Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Hypermiling Proves Fuel Can Be Efficient. But We Aren't.





I notice that many people take an all or nothing approach to their fuel usage. Clearly we aren't going to be making any immediate changes in our economy that allow us to be free from oil and burning fossil fuels, but what we can do is at least reduce how much we need them.




Cleanmpg.com is a cool forum where people can talk about how to get the most miles per gallon out of your car... no matter if it is a hybrid or a smart car or a scooter. I wouldn't mind owning any of these things, but like many people I am not in a position to get rid of my white 4 door '91 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (affectionately named "whitey), seen here:



Wayne Gerdes, the hypermiling term-coiner (I assume that's what you'd call the person who coins a term), has written an article about how to beat the expected miles per gallon of your vehicle. You can find the article here.


Hypermilers follow general driving rules such as:


1. Whenever possible, don't use your gas pedal or brake pedal. Coasting will still get you to the next stopsign.

2. Choose daily routes that minimize the number of stop and go situations.

3. Park on hills to start your car off downhill without using the gas pedal.

4. When driving on the highway stay at 55 mph. When you go over this speed, your fuel economy is not maximized.



These are just a few tips that hypermilers have that can get your car to get 100 miles per gallon. NO LIE!

Check out this video for more info!






HAPPY HYPERMILES!

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