Wring Your Gas Tank Dry: Tips From A Hypermiler
Wayne Gerdes isn’t just a hypermiler he’s the hypermiler. Gerdes has been known to squeeze 84 miles per gallon out of a standard
issue Ford Ranger pick-up and while driving the hybrid electric Honda Insight he managed to yield an astonishing 180.1 mpg. These numbers are not some form of magic or the result of a specially designed fuel. Gerdes is simply able to achieve miracles like these because he is one of a rare breed of drivers known as hypermilers.
Hypermilers are drivers who obsess over getting the best possible gas mileage from the cars they drive. They use specialized driving techniques that enable cars to double their normal gas mileage. Some of the techniques are rather simple and self-evident while others should be reserved solely for professional hypermilers. With names like Pulse and Glide, Warp Stealth and Ridge Riding, these techniques can be very dangerous and should never be attempted unless properly instructed by an advanced hypermiler.
According to Geoff Sundstrom, director of AAA Public Affairs, the benefits of hypermiling are apparent.
For the most part, hypermiling encourages non-aggressive driving. Driving the speed limit and not speeding up to stop signs are all good things — these are things that we teach new drivers.”
If done improperly however, hypermiling can be become dangerous. Gerdes suggests however, that drivers can still reap the benefits of hypermiling while driving safely. By following ten simple rules, drivers can maximize their fuel economy without having to spring for a new hybrid.
1.) Inflate your tires to their maximum recommended pressure.
2.) Use the lightest recommended oil for your vehicle.
3.) Change the air filter at least once a year.
4.) Drive as if hypothetically you don’t have brakes. Accelerate only as needed, and coast into red lights and stop signs when possible.
5.) Do your best to keep the engine working hard on all incline levels. The engine should be working as hard going up a hill as it does when running on level ground.
6.) Don’t drive above the speed limit.
7.) Turn the engine off if planning to be idle for more than 10 seconds.
8.) Practice “potential parking.” If the lot permits this, coast uphill into a spot facing out so when you leave you can coast right out.
9.) If possible, purchase a ScanGuage, which is an automotive computer that calculates and displays your fuel consumption.
10.) Don’t run the air conditioner! Running the air conditioner on maximum reduces mpg by 25%.
Whether you practice the techniques of hypermiling or you are simply trying to become a more efficient driver, these simple steps can help consumers survive in a struggling economy that is dominated by rising gas prices.
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while actual hypermiling may be pretty dangerous, many of the methods can be used when safe to increase your mileage. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing just using a few of the technics can have a good effect on you wallet.
Eventually as oil prices increase, engine manufacturers will resort to temperature sensitive clutches on water pumps, variable speed electric oil pumps and electric valve lifters. The fact is, the basic 1930’s piston engine technology is passe! Electric car motors only have three, count ‘em and weep, three moving parts - and no inefficient transmission needed - just a solid state controller board! When the U.S. government releases the Depleted Uranium Super Battery for electric cars, the automobile as we know it will cease to exist, and America will be thrust into desert thermal electric madness in an effort to charge the damn things.
Some engine dont want a full syntetic oil like the 0W 50 or something like thats.
The oil usage goes up. The engine burns more oil becouse it is to “thin”.
BTW: In my town we have an old BMW E30 325ix driver. He never change the oil only refill it. And the car has now over 450.000km.
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