With gas prices as high as $3.69 in my area, I've been considering hypermiling as technique of increasing gas mileage through various methods that reduce engine work while driving. While extreme hypermiling may include methods with potential safety concerns , there are many techniques that are safe and effective to use. Here are the ones I plan to use:
Accelerate slower. I usually accelerate to the speed limit quickly. However, this causes the engine to work harder. By accelerating slower, I can reduce the amount of gas used by the engine.
Coast when a stop is likely. I often continue to step on the gas pedal until it is necessary to use the brake. By taking my foot off the gas pedal earlier, the car slows down and I save gas. A corollary to this is to coast when going down hill.
Drive at 55 MPH on the highway. Higher speeds are less gas efficient. For local destinations, driving faster only saves 5 minutes or less.
Use cruise control. This keeps speed constant, avoids speed creep, and reduces gas usage according to Edmunds.com's research.
While I haven't gone through my first tank yet, I've already noticed a change in my driving attitude when using hypermiling techniques. I'm more relaxed and less rushed when driving to reduce gas usage. Even if I don't get many more miles per gallon, I already have a benefit.
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I've recently started hypermiling as well, and two other techniques I'm using are removing unnecessary weight (tools in the trunk) and slightly overinflating my tires. I'm not talking about filling a tire rated 35 psi to 70 psi, but I have taken mine to 40 psi and check this regularly.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a change in my driving attitude as well. I'm constantly in stop and go traffic when commuting to work and now making a conscious effort to accelerate slower.
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