Update: Hypermiling experiment

What looked like a success may not be (or at least not so much as it seemed). I previously claimed a modest mileage gain of 3.5mpg over a measurement taken before I started hypermiling. In two more recent measurements, I calculated 27.5mpg and 28.9mpg. This is really much less than the gains I was hoping for as many people who are doing this (granted I’m sure they are much more skilled than I) are really achieving dramatic increases in fuel economy.

I have been exercising a number of the techniques. I have done engine-off-coasting, drafting (Note to law enforcement officials: Just kidding!), and run-of-the-mill slow and easy driving. I have also recently (since my next-to-last mileage reading) replaced the air filter and purchased a beaded seat cover to allow air circulation around me and thus reduce use of the air conditioning. I realize I’m not going to see major gains from each of these steps. I was fully prepared to realize little to no gain from the seat cover, but I thought I would certainly receive minor gains by doing all of these things. I guess, overall, I have seen improvement—by one mile-per-gallon. Maybe I was expecting too much. Maybe I’m doing it all wrong. Maybe I need to trade in this gas-guzzling six-cylinder. Actually, that’s a “definitely.”

If you are also considering tracking your mileage, I’m having great results from mymilemarker.com. It has a simple and pretty interface, provides all the most important data, graphs the data, and allows updates via twitter.