Driver Training

It’s been quite a while since I posted anything about “Hyper-milers”. After putting $54 in my gas tank yesterday I feel it may be time again.
Each year there is a “race” to determine who is the nations most fuel efficient driver. Last year it was held in Madison, Wisconsin. Wayne Gerdes is considered the greatest driver in the hyper-miler world. He goes to extremes to reach 150 mpg in a Honda Civic Hybrid.

Like Nascar racing many of the techniques he uses in this “race” wouldn’t be appropriate for you and me. However, many of the things he does to save gas are, in fact, applicable.

The heavy footed way most of us drive is neither efficient, nor safe - nor does it save much time. One study found that fast starts and hard stops cut travel time by just 4 percent–75 seconds on a half-hour trip.

It’s great that people are starting to buy cars that get better gas mileage; however, if you’re driving inefficiently you could improve your mileage that much more.

Below are some tips on improving your gas mileage, not matter what kind of car you drive.

1. Drive the speed limit – You’re really not going to get there much faster by speeding. Really.
2. Stop using the brake – Look further up the road and anticipate stops ahead, whether due to traffic, stop signs or signals. Lay off the gas as ease to the stop or slowdown, what’s the hurry, you’re going to stop anyway.
3. Coast – If you think about it, there are a lot of places that you can take your foot off the gas and let gravity take over.
4. Clean your car – Every extra pound wastes gas. Clear your trunk of all that useless stuff.
5. Change your oil often – Engine friction wastes gas.
6. Check your tire pressure – It’s simply more efficient.