Tonneau Covers

Reduce Aerodynamic Drag & Protect Your Cargo

An open truck bed is essentially a sail pointed at oncoming air. At highway speeds, the open box creates turbulence and pressure drag that forces your engine to work harder to maintain speed. A tonneau cover smooths airflow over the rear of the truck, reducing the aerodynamic coefficient of drag (Cd) and improving efficiency where it matters most — on the highway.

Wind tunnel testing by SEMA measured fuel efficiency improvements of 5–10% on trucks equipped with tonneau covers. Independent real-world testing by The Fast Lane Truck on a 2022 Ram 1500 found approximately 7.7% improvement at highway speeds — around 1.5 MPG (roughly 1 L/100 km) of tangible savings. For soft roll-up and folding covers, the lightweight design ensures the drag reduction isn't offset by added weight, making them the most fuel-efficiency-friendly option.

Beyond fuel savings, a quality tonneau cover also protects cargo from Alberta weather, UV degradation, and theft — making it one of the most practical truck accessories available. JB's Power Centre carries a range of truck bed cover options and offers professional installation at our Calgary and Edmonton locations.

  • 5–10% potential highway fuel efficiency gain
  • Reduces aerodynamic drag (Cd) by 5–8%
  • Protects cargo from weather, UV & theft
  • Soft covers: best weight-to-fuel benefit ratio
  • Keeps road debris contained
  • Professional installation available at JB's
08 Bonus Fuel-Saving Tips

Habits & Maintenance

More Ways to Stretch Every Litre

No-Cost & Low-Cost Habits That Add Up Over a Canadian Driving Year

Products can only do so much. Pair them with smart driving and maintenance habits for maximum impact on your fuel bill.

Synthetic Motor Oil

Full synthetic oil reduces internal engine friction more effectively than conventional oil, particularly during cold Alberta startups. Red Line full synthetics, available at JB's, can improve efficiency by 1–2% versus conventional blends.

Reduce Idle Time

Extended idling burns fuel at zero km/h. Canada's vehicle warm-up guidelines note that most modern engines need only 30 seconds of idle before driving gently. Block heaters — not prolonged idling — are the right solution for Alberta winters.

Smooth Acceleration

Natural Resources Canada notes that aggressive acceleration and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by up to 39%. Accelerating gently and reading traffic ahead is one of the highest-impact fuel-saving habits available to any driver.

Reduce Excess Weight

Every 50 kg of extra cargo increases fuel consumption by approximately 1–2%, according to Natural Resources Canada. Clear out gear you're not using, especially for daily commuting around Calgary or Edmonton.

Fresh Spark Plugs

Worn spark plugs misfire, wasting fuel with every incomplete combustion cycle. Fresh plugs ensure a complete burn and can restore noticeably better throttle response and economy on high-mileage engines.

Highway Speed Management

Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with speed. NRCan data shows fuel consumption increases roughly 20% when driving at 120 km/h versus 100 km/h. Cruise control on the highway helps maintain a consistent, efficient speed.

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