Online vehicle retail platform carwow has shared how drivers can improve the fuel economy of their vehicle by hypermiling.
Hypermiling is a term given to motorists using a number of economical driving methods to cut the fuel consumed by their car.
John Tallodi, driving expert at carwow, noted that whilst drivers of all cars are able to see an improvement in economy when hypermiling, the best results come from cars that are already efficient.
He explained: “A car that has a high claimed MPG is your first step towards maximising your hypermiling results. Small cars with small engines do well in the city, but larger ones may produce better results on the motorway as they won’t have to work as hard to maintain momentum.
“The latest engine technologies and hybrid drivetrains also make a big difference. A Mercedes C-Class plug-in hybrid can do 471mpg if you make the most of its 68 miles of electric range.”
Before getting behind the wheel, motorists looking to hypermile were advised to make sure that the tyres have the right amount of pressure in them, as stated on a label found on a doorframe of the vehicle and in the handbook.
Running a car with underinflated tyres increases the vehicle’s rolling resistance, meaning more of the tyres come into contact with the road surface.
The company also recommended that drivers should make sure that all unnecessary items should be removed from the car to reduce weight.
When setting off, carwow suggested that drivers should try to avoid using the heating and air conditioning system wherever possible.
Whilst motorists will likely have to run the heater when they start the engine to demist the windscreen, the useful feature uses excess fuel, meaning it could cut fuel economy.
Similarly, owners of off-road vehicles should make sure that they are not in four-wheel drive mode, with the drivetrain requiring more energy.
However, hypermiling often requires drivers to change the way they act behind the wheel, with carwow recommending that they should always anticipate the road ahead.
Whilst this can help to improve road safety, it also reduces the likelihood of harsh acceleration and braking, meaning the engine runs at a more consistent speed.
According to Hypermiler, an organisation dedicated to the fuel-saving driving style, motorists who follow these tips can improve fuel economy by up to 40 percent.
