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If all else fails, dump the Hummer and go buy a compact. It may make much less of a statement, but being sexy costs serious money these days. (http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977340441)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/hypermiling2.jpgFiroze H. - Gather - May 7, 2008

However, a number of comments are saying hypermiling=drafting. :mad: Let them know in the comments section (http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977340441&nav=Articles#comments) - well done to the author! :) - Ed

The present exorbitant price of gasoline has divided Americans into two categories. The first comprises those who moan about it; and cut back on groceries and even delay paying insurance premiums, in order to fill up the tank. The second category consists of those who have decided to do something about it. They are responsible for a new word having entered the American lexicon - hypermiling.

Simply put, hypermiling has the potential to increase gas mileage, even in gas-guzzling SUVs. And it does not involve high technology; simply the application of simple laws of physics that have been around since the beginning of time…http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977340441

They are still stuck on "drafting" and no one seems to know the definition of Hypermiling. But it is nice to hear that so many people are doing things to try to conserve gas.

I left them a response. Hopefully someone will actually pay attention to it.
First of all, Hypermiling is NOT drafting. If anyone would take the time to do ANY research at all on the subject, they would find that close drafting is highly discouraged because it is dangerous. Also, it is not true that there aren't any benefits unless clamped onto a semi's bumper. Even at the more sane and safer 3-second following distance there is a slight benefit. Personally, I don't draft at all because the trucks are generally going too fast and end up canceling any benefits that would be gained. A good hypermiler would not follow so close that they can't see the traffic conditions unfolding in front of them. In fact hypermilers are general safer drivers because they are more alert to conditions around them.

As for tire pressures being dangerous check out the following article:http://www.officer.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=19&id=27281

Hypermiling is actually defined as exceeding the EPA rating for the vehicle you are driving for anyone that really cares and doesn't just have an axe to grind with people who are trying to make a positive difference.

Nice comment, Larry!
And you too, Chuck.

However, a number of comments are saying hypermiling=drafting. :mad: Let them know in the comments section (http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977340441&nav=Articles#comments) - well done to the author! :) - Ed


This is probably the author's fault. I quote:

Even though aerodynamic car bodies help, you are still pushing a lot of atmosphere. So what do the smart hypermilers do? They get into a straight line behind a few other cars; and let those suckers do most of the work.

That sounds like drafting to me, and likely it's the portion people are responding to. The funny thing is, everyone talks about drafting like it's a bad thing, when in reality, it depends on the distance. You can follow a semi at 200 ft, and still get a significant boost, and 200 ft at 60 mph is over two seconds. My civic hybrid can slow from 60-0 in 137 feet. So that gives me 63 ft to react. At 60 MPH that's almost 3/4th of a second, plenty of time for most drivers to react. So even if the truck stops instantly, I would have time to stop before colliding with it.

Regardless of what vehicle you have, use the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. Higher pressure results in better performance, decreased tire wear, and it lessens your chance of hydroplaning at a given speed.

Best way I've ever seen it put.