What exactly is Hypermiling? It is all about making adjustments to increase your gas mileage. Listed below are some Hypermiling Techniques that would do just this - no matter what car you are driving.
These tips were handed over by an auto expert Pat Goss, owner of Goss’ Garage in Seabrook, commentator for PBS’s ‘Motorweek’.
DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT Goss says: Going slow can save gas. Goss says that once you go above 38 mph, you lose mileage. For every 5 mph above 55, he tend to lose 10 percent of your fuel economy.
DRIVING WITHOUT BRAKES: Maintain a steady speed if traffic is heavy. Goss says: Do it when possible — but be careful especially in the Beltway.
TURN OFF YOUR CAR AND COAST: To save even more fuel when decelerating, shift to neutral and turn off the engine while coasting to a stop.Goss says: Highly dangerous. You don’t have your car under control, says Goss.
OPTIMIZE YOUR ROUTE : To avoid traffic, try different routes. It so happens that a longer but smoother route saves a whole lot more gas. Goss says: “Basic driving techniques. I teach this the first day,” Goss says.
WATCH YOUR TIRE PRESSURE: Some hypermilers recommend over-inflating tires as flat ones require more energy. Goss says: It works but is very risky. “When you over-inflate a tire, you can compromise its traction and . . . make the tire wear out more rapidly. He adds that it is “very negligent to recommend that someone do that.”
STAY ON TOP OF OIL CHANGES: Use thinner oil.Goss says: Goss reasons: It can have a significant effect on fuel economy, especially as the oil ages.The viscosity of engine oil is always increasing. . . . The thicker the oil is the harder it is to push through the engine.
