Hypermiling
Hypermiling is a gas-saving craze that has been sweeping the US over the last few years as a reaction to the increasing costs of gasoline.
Hypermiling, to the uninitiated, is a way of increasing the mileage of your vehicle by making some skillful changes to your driving style.
A few Hypermiling tips:
- Go easy on the gas pedal.
- Drive a hybrid car.
- Measure mileage for every trip you make and keep a log.
- Be ready to drive, before turning on the engine. To avoid unnecessary idling whilst putting on a seat-belt etc.
- Turn-off the engine when slowing or stopping. For example: when Hypermilers see a stop light they will cut-off the engine and coast to a stationary position.
- Finding parking spots that are easy to cruise into, without any gas-burning maneuvers.
For the extreme Hypermilers there is even a Hypermiling competition at this year’s Hybrid Fest called the MPG Challenge.
Whilst some of these suggestions are a little extreme and dangerous (coasting in neutral), it seems people are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to save money on gas. I wonder how many of these Hypermilers share their rides?
- Jonathan