You Can Be a Hypermiler, Too!

Steve Thode has been the Lehigh Valley's COVID-19 analyst for this blog. He kept track of the data, and his only commentary related to the quality of the data being provided by the state. He did a far better job than I saw at any news source. That's no surprise. I intend no insult to reporters, but Steve is by training a numbers cruncher. He takes that same analytic approach to driving as well. 

For as long as they've existed, Americans have had a love affair with their cars. So yesterday, when I suggested that we should make an effort to stay out of them one day a week to reduce demand for fuel, I got a lot of negative feedback.  Steve, however, sent me his own tips on fuel economy, and I thougfht I'd share them with you.   

Now you are in my wheelhouse. More than one person besides my wife accuses me of being a "hypermiler" - someone who tries to squeeze as many miles out of a gallon of gas as possible. I drive a mid-sized hybrid SUV that weighs more than 5,000 pounds with two adult occupants. Overall, I'm getting about 36 MPG by following a few simple rules. You can check it out here:

https://www.fuelly.com/car/lexus/rx450h/2021/docrock/1067838

Here are some tips for improving fuel economy:

1) Slow Down!

Judging from our many highway trips to visit family in Virginia, Harrisburg and Delaware, it would appear that most drivers in this region of the country are QAnon global warming deniers. Although the posted speed limits on limited-access highways are generally 55 MPH most places (some Interstates like I-78 are 65 MPH for some, but not all, stretches; the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike is posted at 70 MPH), drivers speeding at well over the posted limit are the rule rather than the exception. Driving at a high speed severely reduces fuel economy. Driving at a constant 55 MPH will yield an MPG 15-25% higher than driving 65 or 75. Sadly, in PA (thanks to our enlightened elected representatives) speeding tickets are seldom issued to a driver unless they are driving at more than 10 MPH over the posted limit - even in construction zones. That's why drivers on 22 can happily zip along at 65 MPH with no fear of a citation;

2) Combine Trips

Short trips are a real killer for mileage since it takes time for the engine to reach operating temperature. Make a list of errands you will run during a given week and combine as many you can into one or two trips. Also, run errands when traffic is likely to be lighter;

3) Don't Race From Stoplight to Stoplight

Zooming from stoplight (or stop sign) to the next reduces fuel economy and is harder on your brakes. If you are approaching a stoplight or stop sign, let up on the gas and coast until it is necessary to apply the brakes. In many cases, that red light will have turned green by the time you get to it;

4) Accelerate Appropriately

If you are merging onto a heavily traveled highway, of course you want to accelerate to the speed limit as soon as possible. However, when highway traffic is light, or on city streets, accelerate more gradually. If you can keep the engine from revving above 2,000 RPMs, your mileage will be much better;

5) Get Rid of Excess Weight

Not talking about going on a diet, although that will help a little. Empty unnecessary stuff from your trunk and back seats;

6) Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

There is a sticker on the driver's door frame that indicates the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Make sure your tires are inflated to that pressure. Underinflated tires reduce mileage and will cause premature wear of your tires;

7) Avoid Aggressive Driving

Don't be a dick. Weaving in and out of lanes to get a car or two ahead and tailgating lower fuel economy significantly. And, are the cause of many accidents. Chill out and you are much more likely to get to your destination in one piece. With better MPG!

Steve

Footnote:

You and I well remember the oil embargo of 1973-74 and the resulting long lines at gas stations. We also remember Congress passing the "Double-Nickel" law lowering the posted speed limit on all Interstates to 55 MPH. That went into effect in March 1974.

Here's my story. I arrived at my permanent duty station (Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson) shortly before Christmas 1973. After in-processing, I was told to report for training the Monday after Christmas. That gave me a week to spend with my parents in Las Cruces, NM, and without taking leave!

Davis-Monthan to my parents' house was about 280 miles - practically all of it on I-10. I had a small car at the time, but it also had a small gas tank (about 12 gallons). Driving at my customary 65-70 MPH, I got around 20-22 MPG.

That was a problem since I would not be able to make it all the way back to Tucson on a single tank of gas. And, I would be driving back on a Sunday when (due to the embargo) virtually all gas stations were closed. So, I purchased a 2.5 gallon gas can, and filled my car's tank and the gas can on the Saturday before I was leaving. I also made the painful decision to keep my speed at 55 MPH even though the "Double Nickel" was not yet the law.

Painful because that 280 mile stretch of I-10 is mainly straight, level and desolate. There are only five towns between Las Cruces and Tucson (Deming and Lordsburg, NM; and, Bowie, Willcox and Benson, AZ). It's a really boring drive at 65 or 70. Really, really boring at 55.

However, I soldiered on at 55 MPH the entire way. Much to my surprise, I arrived back at Davis-Monthan with almost a quarter of a tank of gas remaining. And, the 2.5 gallon gas can still full. I figure I got about 28 MPG.

I've never forgotten that trip, or, how much better my mileage was at 55 instead of 65 or 70.