Hypermiling: Extreme Driving Techniques to Save Fuel

What is Hypermiling?

Hypermiling is the practice of driving a vehicle with techniques designed to maximize fuel efficiency. While extreme hypermilers go to dangerous lengths (like tailgating lorries to slipstream), the core principles are incredibly safe, legal, and highly effective for everyday UK drivers.

Look Ahead and Anticipate

The golden rule of hypermiling is "momentum is money." Every time you press the brake pedal, you are converting the fuel you just burned into useless heat. By looking far ahead down the road, you can anticipate red lights, roundabouts, and traffic jams. Instead of racing up to a red light and braking hard, simply take your foot off the accelerator early and coast. Often, the light will turn green before you even reach it, allowing you to maintain your momentum.

The RPM Sweet Spot

Engines are most efficient when they aren't working hard. Try to shift up through the gears as early as possible without stalling the engine. For petrol cars, aim to shift before 2,500 RPM. For diesels, shift before 2,000 RPM. Driving at 50 mph in 5th gear is vastly more efficient than driving at 50 mph in 3rd gear.

Shed the Weight

Every extra kilogram requires extra fuel to move. If you have golf clubs, pushchairs, or heavy tools sitting in your boot for weeks on end, take them out! Furthermore, remove roof racks or roof boxes when they aren't in use-they create massive aerodynamic drag even when empty.

Combine Trips

Cold engines burn significantly more fuel than warm engines. Rather than doing three separate trips to the shops over the weekend, combine them into one journey. Your engine will stay warm between stops, running at peak efficiency. Combine these techniques with the FindPetrol search tool to drastically cut your monthly motoring bills.