Good to the Last Drop

Cost of gas making you crazy? Don’t get mad—get hyper

Skyrocketing prices at the pump have convinced some drivers to ditch their traditional gas-guzzlers for hybrids. Yet there are a few drivers out there making the most of their current rides—while purportedly getting hybrid-like mileage. Meet the hypermilers. These drivers go to extreme measures to get the maximum bang out of a tank of gas. “In conventional vehicles,” states cleanmpg.com, asite dedicated to upping fuel economy and lowering emissions, “[hypermilers] can often match the mileage of an average person driving an equivalent hybrid.” To join the club, consider these tips the next time you head out on the road.

Hypermiling 101
• Use cruise control whenever possible
• Avoid sudden starts and stops
• Avoid driving on hilly/mountainous terrain
• Do not idle excessively
• Do no take frequent, short trips
• Do not exceed the speed limit
• Minimize use of air conditioning
• Use four-wheel drive only when necessary
• Tow only when necessary
• Remove cargo/cargo racks
• Coast whenever you can
• Keep your tires properly inflated

Advanced techniques for risk-takers (we assume no legal liability)
• “Drafting”: tailgating trucks in order to cut down on wind resistance
• Driving well below the speed limit
• Coasting with the engine off
• Coasting through red lights or stop signs
• Driving shoeless (to get a better feel of the accelerator/brake)

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