Have you heard about the new trend that is sweeping the roads? It’s called “hypermiling,” which is the art of using all kinds of driving tips, tricks, and techniques to squeeze every last drop of fuel efficiency out of your car.
And with gasoline prices at an all-time high, this trend is gaining momentum.
Hypermiling has been the subject of reports in major publications and media from Forbes to NBC, and is talked about in online car and driver forums.
Is all the talk about Hypermiling really revolving around a new idea, or is it an idea that was reborn in 2008 with the same gas-saving tips we’ve heard about since WWII?
During the 1940s and 1950s, when a world war made gasoline rationing a part of everyday life, getting good gas mileage was a top concern for most drivers. These techniques for getting better gas mileage during and after gas rationing back then have turned them into standards that have stood the test of time. You probably already know most of them. . .
Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s suggested psi (pounds per square inch). Under-inflated tires can reduce your car’s fuel consumption and create a safety hazard.
Remove excess weight from the trunk of your car. This can help you get better gas mileage. The more weight your engine has to carry, the more fuel it will consume.
Faster is not better, although the other will arrive before you, he will definitely have to fill the gas station more often. Driving at the speed limit is not just the smart choice for safety reasons; it will help you burn less gas. Sensible driving through gentle braking and acceleration will go a long way toward getting better fuel economy for your vehicle.
On long trips, use your cruise control if you have it. You will get better gas mileage and on average you can save 7% on fuel economy.
When driving, use your common sense. Don’t let your car idle excessively; don’t waste gas by speeding to red lights and stop signs only to have to hit the brakes to stop. Stay up-to-date on the maintenance of your vehicles.
They embrace all of these ideas; But if you take a closer look at Hypermiling, there is more to it than just repeating tried and true techniques.
If you are a true hypermiller, then you are obsessed with squeezing every last mile out of every gallon of gasoline. They are relentless in tracing techniques and tactics, putting them to the test, getting rid of what doesn’t work, and working to refine the results.
Many hypermilers find it routine to get 30 to 50 miles per gallon of gas. And with all your experimentation and documentation, there are many fine-tuned techniques for improving gas mileage.
If you think that some of the hypermiling techniques are easy and handled like a 90 year old nun, you should think again. Some of the techniques are so dangerous that even avid hypermilers will tell you to see a professional driving instructor to learn them. Skills like driving the shot of other vehicles are too dangerous for you and other drivers on the road to be considered as learning projects on the go.