No one likes to be told how to drive, but remember $4 per gallon gas from the summer of 2008? Fuel prices are likely to rise as world petroleum reserves dwindle. However buying a more efficient electric or hybrid vehicle is not an option for many consumers.
Many people reading this article will likely see the end of petroleum-fueled cars in their lifetimes. Vasudevan and Briggs summarize findings from the Oil and Gas Journal in their article for volume 35 of the Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, "Biodiesel production – current state of the art and challenges": proven recoverable resources will last only another 40 years!
Of course, new technologies and increased oil prices will drive exploration and increase that 40-year total. Even the most optimistic view cannot argue that oil will be available and universally affordable for transportation fuel in the next century.
Hypermilers and Ecomodders
Hypermiling is a practice of modified driving techniques used to increase fuel efficiency. Some practices of hypermiling are not for everyone and might even be considered extreme. There are many lessons to be learned from practicing hypermilers about fuel economy.
Ecomodding is a newer name which implies making modifications to a vehicle to improve fuel economy. In his article "10 Quick Fuel Efficient Tips to Beat the Gas Crunch" in the May 22, 2008 issue of Popular Mechanics, Benjamin Jones cautions against buying gimmick products proclaiming fuel savings. Jones' article contains links to experiments debunking many of these gadgets.
The types of modifications hypermilers make involve smoothing the outer geometry of the vehicle to get better aerodynamic properties and reduce drag. Some ecomodders will swap out engines and most make sure to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission. These vehicle modifications may not suit all needs, but hypermilers also drive differently.
How to Get Better MPG (Miles Per Gallon)
The best way to save money on gas is to drive less. This means planning travel to include errands. Driving to work every day may be a necessity, so taking care of errands on the way instead of making extra trips can save gas immediately.
The US Department of Energy maintains a Fuel Economy site explaining many every day tips. Following these and some more extreme tips from the hypermiling crowd can substantially increase fuel economy:
- Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving with rapid acceleration and braking can reduce fuel economy as much as 33 percent on the highway.
- Maintain your vehicle. Proper tire pressure is important and should be checked at each re-fueling. Clean air filters help, especially on carbureted vehicles.
- Track mileage in real time. Most newer vehicles include and on-board display for this. Find out where savings may be realized by monitoring the display.
- Brake less. Paying attention to the road ahead allows drivers to coast to stops rather than accelerating or powering to them.
- Accelerate evenly and slowly. Vehicles use the most fuel at high RPM or load which means accelerating or going up hills. Instead of punching it out of a light, accelerate evenly. Watch mileage displays to figure out the best acceleration.
- Avoid rush hour. Any time there is a lot of stop-and-start driving or idling, gas is wasted. Starting the commute a few minutes earlier or later can add up to big savings.
While hypermiling may not be for everyone, saving money usually is. There is probably not much to be done about improving mileage in big SUVs, though the tips listed above are likely to help. Most hypermilers drive small cars to increase mileage, even above 70 mpg. So, take it easy on the road and improve fuel economy and safety for everyone.
Justin Novak - I graduated from Michigan Technological University in December of 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. My ...
