As gas prices continue to skyrocket, instead of complaining and wasting dollars at the pump, it's time we thought about how we can make the gas in our tanks last a little bit longer. Forget about going out and buying a brand new EV (you don't really want to do that, do you?), and don't even thinking about switching to public transit or a dreade bicycle; instead, here are some top hypermiler tips to keep your fuel levels high (as well as your street cred) for longer.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
First off, what is hypermiling? It's a term that emerged a few years ago when gas was blissfully inching up to a $1/litre. Ah, those were the days. But those days instilled fear in the hearts of drivers everywhere, and special brand of vehicle owners emerged: hypermilers. This special breed of drivers squeeze as many miles out of a single tank of gas as they can. They use techniques that some may find extreme, others plain old boring. But they are techniques we can all learn from to become more
fuel-efficient drivers.
Driving barefoot to better "feel" your throttle; only picking up cargo at higher elevations; pushing your car out of the garage or down a small incline before starting it; and circling a parking lot till you come to a stop in a parking space without using your brakes are all a bit extreme (and are also all valid hypermiler tips), but they aren't the only ways you can save a bit at the pumps.
Here are a few less-extreme (dare I say, cool?) hypermiler tips you can use on a daily basis to keep some extra cash in your pocket:
Don't be afraid to coast: As kids we're always told to drive forward, keep momentum and never stop. We're urged to soldier forward and keep on truckin'. God forbid we sit idly by and coast from destination to destination. Well, this tip means throwing all that childhood advice out the sunroof. If you're heading to a stop light or sign, or down a hill, consider popping your car into neutral and coasting to a stop. It's not hard to do and over time the gas mileage will add up.
Corridor Effect: This is a coined hypermiler technique that involves using your fellow motorists to aid in your quest for better gas mileage. It's not quite drafting (and we'll get to that in a moment), but it is using the flow of traffic to help you along. Basically, if you stick to a group on the highway, you're less likely to encounter wind resistance like you would driving solo. So, stop being antisocial and stick to a pack.
Drafting: This hypermiler technique is often poo-pooed on most gas-saving websites. Why? Because it can definitely be dangerous if left to the wrong driver and in the wrong circumstance. It has been proven that drafting a larger vehicle on the road (think RV, 18-wheeler) can increase your gas mileage over long stretches of road. However, to achieve said result you really do have to tailgate like the best of the douches. It is not the most pleasant hypermiler technique out there, but if you feel like being one of "those" guys, then go right ahead. Just make sure you pay attention to traffic changes and your drafter's rear lights.
Find a better route: In general, this hypermiler tip may also save your sanity. Instead of taking the same clogged, traffic-laden roads every day, do a bit of research and see if you can hit up a few back roads to save on time and gas. You may even discover a new coffee stop on the way (which could essentially defeat the gas-money savings, but who's counting when caffeine is involved?).
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |
Crosswind barriers: This hypermiler technique kind of ties into the idea of drafting. It's all about wind resistance, and you'll want to choose the path of least resistance. So, aim for roads lined with trees or buildings. They do the job of blocking crosswinds, therefore giving you and your gas-saving vehicle a clear path to gas-saving super stardom.
Of course, these aren't the only tips and tricks you can use. From ensuring your oil is changed regularly to checking your tire pressure often, there are also maintenance tips you should adhere to keep your vehicle healthy and less likely to guzzle gas. Use cruise control when you can on the highway and consider turning your car off before you put it in park as this will save your engine turning over. But remember to put it into park (or neutral in the case of a manual transmission) once the engine is off, or you won't be turning your car on again after (or worse).
Saving money at the pumps really is on everyone's minds these days. And if walking, biking or hopping on the bus just isn't an option for you, then consider these hypermiler techniques to save you a few bucks at the pump. We promise not to call you granola.
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