Sunday, July 20, 2008

Get More MPG's With Hypermiling Tips

By Bryan Alan

The price of gasoline appears to be settling in at record levels. It is very possible there will be some additional ups and downs over the next several years, but most economists say not to expect fuel prices to decline to levels we enjoyed in 2006 and 2007. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase mileage, and they are all contained in the world known to many as hypermiling.

Hypermiling was started by electric and hybrid car owners who were taking the estimated miles per gallon, and devising ways to increase them even further. It is not uncommon to see a successful driver use hypermiling techniques to increase mileage more than 50% beyond the listed mpg's on the window sticker of a vehicle.

While some hypermiling techniques are actually very risky, and sometimes illegal to do, there are hoards of tips and techniques that are perfectly safe ways to increase mileage on any vehicle. Frankly, there is not a vehicle on the road today that can not see a 10-40% increase in fuel mileage by using very simple hypermiling techniques. You can drive a full size, V8 pick up and see the benefit almost immediately if you apply the concepts.

The best part about hypermiling is that almost all of the ideas are cost free and can be put into action immediately. Overall, the individual idea and practice itself will result in only minor gains in fuel economy, but the end result is you have multiple minor gains that equal one major gain at the end. Many sites today offer great lists and guides of the best, proven hypermiling tips that can be easily put into action.

Some of the more common examples of hypermiling techniques involve very practical thinking. For example, removing the junk from your trunk will reduce the weight of your vehicle, which means less engine strain and less fuel consumption. Also, a little lesser known idea for hypermiling is to leave a little extra space between the vehicle in front of you and coasting more as you prepare to stop before applying the brake.

Gas prices may never return to levels previously experienced. Take advantage of the technology and insight of experienced hypermilers and start saving at the fuel pump today. Your wallet will thank you.

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