My aim with this tutorial is to aid you in getting the best gas mileage and saving your hard earned dollar at the fuel pump. It doesn't matter if your vehicle requires diesel fuel or gas if use the safe techniques you will safe some gas! Nothing is needed to save, just a little willpower to keep at the driving habits you may pick up here.

With that said I take no responsibility for your actions on the road, or if you decide to tear apart your vehicle to remove an accessory!

Lighten your load!

The simplest step on your way to hypermiling or at least a bit of extra fuel mileage: get the junk out of your trunk! Well, not only your trunk, but your entire vehicle. Not only is it much more safe to get that water bottle off of your floorboard or from under your seat, but it will free up some weight. Some ideas to head in this direction:

• Clean out any trash.
• Items you don't need daily (cameras, change, luggage).
• Giant stereo systems (loud isn't very safe, can be very heavy).
• Tools (do you really need that bulky shop style floor jack in the back of the truck?).

The list can go on and on. While cleaning up my 2000 Hyundai Accent, I took out a few sets of tools, small cooler left from a road trip, hefty amount of change, a block of steel I had bought (20 pounds) and my pets leash.

I have read some go as far as removing different engine accessories for less weight such as air conditioner pump and alternators. Unless you really know what you're doing I wouldn't attempt it though.

Below are some items from Amazon to help you track MPG much more efficiently

ScanGauge has always been popular for MPG tracking, mobile diagnostics - know whats wrong before real damage is caused. Easy install, no tools required!

Know how to drive your car specifically

One of the easiest way to lose miles per gallon is not knowing that you're vehicle isn't in the correct gear for your speed.

Overdrive or O/D should be ON for an automatic transmission vehicle if equipped - unless you're towing or for various terrain (mountains for one). If you have an automatic transmission you have two pedals in your vehicle and most likely your shifter will go from "P-R-N-(D)-3-2-1 or P-R-N-(D)-2-L.

For modern manual transmissions it is always best to cruise (50+MPH) in you're highest gear. To maximize your fuel efficiency for a manual transmission you should try to shift and cruise no more than 2500-3000 rpm. Only perform this if you know how to shift down -> Coast to a red light in neutral.

Driving habits

These steps can be tough to do at all times so always be aware of not only your safety, but everyone on the road.

• Keep a light foot.
• Don't speed to try and beat street lights.
• Pulse accelerate.
• Don't idle for extended periods of times.
  
• AC on or windows down in warm weather?
• Cruise?
• Maintenance schedule
  

Keep a light foot always. When speeding on a new tank of gas anywhere above 60-65 in my Hyundai I notice a decrease in mileage. This also ties the second point but I kept them separate because we sometimes think to beat the next light we should speed! Not only do I find this opposite in most of my cases, but who needs to get a ticket and set ourselves back with fuel cost in mind?

Pulse accelerating is getting to speed and coasting in neutral to keep RPM low and gas consumption at a minimum. Remember to keep everyone in mind though, not the best thing to do during rush hour. Always obey minimum speed signs.

I'm not sure which would win with saving gas mileage, AC on, or windows down as I do not have any MPG tools installed on my Hyundai, but I would probably lean toward AC removal and windows down. Not only would you lighten your vehicle with the removal of AC components - you get less power taken from your engine by eliminating the drag from the pulley on your pump. You could go all out and keep your windows up in the summer heat but who really wants to be that uncomfortable?

Cruise? Again I do not have any MPG tools in my vehicle to give you facts, also may be different for other makes and models.

Maintenance schedule is very important also, while some are every week, few months, every couple years or as needed, should be paid very close attention to. Anything to keep you rolling with less friction and or less engine load. Weekly check for low oil, correct tire pressure as described ON your door post sticker or tire markings. Monthly I would say tire wear and rotation. Every few years you should check for wheel bearing play to minimize friction.

A couple points to add:

• Don't draft other vehicles (tailgate), none of us need to become road kill
• Some hypermilers will push their vehicle backwards instead of reversing while the vehicle is off. I don't recommend this at all being you could be on a hill or a small incline. No runaway vehicles!

Choose your weapon!

I chose to add this for people who choose to take part in the cash for clunkers government program while its still operating. While its easier to save with a hybrid I'm not saying to go out and spend anything- hypermiling does not require a change of vehicles, I can hypermile in my fathers 4x4 Dodge 2500 truck with a 6.7 Cummins diesel.

In my opinion hybrid vehicles may be the best for hypermiling due to the insanely high MPG reported with modified driving habits Below is an example from Wikipedia. This is due to being able to coast down without having to use the internal combustion engine at all! Diesels are also getting a lot of attention while automakers are working on designing them to be more green, but any small vehicle will do.

The recent Maximum Fuel Economy contest was held in Elkhart, Indiana, where "world records" for the Honda Insight (213 mpg round trip) - Wikipedia

Conclusion

With the tips I have gave I hope you can fill up less frequently and keep a bit more in your pocket, as always, be safe!

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