Hypermiling or "Go Ask Linus"

OK, so you've heard the term "hypermiling" but what is it exactly?

Hypermiling is a system of driving tecnhiques, tweaks, and actions which make it possible to get maximum mileage out of each gallon of gasoline that you use and to lower your gasoline consumption.

This can include modifications you can make to your car, as well as driving techniques and common-sense guidelines on the how you care for and handle your vehicle, and other factors including lifestyle changes which will reduce your fuel consumption.

The term "hypermiling" is believed to have been coined by a man from Illinois named Wayne Gerdes. And the word "hypermiling" first appeared on the Internet a few years ago when gasoline prices started to escalate dramatically.

The following are a few points which are covered by hypermiling techniques

1. Always know what your gas mileage is at each visit to the pump. - This one is easy enough. My Dad (Linus) has actually been keeping records of his gas mileage his entire life. I remember him doing it when gas was at .52 cents a gallon, so I guess I’m genetically predisposed. In fact my Dad kept a small book in the glove compartment and wrote down every tank of gas and repair. I am even more meticulous in that I write down current events, fleeting thoughts, poetry as well as logging every time I repair or replace something. 

I supply a new book with every car I buy for my customers. This book is a reminder of when maintenance is due and that is critical to getting good mileage. My wife chides me that my book is the only thing that I am organized about.

2.  Keep your tires properly inflated. - This one is also pretty easy. All you need to do is roll on up to that free pump at the gas station (as I feel paying for air is a bit of an insult) and pump your tires on up to the highest specification listed on the tire sidewall. Be sure to carry a 1 dollar air guage in your glove box. Check your tire pressure cold at your local service station.

3.  Stop driving unconsciously. - This one is simply being aware of what is ahead of you and anticpating how much inertia your car has to coast to the next stop sign/light without obstructing the traffic. I have developed what I call the "A/B Ratio". That would be your Accelrator to Brake Ratio. Simply put, the idea is to expand the time between taking your foot off the accelerator till the time you finally have to brake. In a word coast. Let the inertia carry you as much as possible. When you are braking you are robbing yourself of free mileage. Brake as little as possible.

3A.  Side Note.-  My Dad was hypermiling his whole life before the word was coined. His brakes lasted 80,000 miles I remember him telling me once. He would only have to look at his little black book to confirm it. He's the Man! As a trucker he would teach me about drafting big rigs but I refrain from that one because it blocks my view to know what is going on in front of me. But I have on occasion drafted in extreme headwinds.

4.  Spend as little time stopped as possible. If you are idling for more than a minute turn off the engine.

5.  Lighten up. - Get rid of all that heavy junk in your trunk. I have even stopped carrying a spare around due to the weight. I mean, when is the last time you actually changed your tire? Carry Fix-a-Flat in your trunk instead. It only wheighs 16 ounces. Just about everyone has roadside assistance anyway.

6. Use Cruise Control only on level ground.- Like the Kansas Freeways, otherwise turn it off. Your cruise control cannot discern when to pick up a bit of speed at the base of the hill, for instance.  It also wants to downshift too often. It cannot be counted on to read the road like you can.