Hypermiling pertains to a number of techniques used to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy. With the decade’s energy crisis affecting the global market and resulting in skyrocketing fuel prices in the last few years, more and more drivers are now practicing these techniques to reduce their gas expenses. Wayne Gerdes, one of the leading hypermilers worldwide, coined the term “hypermiling” a few years back to refer to the measures practiced by drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.
These days, hundreds of hypermilers are promoting various techniques to help an average driver increase his or her car’s gas mileage. Common tips include gently starting a vehicle to prevent jackrabbit starts that could waste precious gas; coasting with the engine turned off; driving at the speed limit or just below it; and timing stoplights to hit green throughout the driver’s travel. Other tips like combining errands by walking to nearby destinations instead of driving and parking, and forgoing the use of the car’s A/C system, can also be considered.
While most of these tips are practical and highly-recommended by driving experts, some tips like coasting, pumping the tires to the maximum pressure limit, and “ridge riding” or driving off-center on roads could have potentially disastrous effects, particularly during heavy traffic. Coasting, in particular, could result in steering wheel lock-up and the driver’s inability to control the vehicle fully, specifically when going downhill. So what do the experts recommend? Use only the tips applicable to the driver’s abilities and control over the car. Responsible hypermiling is also recommended, meaning hypermilers should consider the safety of nearby drivers when hypermiling.
Like auto drifting and other nifty vehicle tricks, hypermiling is now being considered a sport by many hypermilers around the world. Most contests or competitions are usually open to the public. The one who gets the highest miles per gallon (MPG) on a specific course wins. Although most hypermilers are usually able to squeeze in 100 MPG wherever they’re going, hypermiling through heavy traffic is decidedly more difficult compared to cruising through light to moderate traffic.
