As gas prices fluctuate, drivers are turning to hypermiling—the art of pushing fuel efficiency to its limits. This fuel-saving practice has inspired enthusiasts to explore clever techniques that squeeze the most miles out of every tank.
In fact, a 2023 Toyota Prius recently set a Guinness World Record with an incredible 93.2 mpg over 3,200 miles¹. While you may not hit those record-breaking numbers, adopting these 15 hypermiling strategies can help you save on gas, cut costs, and reduce your carbon footprint—all without sacrificing your daily drive.
1. Slow & Steady Wins the Race
Maintaining a consistent, moderate speed is one of the most effective ways to improve fuel economy. Aim to cruise at or slightly below the speed limit, especially on highways.
For every 5 mph you drive over 50 mph, you’re essentially paying an additional $0.27 per gallon for gas. (ref)
Avoid sudden accelerations and hard braking, which waste fuel. Instead, anticipate traffic flow and coast when possible. This smooth driving style not only saves gas but also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle.
2. Lighten Your Load
Every extra pound in your vehicle requires more fuel to move. Clean out your trunk and remove any unnecessary items. That golf bag you’ve been lugging around all winter? Time to store it in the garage.
A good rule of thumb is that for every 100 pounds you remove from your car, you can improve your MPG by about 1-2%. While that may not sound like much, it adds up over time. Plus, a decluttered car just feels better to drive.
3. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly and keep them inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
This simple maintenance task can improve your fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
Be careful not to overinflate, though. While some hypermilers swear by this technique, it can be dangerous and lead to uneven tire wear. Stick to the recommended pressure for safety and optimal performance.
4. Use Cruise Control Wisely
On flat highways, cruise control can be your best friend for maintaining a steady speed and maximizing fuel efficiency. However, it’s not always the best choice.
On hilly terrain, cruise control tends to accelerate aggressively to maintain speed uphill, burning extra fuel.
In these situations, it’s better to manually control your speed, allowing it to drop slightly on inclines and then regain momentum on the downhill. This technique, known as “pulse and glide,” can significantly improve your MPG on varied terrain.
5. Plan Your Trips
Combining errands into one trip saves more fuel than making multiple short trips. Your engine operates most efficiently when it’s warm, so several short trips with a cold engine use more fuel than a single, longer trip covering the same distance.
Consider the timing of your trips as well. Avoid peak traffic hours when possible, as stop-and-go driving significantly reduces fuel efficiency.
Early mornings or late evenings often offer clearer roads, allowing for more consistent speeds and better fuel economy.
6. Avoid Idling
If you’re going to be stationary for more than 10 seconds, turn off your engine. Idling wastes fuel and money – up to half a gallon per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. Modern engines don’t need to “warm up” by idling, even in cold weather.
This technique is especially useful in drive-thru lines or when waiting to pick someone up. Just be mindful of traffic safety when restarting your engine.
Some newer cars come with automatic start-stop technology, making this tip even easier to implement.
7. Use the Right Oil
Using the manufacturer-recommended grade of motor oil can improve your fuel economy by 1-2%. Look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Synthetic oils can also improve fuel efficiency, especially in colder climates. While they may cost more upfront, the fuel savings and extended engine life can make them a smart long-term investment.
8. Maintain Your Vehicle
Regular maintenance keeps your car running efficiently. Replace air filters as recommended – a clogged air filter can reduce fuel economy in older cars with carbureted engines. Keep your engine tuned, and fix any problems promptly.
Pay special attention to your oxygen sensor. A faulty one can decrease your fuel efficiency by up to 40%. Regular oil changes and tire rotations also contribute to better fuel economy and longer vehicle life.
9. Use A/C Strategically
At lower speeds, open windows are more fuel-efficient than air conditioning. However, at highway speeds, open windows create drag that can reduce fuel efficiency more than A/C use.
As a general rule, use windows under 40 mph and A/C above that speed.
When you do use A/C, set it to the highest temperature you find comfortable. The smaller the difference between the outside and inside temperatures, the less energy the system uses.
10. Avoid Rush Hour
Stop-and-go traffic is terrible for fuel economy. If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid peak traffic times. If you can’t avoid rush hour entirely, use traffic apps to find the least congested route.
Consider alternatives like carpooling or public transportation during high-traffic periods. Not only will this save fuel, but it can also reduce stress and wear on your vehicle.
11. Use a Fuel Consumption Display
Many modern cars come equipped with real-time fuel consumption displays. These can be powerful tools for improving your driving habits. Pay attention to how your driving style affects your instant MPG, and adjust accordingly.
If your car doesn’t have a built-in display, consider installing an aftermarket one. These devices can provide valuable insights into your fuel usage patterns and help you identify areas for improvement, such as excessive idling or aggressive acceleration.
12. Draft Safely
Professional hypermilers sometimes draft behind large vehicles to reduce wind resistance.
However, this can be extremely dangerous and is not recommended for everyday drivers. Instead, try to time your highway driving to coincide with less windy conditions.
If you must drive in windy conditions, slow down. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed, so even a small reduction in speed can significantly improve fuel economy in blustery weather.
13. Optimize Your Route
The shortest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient. Factors like traffic, road conditions, and elevation changes can all impact fuel consumption. Use navigation apps that offer fuel-efficient routing options to find the best path.
Consider the topography of your route as well. A slightly longer route with fewer hills might be more fuel-efficient than a shorter, hillier one.
Some advanced GPS systems can even provide routes optimized for your specific vehicle type, taking into account factors like engine efficiency at different speeds.
14. Leverage Engine Braking
Engine braking is a technique that can significantly improve fuel efficiency, especially when driving in hilly areas or approaching stops. Instead of relying solely on your brakes, gradually take your foot off the accelerator and allow the engine’s compression to slow the vehicle. This method not only saves fuel but also reduces wear on your brake pads.
When approaching a red light or stop sign, start slowing down early by easing off the accelerator. This technique, combined with proper anticipation of traffic flow, can often allow you to keep moving slowly instead of coming to a complete stop.
Remember to always prioritize safety over fuel savings, using engine braking judiciously and in conjunction with your regular brakes as needed.
15. Learn from the Pros
Join online hypermiling communities to learn advanced techniques and share experiences with other fuel-efficiency enthusiasts. Many of these forums offer valuable tips and real-world data on the effectiveness of various hypermiling methods.
Remember to always prioritize safety over fuel savings. While it’s great to maximize your MPG, no amount of fuel savings is worth risking an accident.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
