Hypermiling – a Sign of Things to Come?

'Hypermilers' watch the rev counter closely. (Pic: Leaseplan)

This week, the Sunday Times(£) reported on a new trend that is emerging amongst motorists: ‘hypermiling’. The practice combines a number of measures to ensure that their vehicles achieve maximum fuel efficiency. As well as proactive driving measures, such as braking less and limiting rapid acceleration, ‘hypermilers’ also seek to squeeze more MPG out of their cars by ensuring they are well maintained.

A website dedicated to the trend – www.hypermiler.co.uk has been growing in popularity, and features a series of top tips for those wishing to maximise the potential of their vehicles. It is interesting to note that the author of this website, Karl Dyson, is quick to point out that to ‘hypermile’, a car does not necessarily have to be one of the most fuel efficient on the market, instead the benefit is gauged in terms of proportional savings.

Cost Savings for Business Travel

'Hypermiling' could be of interest to business car drivers since other cost-saving methods, such as making fewer journeys, simply aren’t an option to this demographic. In addition, the practice of ‘hypermiling’ ensures that savings are not limited to those who drive smaller cars. While some methods of increasing MPG remain slightly more extreme than others (we’re not sure about the wisdom of ‘drafting’ behind articulated lorries on the motorway!) there are some simple, risk-free tips that are raised by the ‘hypermiling’ community:

      -          Always ensure that tires are fully pumped up
      -          Remove excess weight from the vehicle
      -          Avoid heavy braking and acceleration where possible
      -          Ensure the engine is well serviced and oiled

All of these tips, when combined with more fuel efficient vehicles and better driving techniques should help to save drivers precious amounts in the face of ever rising fuel prices.