Veganomics Lesson Nine: Take a page out of a hypermiler’s playbook.

What is a hypermiler? USA Today ran an article last week about folks across the country using various tricks in the quest to eek out more miles per gallon. The

average hypermiler can often increase gas efficiency to 100 mpg.

Let me repeat that: 100 miles per gallon.

Hypermilers are using methods that have more than a few people raising eyebrows. AAA and other travel officials have issued warnings against gas-saving tricks deemed dangerous, including over-inflation of tires beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations, drivers turning off engines and coasting through city streets, and the practice of “drafting” semi-trucks (closely following a truck to avoid wind resistance).

But hypermilers are also practicing some savvy tips to improve their mpg, such as:

Graph showing MPG VS speed MPG decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph

  • Regularly checking oil levels

  • Changing the air filter

  • Slowing and accelerating at gradual rates

  • Utilizing cruise control

  • Driving at lower speeds on the highway (see fuel ecomony graph, ideal is 55-60 mph)

  • Timing traffic lights to avoid coming to a complete stop

  • Purchasing hybrid vehicles

  • Following the maintenance schedule

While hypermilers sometimes take these measures to the extreme, such as driving dangerously below the recommended speed limit, most of these are common sense approaches to reduce gasoline consumption.  Other practices, such as only cracking the windows slightly and driving without A/C, might be uncomfortable on hot days or long drives. To see which practices are safe, get the experts take from USA Today.

What does all of this have to do with Veganomics? Allow me to demonstrate how implementing these practices can lead to spending less money on fuel, reducing your carbon footprint, and improving your overall health. A technique hypermilers often use is “combination” trips. Many of us already try to condense trips, such as going to the bank, the post office, and the grocery store all in one car trip. A hypermiler, however, will do that and much more.

To mimic a hypermiler, select locations that are all within walking distance. Park at the closest location, as close to the street as possible, and avoid circling or searching for a parking spot. Select a parking spot where you can pull straight through, rather than having to back out later. Now, get some exercise and walk to the other locations and carry out your errands. When you are finished, walk back to your vehicle and drive straight home. Bonus: if you park farther away from the grocery store, you will probably only buy the food items you really need, therefore saving money on your bill.

Homework: Borrow safe and sensible techniques from hypermilers to reduce fuel consumption.

CNN Money also published a great article that translates hypermiling into practices all motorists can use for better fuel economy.


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