<< Back to all Blogs
Login or Create your own free blog
Layout:
Home > Hyper-miling

Hyper-miling

February 25th, 2008 at 02:19 am

Gasoline prices just keep going up and up! I know NJ has some of the lowest prices in the nation and that is why it is so scary to me that I just paid $2.89/gallon...what must some of you be paying?! The future is not too bright as far as crude oil price futures go, so I have been trying to find ways to get better MPG with my car.

I found this website -

Text is http://www.cleanmpg.com and Link is
http://www.cleanmpg.com a few weeks ago and it has truly inspired me. I have a 2008 Honda Fit with automatic transmission so some of the tips they suggest do not pertain (a lot of the advice is for manual transmission vehicles), but I have been driving much more slowly - 5 to 10mph under the limit depending on if there are other drivers behind me instead of my usual 5-10mph over the limit. It has only added 5-10 minutes to my usual drive to and from work so no problem there as I still get there 15-20 minutes before the start of the day. I have also been coasting to stops (something I have always done but now I am coasting for longer distances), and putting my car in neutral at long red lights. I am not even sure putting the car in neutral helps my MPG that much but it is something I saw mentioned that is doable with my auto tranny so I am trying that for now.

I plan on increasing my tire pressure this week. Honda recommends 32psi, and the maximum sidewall on my tires says 51psi, so I plan on going up to 40psi. I have been keeping track of my fuel economy through
Text is www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do and Link is
www.fueleconomy.gov/mpg/MPG.do which allows you to track all your fuel purchases and calculates your MPG for each tank of gas. With just the few alterations I have made in my driving in the last 3 weeks I have increased my mileage from 30mpg to 32mpg and even got 35mpg on the highway last week. I am hoping to get 34-35mpg on a regular basis once I increase the tire pressure.

I have taken this on almost as a new hobby and try to challenge myself to do better each day. I am actually enjoying driving slower and paying close attention to the RPM gauge which is surprising since I tend to have a real lead foot! Smile

Posted in Saving Money | 9 Comments »

9 Responses to “Hyper-miling”

  1. NJDebbie Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 02:40 am 1203907251
    1203907251

    We just bought a Honda Fit for my son. How do you like yours? Guess what color he picked.

    Blaze Orange. I think its pretty neat!

  2. MariRDH Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 02:59 am 1203908378
    1203908378

    I love my little Fit! Honda calls it "Blackberry Pearl", but I call it "my little purple mom-mobile". Smile

  3. NJDebbie Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 03:06 am 1203908792
    1203908792

    Thanks for your input. He gets his on Thursday and he is so excited. For us, it was the most affordable car we could buy for him. Honda is known for good cars so we went for it! Oh, by the way, he works a part-time job at a dentist office (he wants to be a dentist someday). He starts college next Fall.

  4. Mulyanto Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 04:32 am 1203913931
    1203913931

    I understand increasing air pressure in your tires may give you better mileage, but the recommended pressure is given as a combination of performance, durability and safety. Increasing tire pressure may decrease the grip your tires will have on the road, also, your tires may wear faster compared to the recommended pressure - this is not certain, but I would definitely look into it...

  5. Broken Arrow Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 02:27 pm 1203949626
    1203949626

    You probably know this, but generally, I think you're suppose to go with the PSI that's posted in your vehicle and vehicle manual (which is typically 32 PSI). Then, as you add more people and luggage to your load, the higher your PSI will become. In other words, you don't want to pump it too high, especially if you plan on having a packed car. Otherwise, you risk a blowout and reduced traction (more likely to skid or hydroplane) at worst and over-inflated tread wear at best....

    The exception to the rule is if you have fancy tires that adhere to different PSIs. But yes, generally increase the PSI will help improve gas mileage.

  6. Carolina Bound Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 02:33 pm 1203950037
    1203950037

    Going slower not only saves gas, but makes the trip better in my opinion. If you're not always trying to pass (but being passed), it's much more serene and pleasurable. I also find that it does not make a huge difference in time.

  7. Ima saver Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 03:17 pm 1203952650
    1203952650

    I am paying $3.45 a gallon for premium.

  8. MariRDH Says:
    February 26th, 2008 at 01:37 am 1203989856
    1203989856

    NJDebbie, That is great that your son is going to be a dentist. Tell him to be nice to his hygienists in the future!!! Wink
    CanadianSaver,
    We still have the Saturn, only now it is my hubby's car. I like how that worked out, don't you? *hehe* Wink
    Mulyanto & BrokenArrow,
    Yes, increasing the tire pressure will effect traction, but I figure it should be okay since I am driving so much more slowly and carefully now. There is never much of an increase in our "load" - 60% of the time it is just me driving to and from work and the other 40% my daughter and husband jump in and maybe a few groceries. I will remember to check the pressure if we ever do take it on a real roadtrip or with lots of stuff. Thanks for the reminder! Smile
    CarolinaBound,
    I agree! This enjoyment of the ride is new to me and I sometimes find myself feeling guilty for slowing the guy behind me up, but I figure he/she can always pass me if they want to.

    ImaSaver,
    Wow...glad I only have to buy the regular!

  9. helpmefriend Says:
    March 3rd, 2008 at 01:06 pm 1204549572
    1204549572

    I have paid $3.45 for Premium here, but it is generaly $3.29.

Leave a Reply

(Note: If you were logged in, we could automatically fill in these fields for you.)
*
Will not be published.
   

* Please spell out the number 4.  [ Why? ]

vB Code: You can use these tags: [b] [i] [u] [url] [email]