By hypermiling to save gas, you can improve your fuel usage by 50%, simply by applying some very basic techniques to your driving, says Wayne Gerdes, who runs the website www.cleanmpg.com and teaches hypermiling clinics in Chicago. Following the World Trade Center attacks, he became concerned that the nation's dependence on foreign oil could become a major problem, so improving gas mileage would take center stage. Additionally, he appreciates that the practices are environmentally-sound as well. In this article, you'll learn more about hypermiling tips and techniques, and the various reasons why people make the switch.
Ed Kriston of AAA says their travel/auto group discourages aggressive forms of hypermiling to save gas, but encourages gentle driving. "Some of the things they do are very dangerous," he said, remarking that aggressive hypermilers drive under the speed limit on the highways or closely tailgating semi trucks in a practice called "drafting." AAA spokespeople say that other poor practices include such things as putting the car into neutral to coast on roadways, rolling through stop signs and driving erratically. On the other hand, "smooth and easy acceleration and braking, maintaining a stead speed, using cruise control and looking ahead to anticipate changing traffic conditions are both safe and reasonably effective," explained Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive Vice President.
There are a number of reasons and techniques used when hypermiling to save gas. One driver reported that he gets 55 MPG on the highway, despite the fact that his Toyota Prius is only supposed to get 45 MPG. He observed that he shifts into neutral when going downhill and pulls in behind large trucks to break the draft. He is motivated to hypermile for the sake of the environment and "because it's cool."
Another hypermiler reported that he maintained a speed of 60 miles per hour (instead of going 75 as permitted) on a recent road trip and used just half a tank of gas, as opposed to the full tank that used to be the norm for such a trip. His reason for slowing down was to decrease the level of air pollution he produced. Yet another driver saved an eighth of a tank in his Dodge Dakota pickup simply by keeping his speed to 60 miles per hour as opposed to 65. The reason he does it is because of high gasoline prices.
Here are some practical hypermiling tips to help people who are interested in hypermiling to save gas, save the environment or simply to take the stress out of driving. First, avoid accelerating quickly or braking heavily. Do not idle your engine when sitting still. Keep your tires properly inflated. Avoid speeding. Warm up your engine before taking off. Remove excess cargo and racks to reduce weight and air resistance. These practical tips can help you get ahead. If you really want to see just how much you can be helped, look into buying a $160 Scan Gauge, which will show you exactly how many miles per gallon you're getting in real-time.
Ed Kriston of AAA says their travel/auto group discourages aggressive forms of hypermiling to save gas, but encourages gentle driving. "Some of the things they do are very dangerous," he said, remarking that aggressive hypermilers drive under the speed limit on the highways or closely tailgating semi trucks in a practice called "drafting." AAA spokespeople say that other poor practices include such things as putting the car into neutral to coast on roadways, rolling through stop signs and driving erratically. On the other hand, "smooth and easy acceleration and braking, maintaining a stead speed, using cruise control and looking ahead to anticipate changing traffic conditions are both safe and reasonably effective," explained Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive Vice President.
There are a number of reasons and techniques used when hypermiling to save gas. One driver reported that he gets 55 MPG on the highway, despite the fact that his Toyota Prius is only supposed to get 45 MPG. He observed that he shifts into neutral when going downhill and pulls in behind large trucks to break the draft. He is motivated to hypermile for the sake of the environment and "because it's cool."
Another hypermiler reported that he maintained a speed of 60 miles per hour (instead of going 75 as permitted) on a recent road trip and used just half a tank of gas, as opposed to the full tank that used to be the norm for such a trip. His reason for slowing down was to decrease the level of air pollution he produced. Yet another driver saved an eighth of a tank in his Dodge Dakota pickup simply by keeping his speed to 60 miles per hour as opposed to 65. The reason he does it is because of high gasoline prices.
Here are some practical hypermiling tips to help people who are interested in hypermiling to save gas, save the environment or simply to take the stress out of driving. First, avoid accelerating quickly or braking heavily. Do not idle your engine when sitting still. Keep your tires properly inflated. Avoid speeding. Warm up your engine before taking off. Remove excess cargo and racks to reduce weight and air resistance. These practical tips can help you get ahead. If you really want to see just how much you can be helped, look into buying a $160 Scan Gauge, which will show you exactly how many miles per gallon you're getting in real-time.
About the Author:
There are a range of ways to cut costs when money is tight, but measures to save on fuel for your car can make a significant impact on your finances. Click here to find out more about how to Save Fuel.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment