Drive smart tips

Carpool

The Central Okanagan is part of Carpool.ca, a free online resource for meeting carpool partners. Remember, you can carpool to more places and for more reasons than work. If your family is involved in activities after work and school, try to carpool with friends and neighbours.

Carshare

Modo is a local member-owned carshare service with over 700+ cars, SUVs, trucks and hybrids starting at $5/hour across the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan. With Modo, you get all the benefits of having a car, without all the hassles of owning one (or two). Their rates include gas, insurance, and maintenance. Simply pick up a car and return it at the same location.

Zipcar has a similar service that currently operates in and around the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus.

Combine trips

Plan ahead to reduce your number of vehicle trips. For example, plan to do other errands on the way to or from work. Shop locally so that you can walk or cycle - it is a great way to get active, experience your neighbourhood and support local businesses while running errands.

Don't Sit Idly By

Reduce Emissions- Switch off your Ignition. Idling your vehicle to warm it up or while pulled over can seriously damage your engine and waste gas. Turn off your engine while parked and reduce damage to your engine, save fuel and protect our air quality. Your lungs and engine will thank you for it.

City of Kelowna is the only city in the Central Okanagan with a one-minute Idling Control Bylaw in place, effective as of July 25, 2022. For more information, please visit kelowna.ca/airquaility. 

Ditch the car starter

Car starters waste fuel and can cause damage to your engine. Rather than running your car to warm it up, dress warmly and drive slowly for the first few minutes while your car warms up. Even diesel engines do not require more than 30 seconds of idling before driving. If you are concerned about warming your engine, use a block heater with an automatic timer to turn it on for no more than two hours before you plan to drive. 

Choose the correct-sized vehicle

When purchasing a vehicle, consider purchasing a smaller, more fuel efficient vehicle and renting a truck or other large vehicle when needed. When purchasing a used vehicle, get a full mechanical inspection to ensure it runs efficiently. 

The Province offers CEV for BC point of sale incentives of up to $5,000 per eligible clean vehicle purchased in BC.  The Province also offers rebates for purchase of qualifying electric vehicle charging equipment.

Keep vehicle well maintained

Regular tune ups can improve vehicle performance and reduce emissions. Simple actions, such as regularly checking/changing oil and ensuring tires are inflated, add up to significant improvements in vehicle efficiency.

Take it easy

Speeding and accelerating too quickly can waste a lot of fuel. To maximize fuel efficiency, accelerate smoothly and allow plenty of space between you and the next vehicle. When travelling on highways, drive the speed limit. Driving at 90 to 100km/h can reduce fuel use 15 to 20 per cent compared with driving at higher speeds.

Take a load off

Remove unnecessary racks and other items to reduce the weight of your vehicle, avoid drag and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.