Hypermiling Saves on Gas...Who Knew?

Let’s be honest, you probably never heard of hypermiling, but you have been doing it your entire driving career. According to the New Oxford American Dictionary, hypermiling is that act of using different driving techniques to maximize fuel economy. It was even named “word of the year” by the dictionary.

Hypermilers attempt to exceed the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated fuel efficiency for their vehicles by employing a variety of driving habits. It has even become a cult sport, as contests have been held to see who can get the best miles per gallon with a vehicle on a selected course.

With today’s economy, and the steady rise of gas prices, we can all learn to become hypermilers. Here are some of the techniques used by hypermilers.

• Hypermilers use an anticipatory driving method for efficiently maintaining speed. Basically, drivers will accelerate slowly, and coast for as long as possible before using their brake. This technique is often called the “pulse and glide” method. By using this technique, drivers are minimizing fuel consumption while in motion.

• Stay back from other vehicles so you don’t have to brake as often. Make sure you do so within reason, you don’t want to cause an accident.

• By properly inflating your car’s tires, you can save approximately 1-2 miles per gallon and extend the life of your tires.

• Always make sure your gas cap is tightly closed after fueling up. Once it’s closed, turn it FOUR more times to ensure no gas evaporates from an otherwise insecure cap.

• Always make sure to purchase the correct fuel for your car. Check your car’s manual for its required fuel octane level. This will ensure your car maximizes the use of fuel.

• Reduce your resistance while driving; remove any luggage or ski racks from your car while they are not in use.

Hypermilers have come under attack for using unsafe and sometimes aggressive driving practices. We recommend you follow the preceding techniques with caution and with an active concern for your safety, as well as the safety of drivers around you. Compare techniques and automobile performances at Fuelly, a social network completely for hypermilers. And be sure to check out the fuel economy of our vehicles at Basil Resale Center on Sheridan.

Matt Shapiro

Inexpensive and Easy things you can do yourself to get your Car ready for Spring & Summer

Inexpensive and Easy things you can do yourself to get your Car ready for Spring & Summer

1. Get rid of road salt on the undercarriage. Road salt can damage your vehicle by eating away at its undercarriage. Use a garden hose with as much water pressure as your system can collect to undo winter grime and salt.

2. Check the tires. Tire pressure changes about 1 pound per square inch for every 10 degrees change in temperature, so it's important to check tire pressure after winter is over.

3. Check wiper blades. Your wipers work hard all winter long removing salt and other winter grime. Since the life of a wiper blade is six months to a year, check that the blades have not dried out. Do not wait for a heavy spring or summer rainstorm to discover your blades are not performing properly. Also, refill the wiper fluid if needed.

4. Clean the cabin. First you should remove the floor mats to vacuum or wash outside the car. Second open the trunk, remove the spare tire and jack and vacuum here, too. After vacuuming everything use a cleaner and a soft cloth on the dashboard, steering wheel, door panels, and seats to get off dust, stains and fingerprints.

5. Wash and wax. Putting regular dish washing liquid in a bucket of water and a clean, sponge will do the trick for the washing, using a different sponge for the body and the tire rims. Then dry the car to make it shine in the spring or summer sunshine. If needed apply a coat of protective wax.


Courtney Walczak