Can hypermiling really save on fuel costs?
In a couple days time I will be taking delivery of a Scangauge trip computer from a Canadian reseller of this U.S. device. My goal is to test the practice of hypermiling by tracking real-time fuel consumption in my 2004 Chevy Venture van. The results will be published in MoneySense magazine after a few thorough runs at normal driving and using various hypermiling tactics.
For anyone not familiar with hypermiling, it is a growing movement whereby drivers use a variety of tactics to reduce their fuel consumption. One U.S. resident claims to double his fuel economy by using such simple tricks as coasting, shutting off his engine at red lights and using his brakes as little as possible.
Some hypermiling tactics, however, can be dangerous and my article will also feature words of wisdom from safety experts and mechanics. But my hope is that I can find some middle ground where effective and safe use of hypermiling strategies will allow to boost fuel efficiency enough to blunt the pain at the pumps I’m currently experiencing.
If hypermiling can really deliver the gas savings it promises, then perhaps those of us who can’t spring for a new hybrid can still save money and feel better about our ecological footprint.
I’ll keep this blog updated as my experiment progresses. Stay tuned…
Scangauge
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