Good fuel efficiency is a major element people look for in a vehicle. In addition to adding some extra miles, a fuel-efficient vehicle helps save money. Besides the vehicle specs and features, some driving techniques also contribute to enhancing fuel efficiency. Hypermiling, for instance, is an effective technique to maximise miles per gallon (mpg) in a vehicle. The fuel-efficient technique has been in practice for almost two decades. Let’s dive into the details of hypermiling, learn its methods and see how it helps to maximise fuel efficiency.
Hypermiling – A Brief History
It all started in the early 2000s. As petrol prices skyrocketed in the US, people turned towards alternative options. While electric vehicles weren’t as advanced at that time, hybrid cars became the new favourites. People were on the lookout for ways to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles.
Eventually, the term ‘hypermiling’ was introduced by Wayne Gerdes, the founder of CleanMPG – an online community for driving enthusiasts. The technique included methods to maximise the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. Hypermiling garnered immense attention around the globe. Furthermore, hypermiling was named the ‘Word of the Year’ in 2008 by the New Oxford American Dictionary.
Hypermiling Techniques
Modern vehicles come equipped with advanced features to enhance fuel efficiency. For instance, active fuel management among many others. However, with hypermiling, drivers can combat excess fuel consumption with ease. Let’s now go through the ways to hypermile and maximise vehicle efficiency.
ASSESS DRIVING NEEDS
One of the most effective ways to hypermile is to access the driving needs. Additionally, fuel consumption won’t be an issue at all if a vehicle isn’t used. Short-distance trips in cars, although small, still consume fuel. Therefore, it is a viable option to look for alternative ways.
For instance, walking or using a bicycle for shorter distances. Also, these are effective ways to contribute to the environment. Besides, consider using public transport. Fortunately for the people in the UAE, the country does not lack when it comes to public transport.
Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram and Abu Dhabi Ferry are all formidable travel options. Moreover, the Dubai Metro Blue Line is set to cover more areas in the emirate.
PLAN THE ROUTE
Taking the shortest route is a great way to save fuel. Moreover, plan the route and consider some additional factors for travel. For instance, the number of traffic signals and road layout. Uphill driving usually puts more stress on the engine. Opt for the route with the shortest distance and the smoothest road.
AVOID EXCESS BRAKING AND ACCELERATION
Excess braking and acceleration both prompt the engine to consume more petrol. Therefore, it is important to avoid hard braking and acceleration at all times. Moreover, for manual vehicles, use in-gear coasting. This allows vehicles to coast in gear rather than the engine consuming petrol to move the vehicle.
ENSURE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Hypermiling also includes taking proper care of the vehicle. Maintenance is instrumental in getting the best out of a vehicle. Several issues in the vehicle can lead to excess fuel consumption. For instance, delays in oil change make the liquid thick and sludgy.
Consequently, the engine works more rigorously and consumes additional fuel. Therefore, it is important to follow the car maintenance checklist to keep the vehicle in perfect condition.
AVOID OVERLOADING
Excessive weight on a vehicle also puts the engine under stress. For a car loaded with extra weight, the engine consumes more fuel for acceleration and braking. Check the vehicle and get rid of any unnecessary items. Additionally, pack luggage according to the vehicle’s payload capability. Also, be wary of the vehicle’s towing capacity when pulling a trailer.
REDUCE THE DRAG
Aerodynamics plays an important role in the fuel efficiency of a vehicle. A smart hypermiling technique to reduce drag and make a vehicle aerodynamic is to get rid of accessories like roof racks. Less wind resistance allows a vehicle to manoeuvre with ease on the road.
PARK SMARTLY
For vehicle parking, the most convenient spot may not be ideal for saving fuel. Particularly, if it requires drivers to drive several stories up or at a distant location. Therefore, look for a parking spot away from crowded places to easily enter and exit the location. Moreover, the people of Dubai can use RTA’s smart directional public parking signs to locate spots beforehand.
CHECK TYRE PRESSURE
Tyre pressure has a direct impact on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Hypermilers keep a close eye on tyre pressure before setting on a journey. Be wary of the reasons car tyres lose pressure and ensure proper maintenance. Additionally, be sure to select the right types of tyres for the vehicle.
CARPOOLING
For trips with friends or relatives, consider carpooling. Every occupant chipping in small amounts trims down individual costs as a whole. For instance, fuel, parking and toll charges. Moreover, look for a colleague living nearby to carpool with them and cut fuel expenses.
USE CRUISE CONTROL
An effective hypermiling technique is to use cruise control. The fuel-saving feature is readily available in modern vehicles. Cruise control saves petrol and is an effective way to maximise fuel efficiency.
FAQs
What is Hypermiling?
Hypermiling is a series of techniques drivers use to maximise vehicle fuel efficiency. These involve timely vehicle maintenance, smart parking, avoiding excessive braking and accelerating among other ways.
How to Become a Hypermiler?
You can become a hypermiler by adopting a series of techniques. For instance, keep a thorough check on tyre pressure and ensure vehicle maintenance. Additionally, use eco-friendly driving techniques to enhance fuel economy and contribute to the environment at the same time. Furthermore, carpooling and route planning are also habits of hypermilers.
Does Hypermiling Save Petrol?
Hypermiling techniques help minimise the use of petrol by a vehicle. Consequently, it is an effective way to save petrol.
This is everything you need to know about the hypermiling meaning, origin and techniques. Fuel efficiency remains a sought-after aspect of a vehicle. Even race drivers use extreme hypermiling techniques to preserve fuel. With the aforementioned techniques in the hypermiling guide, you can trim down fuel consumption as a whole.
With the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, the future of petrol cars was put into question. However, smart initiatives and techniques like hypermiling can be good ways to combat the issue of rising fuel prices.
Besides hypermiling, there are some fuel-efficient driving techniques to maximise a vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Advancements in the automotive industry have introduced remarkable features to enhance fuel efficiency. Additionally, electric and hybrid vehicles remain viable options in this regard. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and select from a variety of petrol, electric and hybrid vehicles to choose as your next travel companion.
Stay connected to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn how to hypermile and other fuel-efficient driving techniques.
Related Posts
