Friday 2 January 2009

Best Gas Mileage - Get Better Gas Mileage By Learning From Hypermilers

Hypermilers are people who consciously drive to get better gas mileage. They do not buy new vehicles, but instead change the way that they drive to improve gas mileage. Here are some ways you can become a hypermiler and save gas.

One way to improve gas mileage is by removing anything unnecessary from your vehicle. The lighter your vehicle is, the more gas you will save. Also, if you have a roof rack that you do not use, take it off of your vehicle. (Remember, though, that in the winter, vehicles are less likely to slide in poor weather when they are heavier.)

Hypermilers recommend not stopping as much as possible in stop and go traffic to save gas. They encourage leaving a big space in front of your vehicle that allows it to roll continuously instead of stopping.

Another way to get better gas mileage is when you park. Instead of driving around a parking lot looking for the best place, improve gas mileage by pulling into the first available space you see and walking from there. Also, if possible, pull into a spot and pull through to the following adjacent parking spot directly in front of you, so that you avoid backing up, and can leave by pulling forward to save gas.

To get better gas mileage, hypermilers encourage drivers to tailgate 18-wheelers. This decreases the wind resistance to vehicles.

For vehicles manufactured in 1997 or later, get a gauge that tells you how many miles per gallon your vehicle is getting as you are driving. This can help you to consciously drive to improve gas mileage.

Hypermilers also recommend driving along routes that have wind barriers, like tall buildings or lots of trees, when it's windy outside. Fighting the wind without these barriers causes vehicles to consume more fuel.

Drive-thrus are something that hypermilers never use. Idling while waiting uses up a great deal of gas and decreases gas mileage.

These are just a few of the ways that hypermilers are able to improve gas mileage. Try one of these ideas today and start saving gas.

Gina Clark writes about financial related issues. Visit her blog for more tips to get better gas mileage and other ways to save money.

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