WHAT IS HYPERMILING?
Hypermiling is a set of techniques to maximize vehicle fuel efficiency.
This term can apply to both automobiles or aircraft, but is used particularly with autos. This trend grew exponentially during the spike in gas prices in the early 2000’s with participants calling themselves “hypermilers.”
Hypermiling allows you to, in the right conditions, substantially increase your vehicle’s fuel economy to well beyond its manufacturer’s specifications. Naturally, much of these techniques center on your tires which greatly affect your fuel consumption.
When it comes to automobiles, these techniques can be extreme or even dangerous (and we’ve noted which are). However, most techniques are simply good driving and maintenance habits.
Hypermiling generally breaks down into a few categories of techniques:
Vehicle maintenance (for optimal performance)
Driving style (for efficiency)
Vehicle prep (to reduce drag)
Here is a short list of techniques you can use to get the most mpg (miles per gallon) out of any vehicle:
Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration
Maintain the lowest speed possible at the highest gear at low RPMs
Shift gears as early as possible
Avoid idling
Keep your tires at the proper air pressure
Use A/C and electric components sparingly
Reduce drag
Reduce vehicle weight/load
Take a fuel efficient route
Use hills to get a coast start when parking
Use alternative transportation for short commutes (walking, bus, train, bike, car pool)
Park according to the weather
Generally, good driving yields the most gains when it comes to fuel efficiency. Race cars are not known for their low fuel costs, after all.
Keep windows closed, avoid accessories that flap or weigh down the vehicle
Remove unnecessary stored items or towable accessories such as a trailer. Many manufacturers no longer include a spare tire to reduce weight.
Routes that require little acceleration, braking, or turning and shortest distance are the most efficient.
Park so your engine has the minimal amount of work to do to bring your vehicle up to the temperature you want. For example, park in the shade in summer and in the sun in cold weather.
Of course, driving a fuel efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid or electric vehicle, will automatically give you more bang for your buck when it comes to efficiency. However, even gas-powered vehicles can see great gains when driven with care.
Dangerous hypermiling techniques
While most hypermiling tips revolve around good driving and maintenance, some advocate for more dangerous activity. We have listed a few and why you should consider avoiding these techniques.
| Technique | What is it? | Why it's dangerous |
| “Drafting” | Where a driver follows closely behind a larger vehicle (typically a semi-truck) to use its slipstream to reduce wind resistance | Can result in severe or fatal accidents if following so closely your reaction time is impaired |
| Overinflating your tires* | Significantly overinflating a vehicle’s tires to reduce rolling resistance | Compromises safety by reducing traction and increasing risk of blowout or accidents |
| Aggressive turning | Wide turns with minimal breaking to use momentum to carry you through the turn | Can encourage unsafe driving habits and situations; reduces stopping capability with reluctance to use brakes |
Learn more about tire air pressure, including overinflation, here.
Discount Tire does not endorse any of these “cost-saving” measures as it holds safety to be above all else.
BEST HYPERMILL TIRES
The best tires for the hypemill life provide comparatively low rolling resistance to typical tires.
Consider the following:
Anyone can use hypermiling techniques to achieve better fuel efficiency but the right tires are the clinching component to maxing out your mpg or battery range.
Ready to roll?
If you have any questions or are unsure what tires work best for you, drop in or give us a ring. We’ll get you taken care of. Buy and book online and save time in-store!
For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.