The price of gasoline has been the dominant economic issue for Americans over recent years. People have come up with some very creative ways to maximizing fuel efficiency as the average cost of a gallon of gasoline has risen above $4 per gallon. One particular group of people with this goal in mind have been termed “hypermilers.” Hypermileing is quite simply, exceeding your car’s EPA estimated fuel efficiency by altering your driving habits or your vehicle’s mechanics. Here are 5 ways you can be a hypermiler and save big at the pump.
1. Maintain an efficient speed.
This can be extremely important to how much gas you use, especially while on long trips. While every vehicle has it’s own unique optimal speed for fuel efficiency, it is usually in the 40-55mph range. You can test for your car’s own optimal speed by cruising with minimal stopping at a set speed and figuring the mileage it gets. Then, compare with other speeds in the 40-55mps range.
2. Keep up on your maintenance.
Perhaps the easiest way to keep fuel costs in check is to keep your car running smoothly. It may cost a little money in the short term to get that tune up or change that dirty air filter, but the results can be well worth it. In addition to up to $.90 per gallon in savings with optimal maintenance, you will extend the life of your car.
3. Shed those excess pounds.
Many people want to loose weight so they can be healthier. It’s absolutely no different for your car. Unloading extra weight from your car, however you can, will always result in higher fuel efficiency. In fact, for every 100 pounds you lighten car by, you will gain 2% in fuel efficiency. That works out to saving $48 every year in gas, for every 100 pounds you drop.
4. Install an aftermarket fuel gauge.
While some hybrids and higher end vehicles already have gauges which show real time fuel efficiency, most cars produced in the U.S. are lacking this feature. However, these same cars do have an onboard monitor that keeps track of fuel efficiency for diagnostic purposes. Several companies now sell aftermarket gauges that will hook up to this part of your car’s computer and display your real time mileage, allowing you to adjust your driving to maximize your efficiency.
5. Use water to fuel your car.
This may sound a little out of left field, but the most powerful technique hypermilers are using these days is converting their cars to run on water in addition to gasoline. Through the use of some fairly common items, and the instruction of one of the many available guides, you can quickly convert your car to burn water in addition to gasoline. This technique can save you up to 60% in gas if you can find the right instruction in setting it up.
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