Drive or Glide?
I learned about an interesting new trend in fuel efficiency as I was chatting with my friend, Jim Grosslight, today. Jim is a partner of Peak Automotive Restoration. They are experts in the preservation and restoration of classic autos and they customize new cars. One of the many perks of being friends with Jim is that, apart from knowing the answer to just about any car-related question I may ask, I get to ride in his beautifully restored antique cars regularly. Thanks, Jim!
We were discussing the differences in gas savings between antique and current cars, when he asked me if I had heard of the term “hypermiling.” Shocked, that I hadn’t heard of this smart new expression, I said “no” and inquired further…”Hypermilers,” are drivers who will do almost anything in their power to boost their gas mileage by changing their driving habits. It’s apparently a popular new trend that when done the “Smart in the City” way can save you some money at the pump.
Want to know where to sign?
Here are some tips that you can use toward becoming a “hypermiler.” Hypermilers break down their vehicles performance, highlighting every misstep: stop-and-go driving, too much braking, etc. Hypermilers say that some simple ways to improve fuel economy are by optimizing the design of your car, pumping up your tires and turning off your air conditioning — which can be hard during Raleigh’s hot days of summer.
Hypermilers have also taken steps to adjust their lifestyles to reflect the challenges of the new economy. Many are carpooling, using alternative transportation options, or driving less.
Some more extreme maneuvers are not so smart, and can get you in trouble — like coasting at 7 miles per hour through a stop sign. I don’t recommend that, unless you want to talk yourself out of ticket by explaining how breaking the law is “in style.”
With gas prices relentlessly soaring, we are all being forced to rethink our driving habits in one way or another. While it seems logical, Hypermiling seems like it requires a lot of extra thought and planning that I don’t think I could fully dedicate my remaining energies to. The concept may or may not be for you, but some of the methods used can be implemented easily enough to save you at least a bit of stress — and money next time you visit the pump.
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I get torked at the hypermilers who want to do just under the speed limit in the fast lane.
I say, “MOVE OVER”. Just becaue YOU will do anything to save a buck, etc. (environmental cosiderations, etc.), don’t force ME to be late for my appointment.GRMBBLL!