Hypermiling Your Way to
Better Gas Mileage

Hypermiling is a driving technique used by some drivers in order to achieve better gas mileage.

While the driving tips laid out on this site are excellent, some fuel conscious drivers utilize some extreme (and sometimes dangerous) techniques to achieve superior gas mileage.

Hypermiling Driving Tips

1. Driving Without Shoes

   Hypermilers use this technique because they believe it allows them to control the gas pedal to the smallest possible degree. Keep in mind that driving without shoes may be illegal in some states.
   
   
   

2. Pulse and Glide
   
   This trick is used by drivers in order to double gas mileage.

   Instead of maintaining a contstant speed of, say 30 mph, the idea is to pulse it to 45 mph quickly, let up off the gas and coast down to 30 mph.

   This technique only works if there are few drivers on the road, no stop signs or red lights, and you aren't going above the speed limit.

   We personally question this technique and believe you'll achieve far better gas mileage if you accelerate slowly and maintain a constant speed and low RPM.
   
   
   

3. Potential Parking

   This is an excellent technique used by hypermilers, and one that we highly recommend. Any time you can give yourself a rolling start, it's easier on your gas mileage.

   In this case, find a parking space that's at the highest point.

   Coast to the space to park.

   When you're ready to leave, put the car in neutral. Coast downhill until you need to stop or have to use the gas pedal to continue your momentum.
   
   
   

4. Rabbit Timing

   If you study the traffic lights on familiar routes, this technique will keep you from wasting gas.

   If you know you will have to stop, let up off the gas and coast to the light. Allow the other drivers who insist they must "hurry up and wait" to get ahead of you.

   Other cars will trigger the sensors, and you'll be able to continue coasting through the light without slowing down as much. You probably won't have to use your brakes.

Return to "Driving Tips" from "Hypermiling".

Back from Hypermiling to Improve Gas Mileage Guide Home