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Hello everyone! This is my first post here, and I've been lurking the forums for a few weeks now...
I'm a college commuter and I drive a 2003 Mercury Sable. Looking through the different posts, most of the information seemed more advanced than I could understand, and so far the only things I've been able to get are raising my tire pressure and changing driving habits. I'm just a college kid needing help to get into this crazy-awesome hypermiling stuff, and I really can't wait to get going and start sharing my experiences. Thanks Much!

Welcome to CleanMPG!

Just try a few things at a time

Have you raised your tire pressure or changed your driving habbits? ;)

Seriously. Have you posted your commute? It is hard to give specific advice without knowing what exactly you have to deal with in your daily drive?

So far, I've slightly increased my tire pressure, and my driving habits are noticeably getting better. I dont know what is safe for increasing my tire pressure, the Sable says it should be at 30psi, the tires are rated for a max of 44psi, so right now i've got it at 37psi.

As for my standard commute, it's pretty much just one intersection per mile for six miles, each one tending to involve slowing down or stopping, on relatively flat roads. I turn right once, if that matters. I use the freeway only on special occasions, and any other time I use my car it is for relatively short distances, one to two miles, and I would generally ride my bike, however it is currently snowing.

Most people have the habit of getting up to the speed limit and applying the brakes in the last 100 feet or so. What you might be able to do is sort of a pulse and cost. What are the speed limits of these roads? If they are 35 then maybe get up to 30. If they are 45 then maybe 40.

Use coasting instead of braking to slow down for those intersections.

It is good to see you put a good amount of air in your tires. Most of us here run max sidewall, but if you don't feel comfortable with the harshness of the ride then go with as much psi as you can. The tire won't even be close to bursting at max sidewall, and as far as damaging it from potholes, I can tell you I've hit some kidney busters and haven't had a tire burst. The only problem with high psi in tires is harshness and reduced braking in snow. All other characteristics are improved.