Techniques to Save Gas

Running out and hopping on the hybrid bandwagon to save $2,000 per year on gas when the average hybrid vehicle will run you about $30,000 doesn’t make a lot of sense. But if you want to improve your fuel economy, what do you do? You could subscribe to the ”hypermiling” school of thought, a rather extremist take on conserving fuel. Hypermilers advocate certain driving techniques that they claim will save drivers 40-90 miles per gallon. But you don’t have to go to extremes to improve your gas mileage. Making a series of small adjustments in how you drive your car can go a long way.

Is Hypermiling the Way?

Hypermilers run the gamut from pragmatic conservationists to completely wacked-out extremists. On the extreme end of the spectrum, hypermilers would have you do things that your driver’s ed teacher might not be too thrilled about. For example, some advocate shutting off your vehicle when coasting down a hill. On the other end of the spectrum, hypermilers are just practical drivers that practice a few simple techniques to conserve fuel. They understand that there isn’t one panacea or silver bullet that can save you 25% more on gas, but the combination of a few small techniques practiced diligently certainly can.

Slow & Steady Wins the Race

Practicing the following techniques on a consistent basis can help you reduce your fuel usage by as much as 25%:

• Slow down. The higher the speed you’re traveling at, the more fuel you burn. Slow down by 10 mph, and you will see a vast improvement in your fuel economy. Especially avoid going above 65 mph, as very high speeds use the most gas.
• Purchase a gas-mileage gauge. Newer vehicles usually have a built-in gauge that shows you the gas mileage you’re getting at all times while driving. If your car doesn’t have this, you might want to invest $40 in purchasing one. It will make you more cognizant of the fact that how you drive at every moment is affecting your gas mileage, thereby impacting your wallet.
• Jettison extra weight. If you’re hauling around bottled water, clothes, golf clubs, or any other extra unnecessary weight, get it out of your car. It makes your car heavier, which directly impacts your gas mileage. For drivers with removable back seats, consider taking them out if you don’t need them. Likewise, bike racks and luggage racks can add a lot of weight unnecessarily.
• Stay on top of your tire pressure. Underinflated tires can cost you precious miles to the gallon. Make sure your tires are inflated properly at all times. Hypermilers fill their tires to the maximum pressure allowed by the manufacturer. This might save you a little more on gas, but your car will also not handle the way it should.