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Hypermiling - Essential to Improve Fuel Efficiency

Hypermiling is simply defined as a set of techniques used to maximize or push fuel efficiency. The term was originally taken from the name of a person, known as Wayne Gerdes, who is believed to be one of the best fuel-efficient drivers in the world. With his advanced and intellectual mind, he has been successful in holding a gas mileage of about 59 MPG in a Honda Accord.

The true practice of hypermiling dates back to World War II, when there was heavy fuel crisis during the 1970s. At that period of time, Reader's Digest published an informative guide for car consumers to help them enhance their car’s fuel efficiency. The old conventional cars were modified or altered with minor changes to exceed the mileage. As and when time passed away and innovations entered the Indian boundaries, people started learning and mastering the art of hypermiling.

People who know the art of hypermiling are popularly known as hypermilers. These are also known as fuel-efficient drivers who drive with caution and talent in order to stretch every liter of fuel. These hypermilers tend to achieve tremendous mileage, some even exceed to more than 100 MPG.

Anyone can master the art of hypermiling but that needs detail, perfection and caution. Though there are some very good techniques to exceed the standard fuel efficiency, some of the techniques are just risky and even illegal. Such techniques are never encouraged by anyone but yet there are people who apply brakes to their own life by using such death-taking measures.

The most common hypermiling techniques are wise driving habits, car maintenance, regular servicing, maintaining steady speed, planning local routes, switching off the air condition when not required, reducing excess load on the car, minimizing the use of brakes, keeping air filter up to date, and various advanced practices. Apart from these common practices, choice of gears, coasting, fuel type and trip computer also plays a vital role in exceeding fuel efficiency. Manual transmission system delivers more fuel efficiency as compared to automatic transmission.

Some of the latest practices in hypermiling include drafting and burn and coast. Drafting is a process where two cars running nose to tail have the capability of moving faster than an individual car. Burn and coast means driving a car to an accelerated speed followed by a period of coasting. When the starter is activated, cars inject extra fuel so it’s essential to maintain a balance between burn and coast or pulse and glide. The burn and coast method helps minimize the use of internal combustion engine and thereby improves fuel efficiency.

Hypermilers not only improves a car’s fuel efficiency but are also believed to be safe drivers. They are among the safest drivers even on congested city roads and are well aware of their car’s capabilities as well as the surroundings. Even though they engage themselves in various activities like listening music and talking on mobile phones behind the wheel, they are safer than an average driver who drives at a normal speed without losing concentration in any of these activities.

In short, hypermiling is a simple way to push the limits of fuel efficiency.