The majority of today’s cars are powered by fuel with a combustible engine, which is seen from any aspect, not as efficient and friendly as electric cars.

Especially when it comes to environmental issues, saving fuel is one of the proactive steps to reduce gas emissions due to vehicle pollution. The method varies, but the most popular is hypermiling.

With this method, fuel consumption can be reduced so the operational costs can be reduced as well. The benefits to the environment and pollution can be limited.

What is Hypermiling?

The term hypermiling is actually a strategy aimed to save the fuel. Saving on fuel means saving on budget, which helps to protect the environment too. The goal of hypermiling is to maximize the fuel efficiency by driving efficiently.

This method can be applied to all cars, regardless of the type. Because it is more like a driving technique, hypermiling focuses on maintaining momentum when accelerating and braking.

Hypermiling helps reduce the fuel consumption while the car is running. Hypermiling can be achieved by applying several driving techniques to get as far as possible with as little fuel consumption as possible. What must be remembered, the main rule of hypermiling is actually don't drive if you can, instead walk or ride a bicycle.

Simple Hypermiling Tricks

The basic idea of ​​hypermiling is to save the fuel, and this method can be applied directly without having to change the car components or structure. Let’s take a look for the options.

1. Regular Service

Hypermiling is only effective for healthy cars with normal engines. It would be useless if the car already has a problem with the engine. Although regular servicing may expensive, it is important to keep the engine and chassis working.

Depending on the car, the service is divided into several categories. Minor service must be performed every 6 months or 1,000 km; full service for every 12 months or 2,000 km; and comprehensive service for every 24 months or 4,000 km.

During the service, mechanics may find potential damaged components so they can be handled directly before becoming a problem. Especially for the internal combustion component at the engine block that is responsible for fuel consumption, regular checks are clearly needed.

2. Optimize Fuel Purchase

This point is often overlooked, but has a big impact on hypermiling techniques. As you may know, the price of fuel often fluctuates so the hypermiling technique is less effective without understanding the price of fuel.

Borrowing the trading term, 'buy low, sell high'.

If the goal is hypermiling, this trick should be applied when buying fuel. In short, when the price drops, try to fill the tank as much as possible. When the price goes up, buy only what you need.

3. Coasting Technique

The coasting technique can be done by increasing the speed slowly and then keeping a distance from the car in front and behind to minimize the brakes.

The main reason behind the coasting technique is to avoid using the brakes too much to slow down the car, or pressing the throttle too much to accelerate. That means, the coasting technique adheres to speed stability while riding.

4. Wheel Maintenance

Wheels are more like shoes for a car. Wearing worn shoes makes the drive become less comfortable, not to mention the safety aspect is also at stake. The thread tire is essential.

Too much wear will increase the fuel consumption because the tires don't get the grip they need. Besides the thread, air pressure has an equal influence. Low pressure requires the tire to rotate more to cover the same distance. That means, fuel consumption will increase to accommodate the rotation.

5. Reduce the Load

The more loads you carry, the more fuel you waste. The car is easier to drive with a light load. But the load can be anything from dust, dirt, or even unused components.

In extreme cases of hypermiling, some components are removed including the carpet, mattress, and other entertainment features. What must be remembered, although this trick is great for maximizing the fuel efficiency, but makes driving less comfortable.

6. Road Management

Especially when driving over long distances, learn the terrain and choose the shortest route. But the shortest route is not always the best because it is usually more difficult for several reasons.

Besides knowing the road routes, travel management will cover every activity while on the road. One example, when you want to use a bathroom, stop at a gas station to refuel or stop at the supermarket to buy a drink or food.

This trick is useful for reducing the number of stops during a trip, reducing wear, increasing efficiency and extending the life of the car.

7. Reduce Stop and Go

One thing that makes fuel run out quickly is stop and go, especially during traffic jams. During acceleration, the engine requires a high amount of fuel to drive all the engine components. When stopped, the car still has energy left to go.

Stabilizing vehicle speed and reducing stop and go can have a big impact on fuel consumption. And this hypermiling method is closely related to driving techniques.