Gas prices are currently over $1.60 per litre in Calgary and all indications are that the price will continue to rise.  Therefore, its safe to say that we could all benefit by saving a few bucks at the pump. Outside of buying a newer and more fuel-efficient vehicle here are a few simple tips that can add up to save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle. 

1. Save Money With the Push of a Button

All Honda vehicles made within the last 10 years have an easy and convenient “econ button” that improves your fuel economy simply by being active. Econ mode tames the throttle and shifts the transmission to more efficient gears. It's a great way to lengthen the times between fill-ups. Even if you don’t own a Honda, the majority of vehicles on the road today will have a similar feature to control your revs and save you money while driving. 

2. Idle Start/Stop Technology

Most new vehicles on the road today, including new Hondas, are equipped with an idle start/stop feature to reduce needless fuel consumption when stopped at traffic lights. The technology works by turning off your ignition after being stopped for around 2-4 seconds. The engine restarts when you lift your foot off the brake. This can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5%, so while the feeling of your engine starting and stopping takes some getting used to, it can make a huge difference in your yearly fuel costs. 

3. Keep Your Tires Inflated

Calgary’s fluctuating weather is notorious for triggering tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) lights, as the pressure in your tires changes with the weather. This tire pressure change often results in tires being underinflated which increases the amount of fuel used in your vehicle. So, keeping your tires at the recommended tire pressure can improve your gas mileage by 5-10% due to less friction with the road. Stop by our Service drive-thru for a no-charge tire pressure check and top-off.

4. Relax and Save Money with Cruise Control

Cruise control not only helps you relax on longer drives but can also save you money by driving more efficiently. On average, Cruise control cuts back on fuel consumption by 7-14%. On top of this, most new vehicles, including the new Honda lineup, are equipped with an adaptive cruise control system. This automatically sets a safe following distance and can even come to a complete stop for you, taking a lot of the hassle out of driving. 

5. Clear Out Unnecessary Weight

Whether it’s a hockey bag, golf clubs, or something else you’ve been carrying around in your trunk for months, carrying extra weight in your vehicle will negatively affect your fuel efficiency. This doesn’t just apply to what's in the vehicle, heavier accessories like a Thule roof rack box, or bike rack that aren’t currently being used are just weighing down your vehicle unnecessarily. We recommend removing all attachments when you’re not using them.