Hypermilling 101 -

I first heard of Hypermilling when I was writing a recent post - 75 Gas Saving Tips. It seems to be a trend among drivers that is increasing in popularity in reaction to the rising gas prices.

What is hypermiling?

According to Wikipedia Hypermiling is:

“Fuel economy-maximizing behaviors (and) techniques that drivers can use to optimize their automobile fuel economy. The energy in fuel consumed in driving is lost in many ways, including engine inefficiency, aerodynamic drag, rolling friction, and kinetic energy lost to braking (absent regenerative braking). Driver behavior can influence all of these. The city mileage of conventional cars is lower than highway mileage due to: 1) a high proportion of idling time, 2) operation mostly at very inefficient low-output engine operating points, and 3) more frequent braking.”

AKA being fanatical about saving gas by using traditional and non-traditional means to get better fuel economy. To see a pro in action, check out this video.

Apparently anyone can do this with any car. Of course, some cars are going to have a better chance for better MPG gains, but any car should be able to see improvement if the proper techniques are used. At last year’s Hybridfest the Hypermilers, “put on a clinic to help attendees practice what the hypermilers preach. In one exercise, (a hypermilling pro) guided a driver through some basic techniques in a standard Honda Accord, and the driver extracted 51.2 mpg from a car that the EPA rates at 24 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.”

While I was gathering information for the gas saving tips post, I contacted a Hypermiler (he got 69 MPG in his Geo Metro) for suggestions. He said that the most important aspect to his great fuel economy was all in the driving technique and knowing which techniques are most beneficial. I will go over some of the techniques that I found that some of these guys use, but first let’s look at some of their toys.

Tools of the Hypermiller

Scan-Gauge

This was the tool that I was encouraged to get by the Hypermiler I contacted and I have also seen it touted various other places as well. It is a digital display that plugs into your car and calculates gas mileage in real time. This information then allows the driver to see what he/she is doing that is using a lot of fuel and what techniques are very efficient.

The Scan-Gauge seems to be the standard for the Hypermilers, but there are others out there.

Run your car on water Kit

I have heard mixed things about kits like these. Basically, (from what I understand) you create HHO gas by assembling a contraption that then feeds into your engine. Your engine then burns the HHO gas as well as gasoline. They promise that your car will become at least 40% more fuel efficient with testimonials of even better rates. I haven’t tried it yet, so I am not sure.

Fuel Clinic

This is a useful website that tracks all of your fuel usage. You have to save your gas receipts and enter them online, but the site provides a wealth of data. It provides charts and graphs and detailed analysis of your fuel consumption. Best of all, it’s free.

Gas Price Map

This tool allows you to enter in your zip code and find the best gas prices in your area.

Hypermiling techniques: worth the risk or not?

Some of these techniques were mentioned in Gas saving tips post, but some are a bit more extreme and I don’t recommend doing them. I mean, is it really worth getting in an accident or making everyone on the road hate you so you can save a few bucks? So I am going to look at a bunch of common hyper-milling techniques to see if they are worth doing or not.

Calculate and record your MPG

Tracking your progress seems to be a big key to your success. Calculating your MPG is a simple equation (Miles driven / Gallons used), so the best way to do this would be with the Scan-Gauge mentioned above, Fuel Clinic, or you can just use this calculator.

• Worth it.

Watch the real-time mileage display

Some newer vehicles come with computers that compute your real-time fuel use on a miles-per-gallon basis. As mentioned above, the Scan-Gauge seems to be the after-market tool of choice by the pros. They watch this and adjust throttle inputs based on the readout to maximize their fuel economy.

• Worth it - if you drive a lot.

Overinflate tires

Some hyper-milers overinflate their tires by 15-20 pounds. I have heard that this can be dangerous (blow-outs) and lead to uneven tire wear, but some of them, “consider it safe because most of my driving is around town and under 50 miles per hour.” They say, putting less rubber on the road gives them an edge in beating the EPA’s rating by decreasing rolling resistance.

• Not worth it - but definitely inflate them to the maximum rated PSI

Removing outside mirrors

I read about one hypermiler who removed his outside mirrors, replacing them with a video camera mounted in the left rear turn signal. He has it connected to a small video display mounted on the dash that enables him to see a wide-angle view of what’s behind him. He figures it adds another one mile per gallon.

• Not worth it

Pay attention to wind conditions

Certain cars will be more susceptible to this than others, but some have found that fuel mileage is significantly impacted by favorable wind conditions. “On long highway rides, having a tailwind has made a big difference in my fuel economy.” If you know it’s a windy day and you don’t have to take that trip, then don’t.”

• Not worth it - If I have to wait around for the wind, I might as well get a sailboat

Place cardboard over the radiator

One guy I read about does this and says that a cold engine reduces fuel-efficiency. He uses Office Depot’s silver-colored cardboard to warm up the engine faster. He covers his radiator with cardboard to block the wind, thus retaining heat and keeping the engine running at a warmer temperature. Knowing that this could cause his engine to overheat, he says, “I’ll take off the piece of cardboard if I know that I’ll be driving a long distance, say 100 miles, but it’s fine for my daily commute.”

• Not worth it - what if you forget about it and your engine overheats?

Avoid stoplights and stop signs

Many hyper-milers plan and map out their route before departing to ensure that their pathway has the fewest stops possible.

• Not worth it - I think most people’s time is worth more than the potential gas savings

Ride the ridge

This means riding along the painted white line on the road. Hyper-milers now use this white line to increase their fuel economy, a tactic that’s especially useful in the rain when puddles form in the grooves of the road, which significantly increases rolling resistance.

• Worth it - as long as there isn’t a safety issue with other cars

Drive without A/C and keep windows closed

In the testing that Edmunds did, they concluded that there is, “no measureable difference,” when choosing windows or A/C. However, if you choose neither, there is quite a difference. So now you can save gas by sweating

• Maybe Worth it - if you look at it as a free sauna

Timing Stoplights

If you can’t avoid the stoplights, determine the optimal speed for the timing (making sure they are green when you get there) of the stoplights. “Taking this small step has a marked effect on your fuel economy.”

• Worth it in moderation - just don’t ruin everyone’s day who is stuck driving behind you

Minimize brake usage

I always hate to have to come to a, “full and complete stop,” at a stop sign, but it is the law. Many hypermilers treat stop signs as though they are yield signs - and slowly glide through. They also are constantly planning and anticipating for what’s ahead; thus minimizing use of their brakes. And of course some of the down-right dangerous (dare I say irresponsible) hypermilers tailgate or take corners at speeds that aren’t truly safe, all in the hopes of never having to touch their brakes.

• Worth it in moderation - but breaking the law and putting others in danger isn’t cool

“Potential parking”

According to Wayne Gerdes, winner of the 2006 Hybridfest MPG Challenge, “Park at the highest spot in the parking lot and face out.” This technique allows you to exit by rolling forward in neutral without turning on the engine, thereby saving gas. The technique does away with the backing up and braking required by nose-in parking, while also reducing the time the engine runs.”

• Worth it

“Pulse and glide”

Generally this technique seems to be reserved for the hybrid owners, but I think some non-hybrid owners have found ways to apply this principle as well. The “Pulse and glide” method involves accelerating the vehicle to about 30-40 mph and letting it coast. The 30-40 mph point is where some hybrid’s do not use the engine or the battery. They let it coast for a few seconds, then repeat. Over and over again. Sounds like a fun trip to Disney Land, doesn’t it kids?

• Not worth it - unless my kids were mis-behaving (I can’t wait to be a dad)

Tailgating (”Drafting”)

Just like the Nascar pros, hyper-milers have realized that they can save fuel by getting right behind big trucks. I drove past an accident where a car was sandwiched between two 18-wheelers. Without looking closely you would think that the one 18-wheeler rear-ended the other. The remains of the middle car were difficult to spot. After seeing that I am much more careful when driving around 18-wheelers.

• Not Worth it

More about gas and hypermilling

I have been trying out some of these techniques as I learn how to become a hypermiler. I will compare my MPG numbers and see how I am doing and let you know - soon.

And here are a few more articles if you are interested in learning more… How to be a hypermiler, Hypermiling Tips, How are gas prices determined?

What methods do you think are worth the effort?