Probably not what a generic Google lookup shows for your vehicle’s make and model.
Your real-world fuel economy can be reduced by how you drive — especially if you accelerate hard, brake often or haul heavy loads.
If you tweak your driving habits, you can noticeably increase fuel efficiency — and keep more cash in your pocket.
Hypermiling and Ecomodding
Most drivers know basic fuel-saving tips like drafting behind large trucks, avoiding excessive speed and keeping a steady pace.
But there’s a dedicated group of “hypermilers” and “eco-modders” who push vehicle and driving optimization for maximum fuel economy much further.
There are two main approaches, explains Darin Cosgrove — known as “MetroMPG” on Ecomodder, the community site he helped start.
“Hypermiling focuses on driving techniques to conserve fuel,” Cosgrove says, while “ecomodding involves altering the vehicle itself to boost efficiency, independent of driving style.”
Interesting stuff, right? We agree — though some people take it to the extreme.
Competitive hypermiler Wayne Gerdes was profiled in Mother Jones. He managed 59 mpg in a Honda Accord — normally rated around 27 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
Some of his tactics included shedding weight from the car — even removing pockets’ contents like keys and wallet. He also executes high-speed turns to avoid braking.
Frugal traveler Jema Patterson of Half the Clothes used gravity on a 160-mile descent from Crater Lake to Eugene, Oregon —coasting in neutral with her manual transmission off to save fuel.
She did that risky maneuver while short on funds as a college student… but even if you’re strapped for cash, we don’t advise copying that!
Smooth wheel covers can improve aerodynamics, increasing gas mileage by up to 4.6% according to one modder’s test. One enthusiast even bolted pizza pans over his Prius hubcaps to reduce drag.
Saving Gas by Becoming Mindful
Even if you’re not ready to start riveting mods or stop braking entirely, you can borrow hypermilers’ and ecomodders’ strategies to lower fuel costs.
Cosgrove offers these suggestions for drivers serious about cutting pump expenses:
“First, get feedback,” he says, “because you can’t control what you don’t measure.”
He recommends tracking every fill-up so you can spot changes as your fuel efficiency improves.
Install an mpg gauge if your car lacks one — aftermarket units are available.
“Some folks call these ‘game gauges’ because they turn ordinary commutes into challenges,” Cosgrove explains. Try to best your last trip’s number!
Another key rule: Don’t idle!
“If you’ll be stopped more than 10–15 seconds and it’s safe, shut the engine off,” Cosgrove advises.
Also, be more deliberate about braking.
“Only fools rush in,” he notes. “Every time you stomp the brake, you’ve made an error: you’ve converted fuel into brake dust. In city driving, people waste more fuel with the brake pedal than the accelerator. When you see a stop ahead, lift off earlier and coast in.”
In general, taking it easy helps — reducing highway speeds has the largest effect on fuel use.
“Typically, cars are most efficient just after shifting into top gear, often around 40–50 mph,” Cosgrove says.
So to save money, leave a bit earlier and stick to the right lane. Just be sure you still meet your area’s minimum speed requirements!
Get Moving — But Take It Easy!
The Ecomodder forum lists over 100 hypermiling techniques and a wide range of vehicle modifications. Browse them and try what fits your comfort level.
Don’t overlook: regular vehicle maintenance (timely oil changes and tire rotations) stretches both your car’s life and its miles per gallon.
Your Turn: Will you try any of these hypermiling or ecomodding methods on your car and driving routine?
Article adapted for Savinly. For related tips on managing expenses while mobile, see our guide on cost of living on a boat.
