10 Hypermiling tips for saving Gas, Money and Planet
What Hypermiling means? It’s basically driving a hybrid (or any other car) in a manner that maximizes mileage. With the rising cost of fuel it is important to learn how to save fuel by getting better gas mileage. You may already know of some ways to help save fuel, but just in case, here are a few more tips to help you save money at the pump:
1. Drive less 
The best way to reduce fuel use is to drive less:
a) Live closer to work;
b) carpool;
c) bicycle;
d) walk;
e) take public transit
2. Check your tire pressure. Proper tire pressure makes your tires more responsive in dangerous situations, and doesn’t waste energy on friction from excess contact. Don’t overfill, as the possibility of a blowout is even more dangerous.
3. Avoid Rush Hour at All Costs
These days, many offices are offering flexible hours, so errands can be run at any time. Try to avoid being stuck in traffic if all you have to do is leave 30 minutes earlier or come in 30 minutes later. And, yeah, set those alarms and take off for the beach early this summer. With those prices at the pump, you deserve it.
4. Drive Like You’re on a Bike
OK, don’t necessarily go 20 mpg out there, but try to imagine biking over the same route that you’re driving on: When you’re headed uphill, it takes a lot more effort to maintain speed than it does going down, so give the car a break and let yourself lose a few mph on the way up. Relax, you’ll easily get it back on the other side. Your car burns the most gas when it’s forced into high-load situations, so try to remember what makes biking difficult (like going really fast, accelerating really hard and speeding up hills), and make those situations as painless as possible by laying off the gas.
5. Track your fuel consumption 
One of the first steps in improving efficiency is tracking fuel consumption.
Get in the habit of saving all your fuel receipts, recording distance travelled and fuel economy (MPG). Keep a small notebook to record trip type and new techniques employed to monitor your progress.
While the slower pace of tank-to-tank feedback isn’t ideal for feedback on driving technique, recording and montoring your “big picture” progress is great motivation.
6. Always Stay Alert on the Road
To drive without brakes or coast toward stops effectively, you have to know what’s going on around you and be able to anticipate how traffic will play out. That means paying attention to the lights on your daily commute—heck, memorizing them—and trying to anticipate whether they will, say, turn green by the time you get there. And, again, always look several cars ahead to see if the brake lights are starting to come on in anticipation of a coast.
Certain cars will be more susceptible to this than others, but some have found that fuel mileage is significantly impacted by favorable wind conditions. “On long highway rides, having a tailwind has made a big difference in my fuel economy.” If you know it’s a windy day and you don’t have to take that trip, then don’t.”
7. Potential parking
According to Wayne Gerdes, winner of the 2006 Hybridfest MPG Challenge, “Park at the highest spot in the parking lot and face out.” This technique allows you to exit by rolling forward in neutral without turning on the engine, thereby saving gas. The technique does away with the backing up and braking required by nose-in parking, while also reducing the time the engine runs.”
8. Drive when it’s warm out
If you have the flexibility, time your trips to coincide with warm temperatures (ie. middle of the day) rather than cold (night/early morning).
Cold tires and drivetrain experience more rolling and mechanical resistance, and a cold engine is less efficient.
9. Change your oil every 3000 miles. Engine friction wastes gas and decreases engine life. I’m no mechanical expert, tho. I just do what I’m told as close to the schedule as I can.
10. Let the most efficient driver drive
More than one licenced driver in the vehicle? Let the most efficient driver drive! And take the opportunity to learn from his/her wisdom.
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