July 15, 2008

Four Advanced Hypermiling Techniques

Hypermiling - Advanced Techniques

Hypermiling is defined simply as exceeding the EPA estimates for a particular vehicle's fuel efficiency. There is a growing group of people who are reacting to the growing gas prices who label themselves as hypermilers. They consistently beat the EPA estimates and consequently save hundred (sometimes thousands) of dollars each year in gas. Here are four advanced techniques that the top hypermilers employ to save gas.

1. The "auto-stop"
The auto-stop method is used to take advantage of traction between the tires of your car and the pavement. Instead of applying the brake to stop, when possible, you would shift into the neutral gear and glide to a stop, attempting to time your slow down as close as possible to where you want your vehicle to end up. This can save a fair amount of gas, but you must consider whether you are in an environment where this is safe to practice. Additionally, this maneuver is best used on manual transmissions, as some automatics can be damaged by consistently auto-stopping.

2. Drafting
This maneuver can be dangerous and is actually illegal in several states, so be forewarned. However, you can save considerable amounts by applying this method when on a highway. Drafting takes advantage of the fact that you will encounter less wind resistance when following a large vehicle closely. To save even more gas, some hypermilers put their car into neutral and cut the ignition while drafting so even less gas is used. Of course, use extreme discretion when applying this technique.

3. Find your optimal speed
This technique will take some work with both the car and a pencil, but can pay off in huge dividends if applied correctly. Every car has it's own unique optimal speed at which fuel efficiency is at it's highest. This speed is usually around 35-50mph, but you will need to record data for yourself and figure out where the sweet spot is for your vehicle.

4. Run your car on HHO gas
This technique can have the biggest impact of all on fuel efficiency. With the right HHO instruction guide and a few minor alterations costing about $150, you can hook up a system to turn water and baking soda into HHO gas - a viable fuel for your car. When you cut the gasoline used with this cleaner burning fuel, you can experience up to a 50% increase in fuel efficiency. That is what Hypermiling is all about.

There are hundreds of different ways to increase fuel efficiency, but these are some of the most potent. Exercise caution if attempting either auto-stopping or drafting, as they can certainly be dangerous in some circumstances. Find the right speed for your car, put an HHO conversion kit on and you're on your way to becoming an extreme hypermiler.

For even MORE advanced hypermiling tactics, visit the website - Secrets2Hypermiling.com