Just came about an article on hypermiling: wringing every last ounce of fuel efficiency out of a car. The story starts with Wayne Gerdes’ going 2,254 miles driving a Honda Insight on a single 13.7-gallon tank of gas. When I bought my SUV, $600 a year on gas is maximum. Right now, I’m looking at north of $3000 a year (longer commute as well). This is indeed a large chunk of ongoing expense.
Here are the tips offered by the article:
- Brake sparingly.
- To idle is to sin.
- Speed kills.
- Avoid the big chill.
- Beware of drag.
- Lose the weight.
- Pay attention to load.
- Be not a hare.
- Set up for success.
Time the stoplights on your commute route, and avoid red lights by adjusting your speed.
If you’re going to be at a standstill for 10 seconds or more, cut off the engine.
Follow the speed limit, or go at a slightly slower speed. The optimal speed seems to be ranging from 45 to 55 miles per hour.
“Today’s cars can’t kick into their most efficient mode — called “closed-loop operation” — until the engine is sufficiently warm.” Invest in an engine-block heater or always go the longest segment of a multi-segments trip.
Closed windows and no A/C are best.
Try to keep gas consumption at a constant level instead of trying to maintain a constant speed, why you and not be honked by drivers after you.
Inflating tires to their maximum allowable pressure
Inflate tires to their maximum allowable pressure and use synthetic engine oil.
Using the tips, I got 28mpg out of a SUV rated at 24 mpg at an average speed of 65mph. How about you? If you want more hypermiling tips, visit GasSavers.org or Gerdes’ own Web site, CleanMPG.com.
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