The Art of Hypermiling: 6 Tips to Maximize Fuel Economy

Did you know that simply changing the way you drive can help you save at the pump? A
technique called “hypermiling” has helped many drivers just like you achieve gas
mileage well beyond that of the stated MPG rating. It is not uncommon for a hypermiler
to improve gas mileage by 35 percent or more just by changing specific driving
behaviors.

There are more than 100 documented techniques you can use to reduce fuel
consumption, but here are six top tips to put your fuel efficiency into hyper-drive:

1. Speedy drivers don’t win: Drive the speed limit or five miles below.
2. Take car care: Stick to a regular maintenance schedule.
3. Don’t be a jackrabbit: Avoid unnecessary braking and accelerating too quickly,
which causes your car to burn excess fuel.
4. Lighten your load: Reduce car weight by removing unneeded objects.
5. Pump them up: Your tires, that is. Less tire surface on the road means an increase
in fuel economy.
6. Avoid unnecessarily idling: If you’re going to be parked for more than 30 seconds,
you’ll save more fuel by shutting off your engine and restarting than idling.

Obviously the best way to save on gas is by using a commute alternative such as
carpooling, vanpooling, taking transit or bicycling. For the times when you do need to
drive, hypermiling techniques can help you keep a few extra dollars in your wallet.

Going Mobile: Get Gas Prices & Best Route Info On the Go
As the average gas price in Georgia hovers near $4 a gallon, we are all looking for ways
to minimize the pain at the pump. Choosing a commute alternative (carpooling,
vanpooling, transit, bicycling or walking) is your best way to save. You’ll still need to fill
up – just not as often. Here are a few mobile apps that can help you locate the cheapest
gas in your area, determine your fuel economy, or identify alternate routes to take
during traffic jams so you can avoid spending unnecessary time in traffic - right from
your phone.

 GasBuddy: Relies on its 5 million users to post the cheapest gas prices in their area.

 Cheap Gas: Finds the cheapest gasoline near your location and then maps a route to
the station.

 AAA Trip Tik: Lets users search for local gas prices and sort results by distance.

 Gas Cubby: Tips off users to possible issues with a vehicle by analyzing its fuel
economy.

 Georgia-Navigator: Real-time traffic info for Georgia commuters, with maps and
incident details.

 Route 4 me: Specializes in mapping out routes for multiple stops.

We’re sure you’ve noticed: gas prices have jumped 44% in the past six months.
Sanctuary Park and The Clean Air Campaign want to help you save at the pump and
improve your commute. Learn more. Go to www.logyourcommute.org

The cost of a gallon of gas has jumped $1.20 in the past six months. But Sanctuary
Park tenants have saved a combined $374,000 on commute costs since November
2010 by carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, teleworking, bicycling, walking or working
compressed work weeks. Way to go!