Hypermiler

Here's a really well produced video by a hypermiler showing you some basic secrets. The video shows a variety of techniques and hypermiling basics like FAS and cruising to stop lights and stop signs. Definitely worth a watch and especially helpful for hypermiling beginners.

Here's a video about hypermiling with a humorous slant. Definitely a great watch for any hypermiler - beginner or advanced.

Here's a video showcasing a really simple hypermiling technique - coasting up to a red light. Instead of slamming on the breaks, the hypermiler begins coasting ahead of time, and ultimately he doesn't have to use his brakes at all. Just like he says - if you're sitting stopped at a red light, you're getting 0 mpg!

Here's a great video on how to be a hypermiler. It's a pretty basic video, but they do a good job of sorting out safe and dangerous hypermiling techniques. This is a must watch for any beginner hypermilers.

Warp Stealth is another frequently used term in the Hypermiling dictionary.  Now there is a long, scientific explanation of Warp Stealth, but it can easily be put into simple terms. Warp Stealth is the practice of finding just the right speed with your hybrid, where your electric motor is engaged and the gas engine is spinning freely. This is a higher speed technique and will work for speeds around 40 - 55mph. Warp Stealth is a fantastic way to save on gas, but it will take a little getting-to-know your Prius or hybrid so you can feel out the engine and find that sweet spot. Once you get Warp Stealth down, you can use it frequently and increase your average mpg. This hypermiling technique will only work on hybrid cars that feature an electric motor. A regular gasoline engine does not have the capability to allow you to try Warp Stealth. This may just be one more good reason to go out and buy a hybrid today!

Ridge Riding. Another common hypermiling term coined by hypermiling guru Wayne Gerdes. Ridge riding is a simple tip that can help hypermilers save gas on a rainy day, and stay a little bit safer. The process of ridge riding is simple - drive your car on the far right of the road - almost over the white line. By doing this, you accomplish 2 things - you notify cars behind you that you're driving at a slow speed - especially helpful when weather conditions add extra danger to being on the road, and more importantly, you keep your car's tires out of the grooves in the road that develop from heavy travel. Water puddles develop in the grooves during a storm, and cause your car to expend additional energy to drive through them. By staying on a flat surface and avoiding kicking up water with your tires, you'll increase your car's overall MPG. This trick probably won't save a hypermiler thousands of dollars, but its a safe and easy hypermiling technique that anyone can easily master.

Streamlining your vehicle is one of the most elementary aspects of hypermiling. Hypermilers will go to great lengths to make their car more aerodynamic and reduce drag. Your car can easily have as much a couple hundred pounds of excess weight just sitting there. Try going through your car with a fine tooth comb and removing any extra junk you don't use on a regular basis.

Sandbags, or heavy bags of solar salt, winter accessories like windshield scrapers, books, extra bottles of motor oil and other car maintenance products, water jugs, unused child accessories like strollers, or even piles of papers and manuals in your glove compartment are just a few of the things you might find. What about garbage? Are you the type who throws bottles, wrappers and cigarette packs on your back seat floor? Give your car a thorough cleaning and you can seriously increase your gas mileage. You could even consider removing your spare tire and equipment. Although it's generally a good idea to keep a spare handy, if you aren't going on any long trips, and if you have a AAA membership or an equivilant in case of emergency, removing your spare tire can free up some extra weight. Are you driving a Van or Minivan with several rows of seats that you don't often use? Remove the extra seats and store them in your garage. Once you know how to easily remove and replace seats, you'll be able to do it in a snap, and removing those heavy rows of seats is a sure fire way to streamline your vehicle.

Although it's not going to double your mpg, smart hypermilers know that a streamlined car is one of the basic rules of hypermiling. There's no sense in bothering with any advanced techniques if you're still driving around with hundreds of extra pounds of weight in your vehicle. This is a real simple hypermiling technique that will help you get on your way to fuel efficiency.