CarBuyersNoteBook

When it comes to motor sports, speed is normally what anyone would care about. But if you talk about long range races, perhaps that is not always the case. The important thing is to consider how far you can go, regardless of the speed you are driving at. And that is practically what Hypermiling is all about.

Hypermiling is the new kind of motoring event where cars are driven thousands of miles very slowly and very carefully, proving that motor sports don’t have to be all about screeching tyres, maximum revs and power slides.

The aim is to drive the car as far as possible on a single tank of fuel, as frugally as possible. That means no stereo, no air conditioning, no open windows and minimal use of the throttle. Tire pressures are inflated to their absolute maximum to reduce rolling resistance and every fuel-saving technique possible is applied – such as freewheeling down hills! Not recommended by your car insurance company.

Tips for Hypermilers:

• Accelerate as smoothly and as little as you can possibly get away with.
• Brake as gently and as little as possible; anticipating the traffic flow will help you achieve this.
• Coast up to traffic lights and stop signs.
• As you approach the top of a hill, take your foot off the accelerator; gravity will automatically increase your speed as you crest the brow.
• Avoid bumps and potholes, which reduce forward momentum.
• Install a fuel-consumption gauge in your car, so you can track your performance.

(Source) Press