What if you could save up to 20% annually on your fuel bill? This summer many of us saw a steep increase in our fuel budget for day-to-day driving and summer road-trips - with record numbers of trips and sky-high gas prices throughout BC. For some of us it was a rude awakening and for others an opportunity to embrace the challenge to become more fuel efficient. At Vernon Hyundai, we saw the opportunity to dive into some research to better support our clientele by embracing new lifestyle/driving habits and reduce overall fuel costs. Here is a list that could help you save up to 20% annually on fuel.

1. Reduce your driving - Possibly the most obvious way to reduce cost. Consider making a trip a week by bicycle or by foot. For busy people this is a great life hack as you can combine your daily commuting time with daily exercise, making life a bit more efficient.
2. Accelerate gently and slowly - Slowly increasing your speed from a stationary can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Consider taking 5 seconds to slowly accelerate from 0-20km/hr.
3. Avoid speeding - Most vehicles are more fuel efficient between 50km/hr and 80km/hr. Higher speeds increasingly use more fuel.
4. Avoid idling - Parked for a moment? Turn off your vehicle, even at a red light or rail crossing. The cost of idling vs turning your vehicle off/on again reduces fuel consumption.
5. Remove unnecessary bike racks, roof racks or external luggage compartments - This will help lessen drag and increase aerodynamics, contributing to a reduction in use of fuel.
6. Sustain regular vehicle maintenance - Regular service keeps your vehicle running at top efficiency. A well cared for vehicle = better fuel economy.

At first glance, these items may seem that they wouldn't make a significant impact on overall fuel consumption. But, combine them and you could save up to 20% on fuel in a year. With these tips in mind, we hope you can make more of your travels and move towards a more sustainable future for the earth's natural resource consumption … and your wallet.