Hypermiling - what is it and how does it work?

By Admin Reading time: 8 min read Published on: 04 / 12 / 2021
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Hypermiling is a particular procedure in the U.S. that covers people attempting extreme steps for getting the best fuel economy from their vehicles. The techniques forhypermilling carsfor ensuring mileage (exceeding claims made by the automaker) may be applied by any driver. This system became popular after the dawn of the New Millennium in the U.S. This happened due to the rise in petrol prices at this time. As a result, several people purchased more fuel-efficient cars, like the Toyota Prius and even similar hybrids. After that, they attempted to scale up their efficiency levels likewise through specialised driving techniques, reducing the fuel usage while driving. 

Hypermilling techniques are still used by several drivers worldwide, with online communities and events springing up around this concept. The biggest hypermilling meaning is maintaining driving momentum without heavy braking or intense acceleration. Hypermillers, as these drivers are known, will always carefully plan their driving routes to make them direct, quicker, and in a way that will require minor braking and acceleration. 

One of the biggest hypermiling tips is that the car will be suitably optimised as well. The vehicle has to be regularly serviced and maintained, while the tyres will remain inflated at the right pressure to ensure that rolling resistance is at its optimum level. New boot luggage will also be moved away for weight savings and enhanced fuel economyin turn. The car has to be parked right in the direction of sunlight so that that sunlight will melt any frost on its windscreen instead of drivers needing to power on their heaters. At the same time, in warmer weather, they will always look for shaded places to park to enable greater efficiency for the air conditioning systems of their vehicles. 

Some people choose to park in the optimum locations to not waste fuel due to a lot of adjusting and manoeuvring. This will naturally mean parking with the car’s face outwards so that they can drive out instantly. Hypermillers will also look at keeping speeds minimised since this will boost overall fuel economy. The steering and throttle inputs are smoother while driving without brakes is done as much as possible. 

Here are some tips to sum up the concept: 

  • The car should be well maintained and regularly serviced, while the tyres should be properly inflated at all times. 

  • The excess weight in the car, like tools, luggage, etc., should be removed. 

  • You should park optimally so that it is exposed or not exposed to direct sunlight, depending on the weather conditions. 

  • You should be planning your route, which is direct and without a lot of traffic. 

  • Fuel efficiency can be improved by reducing speed and keeping a constant speed. 

  • Wearing shoes with lighter soles will enable smoother braking and acceleration. 

  • Anticipating what lies ahead will help adjust speed for passing junctions, traffic stops, lights and slowing cars. 

  • Smoother inputs will help ensure greater efficiency while keeping the vehicle stable simultaneously. 

  • Hypermillers usually try and drive for as long as possible without using the brakes. 

  • Turning the engine off while at a traffic signal is also recommended. 

These are some tips that will help you adopt hypermilling as a way of life and possibly save a lot of money on fuel costs. However, it all depends on how feasible and practical these habits are, particularly if you live in a crowded city or location. So, take some advice from the ABE experts and plan your fuel-saving strategy accordingly. ABE is the destination for those looking to buy used luxury cars. The experts at ABE will assist you in purchasing luxury cars that are best suited to your needs.

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