Hypermiling for Efficient Gas Mileage

by Threza on September 21, 2009

in Green cars

I was wondering that there are various techniques available to increase fuel economy. And would like to cite few later starting with the basics now like what are the techniques available and how we can follow them.

Am sure that car lovers would have come across the golden word called Hypermiling. Now for those who are new to the knowledge of fuel economy, this is the right place to start.

Hypermiling is the act of driving using techniques that maximize fuel economy. They exceed manufacturers stated efficiency of their vehicles by modifying their driving habits and techniques. Hypermiling is a great way to save on fuel costs and drive safely.

Those who practice these techniques are referred to as “hypermilers”.

Which is the best vehicle for hypermiling?

The best results are seen in Hybrid vehicles such as the Honda Insight, the Toyota Prius Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid”. Hybrids are especially good as they have a secondary power source.

Hypermiling basics:

—Drive less. Try to use public transport, walking or bicycling.

cycling

Best way towards fuel economy

—Don’t accelerate hard

—Ensure that your tyres are inflated properly. Too much pressure in tyres is dangerous.  Low tyre pressure results more drag and thus less MPG.

—Avoid peak traffic

Avoid driving in traffic for better hypermiling

Avoid driving in traffic for better hypermiling

—Keep a note of your fuel consumption.

—Avoid idling your vehicle. Idling does cause extra wear and tear. Some studies show that idling for just a couple of seconds can burn gas two times as fast as when driving at average speeds. This will mean that you have to pay extra cost on gas for your idling behavior.

Avoid idling on fuel

Avoid idling on fuel

—Your route matters. Generally, if you prefer the lightest traveled roads than the busier ones then you are more into employing the fuel saving techniques than when you are struck in the traffic. You cannot hypermile on a short route actually, so driving long with hypermiling technique would actually save you more fuel than over a short busier road.

—Choose the path with minimum stop lights and stop signs.

Choose paths with least stop lights

Choose paths with minimum stop lights

—Lift your windows up, this would reduce the drag. Closed windows cause drag.

Well , these are few basics on fuel saving techniques, which can be easily followed. Try these out first before start practicing the advanced ones. They are

Pulse and Glide (P&G)

Forced Auto Stop (FAS)

Driving without Brakes (DWB)

Ridge Riding

Driving with Load (DWL)

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