Video: Hypermiling to save money on fuel

Mike Royer, Reporting
Lynne Jones, Producer
Mel Stephens, Photographer/Editor
Published: October 31, 2008

Even though there’s been relief in fuel prices, some local drivers say that’s not enough and they’ve found a way to save even more money.  Some are saving as much a a full tank of gas a month with what’s called eco-driving or hypermiling.

Nationally the average truck or SUV driver gets around19 miles per gallon,  23.6 mpg for car drivers.

Some of the latest hypermiling records are extreme, but a Geo Metro driver claims he’s getting 124.4 miles per gallon.

A Toyota Paseo driver says he’s getting 56.6 mpg, and the driver of a Saturn station wagon brags he’s getting 43 mpg..

Mike Royer shows how hypermiling works in his Fact Finder report.

Some of the top hypermiling tips: 
- Avoid idling. Turn your engine off at red lights.

- Ride the green wave.  Catch as many green lights as you can and try to keep your car moving whenever possible.

- Use cruise control on the highway.  That will keep you from using the gas and brake more often than necessary.

- For more advice on hypermiling and making your drive more fuel efficient, check out the related links to the left of this story.

We’d like to know how well hypermiling works for you.  Scroll down to post your comments.