Hypermiling

**Hypermiling** is the combined craft or any single technique of energy efficient driving intended to decrease fuel consumption in vehicles. By making use of these techniques alone, one may significantly increase their fuel efficiency to well above the EPA rating for their vehicle.

The second Law of the Conservation of Energy tells us that in a closed system, energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can however be transferred, but not without using some of that energy to do so. By minimizing these losses, we can increase fuel economy, decrease our carbon footprint, save some money along the way, and maybe even change the world.

The internal combustion engine is not a particulatly effecient technology. Under typical driving conditions, a mid-sized sedan loses approximately 60-70% of the potential energy in gasoline during combustion as heat waste expelled hnder the hopd and out through the exhaust system.

## Hypermiling Techniques

Fortunately, there are tons of techniques and strategies to help combat these energy losses. The way you drive has pehaps the greatest effect on your vehicle's effeciency.

### Vehicle Maintenance

Regularly maintaining your vehicle in a mechanically sound condition is the foundation of hypermiling. If your check engine light is on or you suspect your vehicle isn't running properly, it likely isn't as safe and efficient as it should be. Any issues with its basic operaion should be addressed as soon as possible.

Regular oil changes with proper viscosity are crucial to the operation and maintainence of almost every vehicle, particularly the hypermiler's. Moving parts motors require lubrication, without which they will eventually fail. Using the proper weight or viscosity for your engine is hugely important - too thick or too thin and it will not move freely tojl lubricate or transfer heat effectively. We recommend using a full synthetic with your next oil change. A synthetic of the same viscocity is lighter, more effective in lubricating and cooling, and typically has a longer life than regular motor oil. In studies, it has also been shown to marginally improve fuel economy.

Regularly checking that your tires are inflated to factory recommended pressure at the minimum will help maintain you maintain bettter mileage. Tires can be filled to their maximum sidewall pressure without significant loss in performance. The less pressure in the tire, the more rolling resistance it has and the less effecient it rotates. For every 1 psi...

Likewise, keeping your tires aligned properly can help reduce rolling resistance and decrease uneven tire wear, increasing tire life.

## Easy Weight Reduction and Aero Modifications

Removing uneccessary cargo and only carrying as many passengers as needed can cut fuel costs significantly for some.

Many vehicles on the road can benefit aerodynamically from removing things like mudflaps and unused roof racks. Removing an unused roof rack may be good for as much as a 15% increase in fuel economy.

## The Road Less Traveled

Generally speaking, if you have the option of choosing lightly traveled roads over busier ones, you give yourself more flexibility to employ a wider range of fuel saving techniques than if you are surrounded by other vehicles.

Leave for your destination a little early so you don't feel pressure to drive faster, brake later and otherwise fall back into bad habits.

## Braking tips

2) coasting in neutral, engine idling; 3) regenerative coasting (hybrid vehicles) 4) regenerative braking (hybrid vehicles) 5) coasting in "deceleration fuel cut-off" mode (in gear, above a certain engine RPM) 6) conventional friction braking (non-hybrid or hybrid) Choosing the right method depends on traffic conditions (following vehicles) and how quickly you need to stop.