The focal point of personal funding woes
begins at the pump. Our recent blogs
have discussed what precautions you can take to avoid high gas prices In lieu
of rising gas prices; a select few have decided to go the distance. Literally.
Some individuals have been getting above 65 mpg. Is this a typo? With LASIK eye surgery I can honestly say
it’s not. Hypermiling has become the
newest craze and in today’s blog, we delve into what it is and how it’s
done. Oh, and as a precaution: DON’T TRY
THIS AT HOME!
Hypermiling is an unorthodox technique for
increasing your mpg. These techniques
include coasting for blocks with the car engine tuned off, driving at or below
the speed limit, pumping up tire pressure far beyond recommendations and
carefully manipulating the gas pedal to avoid fuel-burning excess. Options also include keeping the
air-condition turned off, and the window cracked slightly. Hypermilers also carry a journal that records
their daily commute, gas consumption and mileage. All in an effort to avoid the ever increasing
price of gas.
Hypermiling has become a niche, with
websites dedicated to the cause. Driving
Safety advocates forbid some of their habits, but applaud others. Some Hypermiling habits are very
dangerous. “Turning
the engine off while coasting can, in some cars, leave the driver without power
steering or brakes and allow the possibility that the steering wheel will lock
up. Drivers can endanger themselves and others if they go too slow for the pace
of traffic.” The list goes on.
However, some Hypermilers ARE safe. They obey all traffic laws and mix city and
highway driving in a combination of strategic and gas saving options. Using a truck for a windbreak is dangerous,
but safer Hypermilers stay the recommended distance while still maintaining a
saving of mpg by putting safety before mileage.
Drive Safely!
