3 Keys to Hypermiling

Mar 13, 2019

Hypermiling includes techniques that help increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by altering your driving techniques. While some methods are questionable due to safety concerns, there are plenty of ways you can use hypermiling safely to increase your fuel mileage.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regularly scheduled maintenance is important for any vehicle, but even more so if you want to be a pro at hypermiling. Swap in high-performance spark plugs and use the lowest viscosity oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You can also switch to synthetic oil, which reduces friction on the powertrain and can improve mileage.

Aligning and balancing your wheels will help improve efficiency as they won’t be weighted unevenly. Keep a tire gauge in your car and check the air pressure regularly. If tires aren’t inflated correctly, they can produce drag and lead to quicker wear and tear.

Unload Your Vehicle

All that extra stuff that keeps piling up in your trunk is only weighing your vehicle down. To increase your car’s efficiency, empty it of unnecessary clutter. A lighter weight will help increase your vehicle’s gas mileage and efficiency.

Drive Properly

Maintaining a steady speed is crucial when hypermiling. Pressing the gas pedal down quickly or slamming on the brakes adds unnecessary strain to your vehicle and eats up your fuel. Use your cruise control to maintain speed, or drive a little below the speed limit.

Next time you hit the road, keep these techniques in mind and you’ll soon find that you aren’t spending as much on gas and visits to the shop.

Image via Flickr by cogdogblog