Earlier this year (April to be precise) we found out that many UK drivers were giving hypermiling a go. Since then, it seems it’s become even more popular, with a 17 percent increase in use. That means a whopping 89 percent of you now regularly try hypermiling.
And what’s wrong with that, you might ask? Well done correctly, absolutely nothing.
Hypermiling is the name given to the use of various techniques to increase fuel economy. Despite the fact that fuel prices have come down from the historic highs of earlier this year, they remain significant. Combined with the cost of living hikes, it’s not surprising that British drivers are trying to find ways to keep their fuel in their tanks for longer.
However, some hypermiling techniques can cause damage to vehicles – and some are deemed by experts to be actually unsafe.
To try and help you differentiate between the two, ChooseMyCar.com has put together some safe tips and techniques for improving fuel economy in these tricky times. Our founder, Nick Zapolski, said that drivers must be careful to not damage their cars or practise any dangerous hypermiling methods.
“While we totally understand why hypermiling has become so popular, I’d really urge drivers to make sure they do their research before taking on any of these habits. Done badly, hypermiling can not only cause damage (and therefore cost more in the long run) but can also endanger lives.”
How to save fuel with Hypermiling
Prepare your car for success
Before you even put fuel in your car, think about whether it’s in the best condition. Are your tyres pumped sufficiently? Are your oil levels topped up? Has your car been serviced in the last year? You may not realise it, but in order for your vehicle to save fuel, you need to make sure it’s in top condition. If your tyres aren’t sufficiently inflated, your car will have to work harder to perform the way you’re used to. That means using more fuel. If your oil levels aren’t suitable, more energy will be required to turn the engine.
Focus on your MPG
Some cars will tell you the real-time MPG of your car as you’re driving along. This can be a great tool to help your driving become more economical, although this can be distracting so be cautious. Our advice; if your car can tell you what the current MPG of your travelling car is, there’s a chance it also has an eco-setting. Turn that on. It will prevent you from driving too erratically.
Go easy on the brake pedal
Each time you brake, you turn your fuel into heat and brake dust. So don’t speed up just to slam the brakes on. If you see the speed limit ahead is being reduced, don’t wait until you get to the sign to hit the brake. Let your car naturally slow itself down before you force it to. The less you use your brakes and the more you use natural resistance to slow your car – the better for your fuel.
Stick to the speed limit
More often than not, safe driving means saving fuel. The faster you travel the more fuel you use. That doesn’t mean you should drive at 30mph on a motorway. But consider the fact that statistically, most cars will be most efficient at around 56mph. For each 5mph to 10mph you reduce your speed by, you can look to gain 7-14 percent on your fuel economy. This means if you’re one of those people on the motorway bumbling along at 77mph (because you think it means you won’t get caught for speeding) you’re wasting more fuel than the person next to you travelling at the speed limit. Truth be told, it pays to stick to the law!
Get out of the car
Driving to the shops to go and get some milk? Need to pick the kids up from school? Are you one of these people who always opts for the car because it’s easier? Well, a great way for you to save money on your fuel is to stop using the car.
Alternatively, why not opt for public transport? You’ll be surprised at how much fuel you can save by replacing your car with the bus or train. Perhaps you live near a colleague, you could both travel to work together and cut your fuel costs – quite literally – in half!
Find the most efficient car
It might be an electric one or perhaps a hybrid vehicle. But the truth is that they’re an expensive purchase. Make your fuel work for the current car you have. Use our tips, drive safely, slowly, and lay off the pedals. If times really get tough, leave the car at home and enjoy some fresh air instead.
Dangers of Hypermiling
There are some hidden dangers of hypermiling. Here are some of the riskier methods you should avoid.
Driving on a near empty tank
Most of us have done it, trying to squeeze out an extra 10 miles before you fill up, or even ignoring the 0 miles on your range. However, when your fuel level is near empty, your car may suck in the dirt from the bottom of your fuel tank, causing serious damage to your car.
Turning the engine off whilst moving
It may save a small amount of fuel, but by turning your engine off whilst moving you may lose control of the car as the steering will lock, your engine will have no power, and your brakes will not function properly.
Coasting in neutral
When your car is in neutral you are unable to use your gears and engine to slow down, therefore coasting is particularly dangerous down steep hills. It also means you cannot accelerate away from any potential dangers.
Drafting/ tailgating/slipstream
This may be seen on motorways and dual carriageways, with drivers getting into the slipstream behind lorries or coaches. However, this dramatically reduces your reaction and braking time as well as your visibility, making it a dangerous manoeuvre.
Fuel efficient driving
Whilst it may be tempting to set the cruise control to 55mph and stay in lane 1 of the motorway, this has potentially dangerous implications for others around you. If any traffic is merging into your lane, your speed could cause issues. You also need to consider the dangers of lorries or coaches having to overtake you due to your slower speed.
Distraction from driving
Our final point on the dangers of hypermiling is that if you are using any of the above techniques,you may become too distracted.at the wheel trying to save fuel. We would advise, over everything, to be a safe and vigilant driver.
