These days, hypermilers are driven more by economy than sport. Take my friend John, who has tailgated big rigs to reduce his vehicle’s drag, thereby increasing fuel economy … and the heart rate of his terrified passengers.
Then there are the extreme MPG challengers who build single-passenger fuel-sippers. The University of British Columbia’s 2006 record-setter got 3,145 miles per gallon.
But there are safer, saner and more practical ways to boost MPG without trading your vehicle for a hybrid, microcompact or bicycle. And SUV owners need not suffer green guilt — you can save the planet faster by changing what you eat than what you drive.
Ladies and gentlemen, restart your engines with these tips from the pros:
» Avoid idling: Larger engines typically waste more gas when idling than do smaller engines.
» Use cruise control: Maintaining a constant speed on highways usually saves gas.
» Overdrive — it’s a good thing: Overdrive gearing reduces a car’s engine speed, saving gas and engine wear.
» Drive the speed limit: Gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph; it’s like burning cash.
» Drive mindfully: Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking, and other forms of aggressive driving cut gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Another cost: tickets.
» Get a tune-up: It improves gas mileage by an average 4 percent, depending on the repair. Fixing problems such as a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage up to 40 percent.
» Check and replace the air filter: A clogged filter can reduce gas mileage by 10 percent … and degrade your engine.
» Keep tires inflated to the proper pressure: This can boost fuel economy 3.3 percent. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
» Motor oil matters: Using the wrong grade chips away at your MPG. Also, look for the “Energy Conserving” emblem.
» Load the trunk, not the roof rack: Piling stuff overhead increases aerodynamic drag — reducing efficiency an estimated 5 percent.
» Don’t store unneeded items in your vehicle. Every excess 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by 2 percent.
» Ask your employer about flex time: Perhaps you can telecommute — work from home — a day a week. Or shift your work schedule to avoid peak rush hour.
» Carpool or vanpool: Reduce fuel, parking and maintenance costs.
Fuel for thought:
» Motorists used 400 million fewer gallons of gasoline in the first quarter of 2008 than in the same period in 2007.
(Source: Federal Highway Administration.)
Track and compare your MPG:
» Track your fuel use and compare it with Environmental Protection Agency ratings for your vehicle. If desired, you can share your MPG info with other drivers. Visit: fueleconomy.gov for more information.
Robin Tierney is a freelancer who writes about health and environment issues. She can be reached at [email protected].
