Just under a decade ago, we were getting the cheapest gasoline in the last 100 years on an inflation adjusted basis. Several things have happened since then which have for whatever reason, caused gas prices to triple to well above $3.00 a gallon. Prices peaked around $3.39 here a few weeks ago and now it seems that these higher gas prices are here to stay for good. In response, there’s been a movement to use our vehicles more efficiently, called “hypermiling,” in hopes to save money and use less gasoline.

Hypermilers operate their vehicles in the way that make their vehicles run as efficiently as possible. They actively record their mileage and search for ways to improve it. They drive very passively, search for the absolute best route to get to their destination, drive under the speed-limit, slightly over-inflate their tires, coast down hills, minimize breaking, and use cruise control.

This sounds like a very nice idea in theory, but the reality is that you really won’t save much of anything practicing the methods of hypermilers. Don’t get me wrong, you will get better mileage and save money at the pump, but it’s really not enough to make a huge difference in your financial life.

Let’s say that you drive 10,000 miles a year in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon at $3.00 a gallon. You’re spending just about $1000 a year on gasoline in this situation. Let’s say you keep your car in tip-top shape, drive under the speed limit and follow all of the methods of improving your mileage. At best, you might be able to get your mileage up to 34 or 35 MPG. This would decrease your annual fuel price to $882.35. You’ve save yourself $117.64 per year in gasoline, that’s less than $10.00 a month when all is said and done.

Constantly checking your gas mileage, making sure that you’re driving in the absolute best way possible, and making sure your car is in the absolute best condition for driving it can be on a very regular basis is time consuming and takes a lot of effort. There are a lot easier ways to save $10.00 a month than completely changing your paradigm when it comes to driving. You could take an hour of over-time at work, skip going out to eat once a month, or not order in a pizza.

There’s nothing wrong with driving your vehicle in a very fuel efficient matter, but just don’t fool yourself into thinking that you’ll save any large amount of money or gasoline.



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