Hypermilers?

The other night on the local news they did a special on "Hypermilers". Just the title hooked me and I actually sat still and listened.

Hypermilers are people who defy the EPA ratings for miles-per-gallon on their vehicles. Using techniques that go beyond the obvious gas-saving rules, they are able to squeeze more miles into every gallon of fuel purchased.

How much do you ask?? At a recent hypermiling contest, the winner was able to achieve 180 mpg! Using a Honda hybrid he shattered the previous records of 130 mpg.

But, it's not just hybrid cars that can succeed with hypermiling techniques. A local gentleman uses a traditional Honda sedan and gets over 60 mpg on his treks back and forth to work. In fact he says you should be able to boost EPA standards by at least 20%. Other sources brag of up to 35% energy gains!

So, what techniques do they use?? The obvious things would be good car maintenance. Use the maximum recommended tire pressure and proper motor oil weight. We've been told for years to avoid jack-rabbit starts and to keep our speed down to the minimum that is acceptable.

But, hypermilers take it to the extreme. As a matter of fact, you might be able to find your local hypermiler by looking for that vehicle traveling on the white line on the right side of the right lane. They do it for two reasons. Ridge-riding, as they call it, helps them avoid puddles or ruts & grooves in the lane that would add friction and hurt their gas usage. Also, they hug the white line to signal to me that they are a slow-moving vehicle.

Another technique is called the "forced auto-stop" or FAS. Although it's illegal in our state, hypermilers will shift into neutral and even shut off their cars entirely when approaching stop signs, red lights or when coasting down hills or exit ramps. hypermilers are very attentive drivers and can anticipate stops and slow-downs in advance to minimize braking and maximize coasting.

Their rational is this: You get ZERO miles-per-gallon when you're stopped or stuck in traffic. Zero doesn't average in well with 180 mpg! hypermilers know how to predict an upcoming red light and with instant reflexes they can remove their foot from the accelerator or cancel the cruise control and stop burning any gas.

hypermilers also use another skill called, "Pulse and Glide" which totally confuses me. It is akin to FAS and minimizes internal combustion engine waste. By gliding to a lower target speed and then re-igniting the internal combustion engine and re-engaging the transmission to re-accelerate, you're supposed to achieve something great. I still can't answer my cell phone and drive, so I'm passing on this one.

If gasoline gets to $4.00 per gallon, I might try this. It's called, "Draft-assisted stop". Apparently you find a big 18-wheeler to follow so they'll absorb all the wind resistance. You can glide in neutral while tailgating this mammoth.

All this information has really got me excited. I feel like there is something I can do besides just get angry with OPEC. We actually have taken the temperature/compass feature off our digital display in our vehicle and traded it for the "instantaneous miles per gallon" feature. Any true hypermiler needs a "fuel consumption display" or FCD in their vehicle.

One thing I have learned is that a lot of the hypermiling techniques involve superior driving etiquette. It involves paying attention when you drive and never being in a hurry. They always leave plenty of room between them and others to allow for easy coasting and no unnecessary braking. hypermilers don't have road-rage! They're too busy strategizing every move on the road and prefer to stay away from others so their techniques work successfully.

So, I'm ready to sign up! All I have to do is slow down, stay to the right, avoid rushing, give myself plenty of room and learn to coast! I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Please contact us or leave a comment if you would like some more information on this topic.