Due to the high fuel price, many people may think that the only way to save money is by leaving the car in the garage. But public transport is not always reliable, so you need to use personal vehicle to go somewhere at your discretion.
The good news is saving fuel and keeping the expenses under control is possible by following a technique called hypermiling.
In case if you are not familiar with this term, let’s learn what is hypermiling and how you can implement the hypermile technique.
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What is Hypermiling?
In simple words, hypermiling is a method for reducing fuel consumption while driving. It involves various energy-efficient driving techniques that increase a vehicle’s mileage.
This smart driving technique helps you save money, even when you are not driving the most energy-efficient cars in the market.
How To Hypermile: Efficient Ways To Save Fuel
So, you might be thinking what is hypermiling driving? It’s not a single but a handful of driving practices that are useful in saving fuel.
Follow these hypermiling tips to make the most use of a tank full of gas.
Do not drive for a short distance.
Avoid driving your vehicle for a short distance. Instead, take a bike or walk on foot. You may also use any form of public transport, like a bus.
Make sure to service your car regularly.
It ensures the maximum efficiency of the car. Check tire pressure and keep the tires aligned. Turn off the AC and keep windows and sunroof closed to increase the mileage.
Plan the routes
Whenever you need to travel, plan the route by using different online map services. Choose the shortest route while keeping probable traffic situation into consideration.
SEE MORE: Lies about Being Energy-Efficient with Fuel
Be careful when driving
Concentrate on traffic lights, junctions, and speed limits while driving. Anticipating the conditions of the road ahead will help you to adjust car speed accordingly.
Drive lightweight
Put minimum weight on your car by discarding anything excess like pushchairs, bags, roof rack, etc.
Don’t brake often
The more you push on the brake pedal, the more fuel your car will consume. Try to break less during driving to save fuel.
Drive at a slow speed
Simply by reducing 10 km/h speed, you can achieve a significant improvement in the fuel cost. Also, always drive by steering smoothly and throttling gently. These actions will maintain energy efficiency by keeping the car stable.
Turn off the engine every time you stop the car
Whenever you need to stop somewhere on the road, turn off the engine to save fuel. However, be careful about parking. Park in a space where you can drive forward. Reversing consumes more fuel.
Use multiple vehicles
If you have a parking facility near your destination, carry a bike. If you need to make some errands, park the car in the parking lot and use the bike.
What Are Advanced Hypermiling Methods You Can Opt For?
Once you know what is hypermiling and have the basic techniques down, you can elevate your fuel-saving game with the right tools and a smarter strategy for your specific car.
Some quite effective tools to become a fuel-saving pro are UltraGauge or ScanGauge, plugging into the diagnostic port and displaying the real-time MPG.
This figure gives you instant feedback on your driving, so you can see exactly which actions are saving you fuel and which are not. In detail, smartphone apps track your fill-ups and calculate your overall savings.
When it comes to Hypermiling, you need different approaches for each type of vehicle. For example, if you own a hybrid, you should use smooth acceleration and braking techniques to recharge the battery.
On the other hand, when hypermiling electric car, master one pedal driving to take advantage of regenerative braking, and use climate control properly.
Finally, get rid of old car myths like letting your car idle for 5 minutes to warm up, while modern cars only take 30 seconds to avoid wasting fuel in a zero-MPG activity.
Whatever the tips and tricks, understanding your car and the way it works will enhance the Hypermiling effect and give you a prominent driving experience every day.
FAQs on Hypermiling and Tips for Saving Fuel
Can hypermiling actually save more fuel than upgrading to a hybrid?
In some cases, yes. A skilled hypermiler car can outperform an average hybrid driver in MPG by using advanced driving techniques alone.
Is coasting in neutral illegal or harmful to the car?
In many regions, it is illegal because it reduces control. Mechanically, it may also starve automatic transmissions of fluid circulation in some vehicles.
Can hypermiling damage your engine or transmission over time?
If taken to extremes, yes, such as lugging the engine at low RPMs or excessively engine braking downhill without letting the transmission cool.
What’s the optimal speed for best fuel economy in most cars?
Typically 45–55 mph (70–90 km/h). Above that, wind resistance increases exponentially, drastically reducing efficiency even in aerodynamic cars.
Why do hypermilers obsess over tire pressure?
Higher (but safe) tire pressure reduces rolling resistance. Even a few PSI above factory spec, within tire limits, can boost MPG noticeably.
Conclusion
Hypermiling is a common practice used by the drivers to prevent spending a fortune on fuel.
Not every car is energy efficient, but knowing what is hypermiling and following these driving strategies, you can cut the monthly fuel costs considerably.
