HYPERMILING - IS IT FOR YOU ?

Hypermiling, ever heard of it? Is it for you? Some say it is the best way to save fuel in this critical time, but it is not for everyone. If done correctly it can definitely save on fuel and boost your fuel mileage, even on a gas guzzling Hummer. But even done correctly it can be a little tricky and at the same time a little dangerous.

While you may know what you are doing the other drivers out there don't have a clue, they may think you are having car trouble, trying to be a wise guy, or some may even think you may be a little bit under the influence.

So if you want to try it, do it a little at a time and get good at what you are doing to start and consider how it will affect other drivers around you. Always be aware of others while you are hypermiling you never know when some idiot with road rage on his mind is behind you and you wind up in a situation that is out of control.

We're headed for pedal power.

Hypermiling tips.- Would you like to get up to 35 percent more fuel mileage by using someting you should already have - your right foot.

If you are like most drivers on the road you probably don't realilize the impact your driving style has on your fuel mileage. If you pucker up everytime you you pull up to the gas pump because you know where it feels like the hose is going, don't feel alone.

With the latest run up of gas prices going over $4.00 a gallon, it's hurting everyone. I know you have heard all the most common tips on saving fuel like turn off the AC and roll down the windows, keep your tires properly inflated. While these will help a little, at $4.00 a gallon it really won't feel like much.

One tip that does work to a degree is using your cruise control, set it at 60-65 MPH and that alone good help to get from 8 - 14 percent better mileage. Using your cruise will cut down on uneven speed changes, that will eat away at your fuel.

But if you want a big change in your mileage while you are cruising around town, lighten up on the pedals. Accelerate slower and smoother from green lights and slow down more evenly when coming to a stop. This can cut down on consumption 25-30 percent.

Jack rabbit starts puts more fuel into the engine and keeps the engine from running effecient, thus wasting a lot of fuel.

When you see a yellow light instead of gunning it to try to beat it or waiting till you get right up to the light and braking hard, try just letting your vehicle start to coast up to the light a brake lightly to stop when you get to the light or stop sign.

I know it will be a big change in your driving habits and it may hurt your ego a little, but if you are getting 21-22 MPG now and can boost it up to 30-32 MPG that pain at the pump will be more bareable and your ego won't be quite as bruised.

More tips to come.