Go Green on a Budget

Hypermiling refers to ways you can make you car go further on less gas. Let’s face it, especially in the US, it is difficult if not impossible to get along without using our cars. We are a nation of independent individualistic people who don’t like to be tied down or at the mercy of other peoples schedules. That being said, we should be concerned with out environment and willing to make some sacrifices to preserve it. But, sometimes carpooling, working from home, getting a job closer to home, using public transportation, are not always possible for us. This is where hypermiling comes in.

Hypermiling involves a number of different things including: driving habits, keeping your vehicle in good working order, making your vehicle lighter by removing unnecessary items, and knowing when it is time to trade in that gas guzzler. Obviously, if it is time to trade, if it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep your vehicle in good working order, you should consider a vehicle with higher gas mileage. If the size of your family or habits make it impossible to use a smaller vehicle, make the best choice you can and then use the other hypermiling techniques.

The most difficult area for most people to make changes is in your driving habits. You want to drive at a constant speed wherever possible. If you are on the highway use your cruise control. This means eliminating the constant in and out trying to stay ahead of the pack. If you think about it, this rarely saves much time anyway. Slow down a little and don’t follow others too closely. This will prevent the constant breaking and speeding up that wastes fuel. It also helps reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and is safer.

Don’t let your car idle. At stoplights we don’t have any choice but to idle. However, stop letting your car idle just to warmup the interior in the winter or to cool it off in the summer. Run your errands in the cooler parts of the day in the summer to try to avoid using your airconditioner. Try to avoid bottleneck situations even if it means going a little out of your way.  If you do get stuck in a traffic jam, turn off your motor if you will have to idle for more than about 5 minutes. See if you can vary your work schedule by 30 minutes to 1 hour. This could help you avoid traffic jams and help you keep your travel speed more constant.

Keep your car in good repair. Do routine maintenance on a schedule. This is something that I have to work at because I can’t do the maintenance myself. But keeping the oil changed, the cooling system in good repair, tires inflated properly are all things that have small, but accumulating effects on your gas mileage. Use good quality motor oil with friction reducing qualities. Pay particular attention to the fuel injection system, air filters, and your oxygen sensor. If you can smell gas after starting your car you need to have it checked out. Even though your car may be operating well, you are probably wasting gas. 

Don’t forget the standard conservation methods. Consider a second vehicle that you use for work. You may need a large vehicle for the entire family, but purchasing a small fuel efficient vehicle for your daily commute may save you money in the long run. Organize your errands and do as many as possible on the way home from work. And of course try to carpool if you can.

Saving money on fuel costs is important to most of us. But working together to help save our environment is something that we all should participate in. Hypermiling is one way which we all can use to save money and help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.