What is Hypermiling?
What’s the newest trend in motoring, you ask? Well, it’s called “hypermiling” and the purpose is strictly to achieve the maximum mileage we possibly can in fuel efficiency by making concise changes in the way we drive, especially in hybrid vehicles, but anybody can do it.
Sound easy? Let’s take a look at what everybody’s been talking about:
People who practice hypermiling report that they get as much as 30 percent better gas mileage (and in some cases more) when they make some definitive changes to their overall driving habits and routines, saving them quite a bit of cash at the pump and keeping more of their hard-earned money in their pockets.
If you want to become a serious hypermilist, here are what the experts say you should do:
Cruise On Down The Road
1) When highway driving, always use cruise control and set it to 55mph, staying in the right lane and following slower traffic.
Know Your MPG’s
2) Fill up at the same gas station and calculate exactly how many miles your vehicle gets per gallon.Â
Air It Out
3) Don’t use your air conditioner unless you absolutely, positively can’t stand the heat any longer. Hypermiling motorists report rolling down the windows instead of using air conditioning can save 2-4 gallons of gas (or more), depending on daily commute.
Be a Coast-er
4) Avoid uphill battles by changing routes. If you’re going downhill, simply coast along at a much slower speed (with your engine on) to avoid the necessity of braking so often. Some also suggest putting your car in park at stoplights instead of using the brake. Remember that coasting with your engine off is illegal.
Tune It Up
5) Keep your vehicle tuned up and in tip-top shape and check fuel and air filters as well as tire pressure routinely.
Slow It Down
6) Don’t accelerate just to pass someone and don’t compete with other drivers. Also avoid hard braking and sudden stops. Gradually coast to red lights, taking your foot off the gas as you approach. When the light turns green, speed up gradually and keep a constant pace.
Things to remember while hypermiling:
- Never coast with your engine off since this practice is dangerous and illegal.
- Don’t drive too far under the speed limit.
- Don’t roll through red lights or stop signs without coming to a full stop.
What makes hypermiling so advantageous is that simple changes in driving habits and pure diligence in driving behavior over the long term can make a difference in how our vehicle performs and can save money all around. Â
For more on hypermiling, FAQ’s and news, visit hypermiling.com and hypermiler.co.uk.
Are you already a hypermiler or new to hypermiling? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and share your thoughts and tips!
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Running the air conditioner is considered more efficient when you are traveling at higher speeds, i.e., 55 mph, because there is less wind drag. It is more fuel efficient to turn the air off at lower speeds, like when stuck in traffic.
Those are all great ideas, but with 4 children to pick up and deliver, I am always in a hurry.
I try to Hypermile. I have changed the air filter to a special type. The tires are a big part of good millage. I check the pressure every week and make sure they are not under or over-inflated.
My millage is much better.
Hypermiling is starting to take off but until people REALLY feel the pain in their pocket it won’t become too popular.
I used to have same issue that Paula stated, but one day on my 20 mile drive to town, I didn’t let myself get into the competitive driving rush that I used to. I let people pass me, and drove just under the speed limit.
You know what I found? I got to town JUST behind those people. Is getting there 30 seconds sooner worth the fuel loss of slamming on the brakes and gas over and over, OR the jaw-clenching stress? Not in my book.
In my 20 minute drive, driving 55 instead of 60 sure isn’t going to make or break my day, and that’s WITH running the kids around and going to school and work myself. If it was an hour drive it would save me 5 whole minutes. On a 20 minute drive it would save me 1.66 minutes, big deal. When is an extra 1.66 minutes going to matter, unless you’re driving a fire truck or ambulance? lol
I think knowing your route is the biggest part of hypermiling. I know when to start coasting because the 40 mph zone is coming up, and which turns i need to slow down for before I get there. I know which stop lights won’t last til I can get to them, so I can avoid the heavy breaking.
I’ve been trying to figure out what point in the street I can start coasting to pull perfectly into my drive-way without breaking lol Not for necessity, but for fun/curiosity.
Leigh: All great suggestions! A 20 mile trip into town is a lot of time spent on the road and It sounds as if you’ve really made good progress - kudos to you!
HTSG: I believe people have already *really* started to feel the pain and hypermiling is just one thing out of many that they are doing to ease some of that pain. Can you offer other suggestions?
Rita: Good for you! Tire pressure is important and I’m glad you’re seeing a difference in your mileage.
Paula: 4 children is enough to keep any mom a busy mom!
Bonnie: Air conditioning is a big part of hypermiling and knowing when to use it and when not to use it can make a huge difference. Thanks for clarifying.
I have been hypermiling for years. Just had my first brake job after 90,000 miles, and that was the front brakes. My mechanic says I can go another 10,000 before I need the rear ones done. I love it when I see all those cars that passed me waiting at the same stoplight as me.
Marie: Good for you!
It just goes to prove that even simple steps can sustain the life of our vehicles!