Hypermilers Squeeze Gas to the Extremes

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Ranked #7,992 in Autos, #523,594 overall

What's the Definition of a Hypermiler?

Hypermilers are people who try to get more out of their car's EPA fuel economy rating than what's listed. If you drive a regular car, a hypermiler can usually make it use only as much gas as a similar hybrid vehicle.

Hypermiling is a growing trend among consumers shocked and disgusted with oil executive greed and soaring gas prices many just can't afford. Thos who own hybrids save gas at a rate that would shock the rest of the nation as some get over 100 MPG!

You don't have to trick out your car or drive dangerously to be a hypermiler who saves money on gas. It's all about fuel economy and when you're a hypermiler, you're probably also driving more safely than the rest of the drivers on the road.

You can improve your gas mileage using one or more of the various tips you find on this page.

Monitor Your Car's TRUE Gas Consumption 

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Gas Saving Hypermiler Methods 

There are some fundamental rules a hypermiler abides by when trying to save money on gas. Here are some of the tips they implement to fill up less often:

1.) Don't take off quickly or brake hard. This quick stop and go lifestyle makes your gas dwindle faster than you know!

2.) Don't let your car idle for a long time. The more you sit idling, the less MPG you're going to get out of your tank of gas. Turn the engine off if it's over 10 seconds' worth of idle time.

3.) Slow down! The higher you go, the more wind drag your car is up against, which means it needs more gas to fight the friction. Go at or just below the speed limit (as long as it's safe for you to do so) and you'll save at the pump!

4.) Get the junk out of your trunk! Heavy loads cause more work for the car, which means it has to call upon the gas tank to get going. Unload anything you don't need and the lighter load will translate into savings at the pump. Hypermilers even take off the cargo racks to save more!

You can use these tips, or save at the pump in some other way, but work toward whittling your gas bill instead of staying a slave to greedy gas executives for the coming months and years.

Slash Your Fuel Bill 

Muzzle the Guzzle -50 Fuel Saving Strategies

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Tips from Other Hypermilers on How to Save at the Pump 

There's more you can do to save at the pump! Other hypermilers have given these tips to fellow gas consumers to help them cut costs:

Don't let your car "warm up!" Yes, it might be cold outside, but letting your car warm up actually uses more gas. You may have heard that it won't operate as well if it's cold, so you should drive to the farthest place first and then make your way back home to the closer locations.

Try not to use the air conditioner. Okay, this may be impossible if you're living in Arizona or Texas where it's sweltering during the summer. But whenever possible, cut off the A/C and any other accessories that aren't needed. It cuts your MPG up to 25%!

Make sure your car has good maintenance. Cars that aren't maintained use more gas. Make sure everything is in good running condition - and that your tires are pumped up and not under-inflated.

Many hypermilers get gas mileage devices that show them how their subtle driving habits can alter their gas savings. Some cars are already equipped with this, but most aren't. You can test out various speeds on the highway, for instance, as watch your gas consumption go up and down.
Click here for more gas saving tips hypermilers use!

What's Your Favorite Way to Save on Gas? 

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