Cutting Your Gas Bill in Half...by Hypermiling?
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Cutting Your Gas Bill in Half...by Hypermiling? Save Email Print
Posted: 5:20 PM May 30, 2008
 Last Updated: 4:09 PM May 31, 2008
 Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: Sigman@kbtx.com
42 comments
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Dan Bryant and his son Connor are men on a mission.

"Instead of trying to get from point A to point B in as little time as possible, you're trying to use as little gas as possible," said Dan.

It's a strategy called hypermiling, and it's a lot like using cruise control.

Drivers try to anticipate conditions a half mile ahead, so there are fewer surprises, and fewer sudden stops and starts. Its all in the name of fuel efficiency.

Hypermiling may mean taking roads less traveled, and it definitely means being comfortable with people passing you.

"Maybe its watching Dukes of Hazard, but they get in this mindset that they have to be the first one at every light," said Dan of many drivers.

He says that aggressive driving burns gas. Instead, hypermilers navigate the roads like someone riding a bicycle, and don't necessarily go as fast as they can.

"They're also not going to be pedaling as hard as they can to be the first person at the light." said Dan.

Driving a little slower can mean big savings.

"It adds about 10 or 15 minutes to my commute on average, but I save at least $600 a year in gas," said Dan.

He only fills up once a month. At the end of our trip through Bryan-College Station our fuel efficiency rating was 85 miles per gallon.

If you'd like to try hypermiling, a good place to start is on your way to work.

However, to save gas, most drivers will need to leave a little earlier than normal.

The first step is knowing your car's fuel efficiency rating.

To find that out, you can go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

For more information on hypermiling, visit the Houston Hypermiler's Club at http://www.106mpg.com
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Posted by: Paul Location: Navasota on Jun 5, 2008 at 04:02 PM
Highway 30 doesn't have lights, anonymous. Just like you don't have a name, apparently. It does however have plenty of spots for people to pass legally and safely after recent road construction. But my experience tells me many people would rather just ride my bumper, too, and honk and take their hands off the wheel to flip me off than to go ahead and pass. I love America, but our drivers are mostly inconsiderate. Speed aside, how many people do you see actually use a blinker anymore? Or come to a stop at a stop sign/right on red? How about passing in the left lane just to exit at the next ramp on SH 6 a car length faster?
Posted by: R Location: CS on Jun 5, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Time is Money. If you have a good job. If not ride a Horse and get off the road.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 5, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I had no idea Grimes County had so many red lights on Hwy 30.
Posted by: Cruiser Location: Grimes on Jun 5, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I drive 30 miles to work everyday on highway 30 and have increased my MPG from 22 to 25 MPG just by dropping speed from 65-70 to 55-60. That comes to about 60 more miles per tank - over $10 savings per tank. Here's some advice for those who ride my bumper expecting me to drive on the shoulder so you can pass. When you have ample clearance to pass, and you just ride my bumper, don't expect me to drive on the shoulder so you can blow by me. If I can't see ahead because of a hill or narrow shoulder, I'm not going to risk dropping a wheel off the shoulder just so you can beat me to the next red light.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 4, 2008 at 07:40 PM
You have to remember, though, that some people AREN'T self-employed and are having to deal with the same pay while everything else is going up. I understand the self-employed life and I know time is money but...I don't know if you self-employed are thriving or what, but I know MY family is hurting from the gas and food prices and would love to be able to do something, anything, that will help instead of just sitting around complaining about it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 4, 2008 at 03:57 PM
I am also self employed. Time is money. I will pay for the gas and the safety of a large Suv and Germany car. I also try to save money but not at the expense of safety. Small cars just do not hold up in accidents with large trucks and high end Germany cars. Anyone who think a #2500 car and a #5500 car in accident are the same is taking a chance on safety.
Posted by: bb Location: bcs on Jun 4, 2008 at 07:04 AM
I am actually now dumber after reading this article.
Posted by: Catherine Location: College Station on Jun 3, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I have to side with John here. I'm self employed,so the more time I can save driving,the more money I make working. Deal with it folks, the cost of everything has gone up, it's the gas price increase that's more obvious.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Aggieland on Jun 3, 2008 at 02:46 PM
If i did my math right it works out to something like this. An extra 15 min of driving everyday times five days a week equals 75 min. Times that by weeks a year, 52, and you get 3,900 min. Divide by 60 to get hours and you have 65hours of extra driving time. He saves 600 dollars by spending an extra 65 hours of his time. Thats costing him $9.23 an hour in productivity. So if you make more then $9.23 you should just hurry to work and get there early and stay an extra 15 min before leaving. It all depends on what your times worth.
Posted by: Dan Location: Cypress on Jun 3, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Speed = MPG ?... Yes, it does, if you know the gearing of your car, and you know that the BMSC map puts peak efficiency at 90 MPH. But 90 MPH is illegal on all roads in Texas, and the only cars that I've seen the gearing specs for that would support this claim are those sold (only) in Europe. These are cars that wouldn't pass US emissions testing, so probably couldn't be imported even if you wanted them. Most (spelled 8-5-%) cars in the US are geared to excel in the (old) EPA tests. That gives peak gearing at 45 MPH. Know your car, Know the Law, Think about Efficiency. If you do all three you should be OK.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 3, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Some of the high end cars are made for speeds in the 160MPH to 190MPH speeds range. I Have seen a Benz sales books on some of the 4 door family cars and it had a Governor. rate of 189MPH. Do not try this on a American car and truck. American cars are not engineered for sustained speeds over 85MPH. Tires,Brakes suspension etc. I been in a few of these high end cars and they are made to travel at 100MPH speeds. Not like my Cadillac with soft suspension tall tires and lots of wind noise at 85MPH. The American driver is not trained and most do not have the experiences of driving high speeds hours at a time like people in west Texas and the western part of the US. I was on I-10 in w.Texas and was driving 85MPH in a 80 zone and was passed by 18 wheelers and pickups and suvs. I'm not sure If I passed any cars at 85MPH stay in the right lane in W.TX. My milage dropped to the 13MPG trying to keep other cars in site in the 85MPH. I could tell some cars and a few suvs had to be going 100MPH
Posted by: Penny cruncher on Jun 3, 2008 at 11:53 AM
How about an increase in salaries for the increase in the cost of living? Maybe that can help provide some relief. Too many of the higher up folks are "rolling in the big bucks" and do not feel the effects like us "average Janes and Joes".
Posted by: Mike Location: Brenham on Jun 3, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Ditto Paul.I move over no problem.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: W TX and NM Driver on Jun 3, 2008 at 01:40 AM
I have used some of the above techniques with mixed results. On American cars and japanese cars I found that the lower speed does save money. On a Large Germany car with a V8 I found that higher speeds gave more MPG. MPG improved 85mph vs 70mph on the highway with cruses control. Engineering of cars does plays a difference. I have a V8 Lexus Ls 255HP weight 3900Lbs AVG 21MPG hwy 70mph 19MPG 85MPH MB S-class 5300LBS 275HP 18.7MPG 70MPH 23.2MPG 85MPH. The Lexus has a fixed suspension like most cars the MB a computer controlled adjustable suspension that lowers the car at higher speeds of 70MPH On far west Texas highway the speed limit was 80MPH I ran cruise control speed 95MPH and found a drop to 22.3MPG still above the 70MPH 18.7MPG. In west Texas It is common to see cars going in the 90'S 10or15mph over the speed limit. If you see one. A few times I have ran cruise control speeds in the 130MPH range and found a drop to 20.1MPG and passed no cars,homes and no living thing for 30MIN.
Posted by: donee Location: up north on Jun 2, 2008 at 05:25 PM
While hypermilers will let anyone pass, its many times we kick ourselves for doing this. Because there they are, slowing us down as the light goes green 30 seconds later as we come sailing along at 30 mph, but have to brake. Loss of momentum is death to fuel economy, as much as it is to road racing. m patient please learn how to get from A to B fast, and not just from light to light fast. And if you really are that m patient, you should have paid attention in driver's ed when they were teaching two-lane road passing. Here is a refresher. First you back off about 100 yards, then when the timing looks right get going allot faster than the passee. As you approach the passee double check for clearance, then go around. Most people who block green lights are totally ignorant they are being inconsiderate doing so, many times. The more cars at a light, the longer the chain of cars takes to get back up to speed, and the less capacity the roads have. Time those lights people!
Posted by: Paul Location: Navasota on Jun 2, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I can even draw 25 mpg out of my V8 extended cab Ford by using several of these techniques. And I always make an effort to move over to let people pass if I am driving 60, which is the optimal mpg speed for my truck. However, I get sick of seeing SUVs and large trucks zipping by at 75-80 or more every day. I am doing my part to reduce the demand for petroleum in this country, and I would appreciate some help. I would be all for reducing the speed limit to 60 MPH if it became an issue in the near future. We need to look around at the other countries in the world. They are not in such a dang hurry like us. And they use mass transportation much more, like high speed rail. We could build out a pretty darn good rail transportation system with the money being devoted to the Trans-Texas Corridor, not to mention keep from stealing rural land-owners property.
Posted by: lrm Location: madisonville on Jun 2, 2008 at 04:39 PM
you people that cant slowdown should buy a race car this dose save fule i have done it and it works if you want to pass me you better know the laws of the road ...
Posted by: Wayne Location: Wadsworth, IL on Jun 2, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Hi Dan: ___Thanks for showing not only what a Prius is worth but for taking it to a much wider audience of non-hybrid P/U Truck, SUV and Sedan owners so they to can enjoy the savings of hypermiling too! ___Good Luck ___Wayne
Posted by: Joe Blow on Jun 2, 2008 at 04:12 PM
My dad is very wealthy, with no friends. All he talks about is saving money. He's obsessed with it. So, don't go overboard, people.
Posted by: Alex Location: Bryan on Jun 2, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Dan, If Iran doesn't like us, it is because we support the terrorist state of Israel that is constantly making problems in the Middle East. You should be more concerned about our money "going to" (funny how TRADE DEFICITS are dismissed as inconsequential except in the area of oil) China who is far more inclined to be a threat to us militarily and economically. What has you boy Bush done about that? What has he done about immigration - the only real avenue that makes terrorism a threat to the US?
Posted by: mike Location: brenham on Jun 2, 2008 at 03:12 PM
I live 12 miles out from work.All high way.I drive 55 to and from work.Not sure how much gas a save but it is enough to not ming getting passed and staying out of everyones way.I think they should drop the spped limit back to 55 everywhere in the country.
Posted by: CJ Location: College Station on Jun 2, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I saw this topic on the CBS Morning Show a week or so ago and have been trying it out. You just have to change the way you drive...back to the way we used to drive before the speed limits were raised. It really does make a difference on your mileage.
Posted by: EJ on Jun 2, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Some people can't drive where they are much less a half mile ahead. Trying this will only cause more accidents than it's worth.
Posted by: lw Location: up north on Jun 2, 2008 at 11:14 AM
to this comment by m patient: "If we're on a 2 lane road, you better pull over on the shoulder and let me pass you! Don't be an inconsiderate driver just to save a few bucks. People are so inconsiderate when they're behind the wheel!" yes, people ARE inconsiderate and your comment proved your own point. last time i drove, i don't remember a law saying speeders have the right of way, and everyone else needs to get out of their way. and saving a few bucks? for one thing, it can be more than a few bucks....i get 60MPG on average with my civic hybrid, and fill maybe every two weeks. that's more than a few bucks saved. it's also about following the rules of the road, trying to cut our dependence on foreign oil, saving a very limited resource and that affects all of us.
Posted by: DJ Location: College Station on Jun 2, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Does ANYBODY remember the Jimmy Carter era when there were huge gas lines. Does ANYBODY remember when the speed limit was reduced to 55 (Stay alive, drive 55)? When the speed limit was reduced, the oil consumption dropped as well as the vehicular death rate. Hypermiling is nothing more than conservative driving which everyone should do anyway. Maybe the speed limit shoud be reduced again too.
Posted by: Dolly Location: Bryan on Jun 2, 2008 at 08:59 AM
I've been doing that for awhile now, but didn't know what it was called. I just drove slower and safer.
Posted by: J Location: Grimes County on Jun 2, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Thanks for the information, guys. I totally appreciate it. Don't worry, M. Patient, I'll move over for you if I can.
Posted by: DB Location: Bryan on Jun 2, 2008 at 07:04 AM
For those that do not want to "support terrorism" there are gas stations that do not use oil from other countries. They use American oil. I will buy from those stations.
Posted by: Chuck T Location: Lewisville (Dallas area) on Jun 1, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Billionaire J Paul Getty watched every dime - was he an idiot? Same for others that were successful. If you want to cut gas 20-30% a few things will really help: 1. don't speed, 2. accelerate and brake as little as possible/safely ... do both moderately, 3. Watch the road well ahead...also the dash and drivers all around you. CleanMPG.com has more info
Posted by: M. Patient on Jun 1, 2008 at 09:01 PM
If we're on a 2 lane road, you better pull over on the shoulder and let me pass you! Don't be an inconsiderate driver just to save a few bucks. People are so inconsiderate when they're behind the wheel!
Posted by: RS Location: Dallas on Jun 1, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Check out CleanMPG.com for a complete listing of hypermiling techniques. By usng the techniques described by Dan and a few others I am now averaging 90 miles per gallon in my 2000 Honda Insight.
Posted by: Dan Location: Cypress on Jun 1, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Jethro, in case you haven't turned on the news in the last 10 years, it ain't about the money. Who do you think we buy oil from these days anyway? Since you apparently don't know, we get an awful lot of oil from OPEC. Opec includes many nations (Iran) that would like nothing better than to see mushroom clouds over the US. If for one get angry knowing that every gallon I buy puts some terrorist R&D money in these guys pockets. Support the troops. Boycott Terrorism. Buy less Gas. If you can't make the connection, your blind!
Posted by: Jv Location: Anywhere on Jun 1, 2008 at 09:41 AM
suv, for more information on hypermiling, go to www.106mpg.com it has a lot of tips
Posted by: Randy Location: College Station on May 31, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Shannon and John, you're both idiots. Poor little people watching every dime - government employees?. John in big time Anderson - my parents are both dead Love, Jethro.
Posted by: Love my SUV Location: Snook on May 31, 2008 at 01:55 PM
I have never heard of this before, so could someone shed a little more light on this. I know you drive ALOT slower, try not to use your brakes too much, and coast as much as possible, but what else?
Posted by: John on May 31, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I use these techniques and it is a considerable difference. On highway driving I am getting around 31-32MPG keeping it around 55-60MPH, that will drop down to 24-25 at 65MPH and down to 19-21MPG running at 70-75. That is in a minivan with 6 cylinders.I am going to move into another car for around town when it is just me and I have allready had the bikes tuned up for trips to HEB and other places.
Posted by: Jv Location: Anywhere on May 31, 2008 at 08:56 AM
I havent tried "hypermiling" yet, but with the way the gas prices are today, its worth a try, anything that will cut down on gas comsumption is worth a try, and I am going to check it out.
Posted by: J Location: Grimes County on May 31, 2008 at 08:45 AM
Funny, John! I live 30 miles from any real town or city. Would just using cruise control on the highway be efficient or are you supposed to drive slower than 70 mph? I already limited my trips to "town" to once a week and try to get everything done in one day but hey, if there are additional ways to save gas IN TOWN I'm all for it! However, I'm sure road rage will be on the rise for all those who have money(gasoline) to burn and have no patience for the thrifty among us.
Posted by: John Location: Anderson on May 31, 2008 at 06:30 AM
I bet Randy is one of those drivers that has a heavy foot on the gas pedal. His parents probably fill up his vehicle...
Posted by: Derek Location: Bryan on May 31, 2008 at 02:32 AM
85 Miles per Gallon.... impossible. Your best fuel effiency on average is driving at 60 mph on cruise control for your entire tank of gas. That will get you best from 30 to 40 miles per gallon.
Posted by: Shannon Location: Houston on May 31, 2008 at 01:04 AM
I'm sorry. Did you forget to think today? The guy who said "What a bunch of idiots" is probably only sad that he does not understand the article. When comments resort to name calling you know that a nerve has been struck. Talk on Jethro. Get an education. I, on the other hand, am getting over 30mpgs in my SUV by hypermiling. I spend half as much on the gas that I used to. How much do you spend on gas Jethro? I get to spend my money on other things besides empowering the oil barons. What else are you doing to support terrorism Jethro? Please tell the viewing the audience. Thank goodness you aren't making decisions for me. Good job KBTX! This is exactly the type of information that we need to make educated and informed decisions. Thank you for your broad reporting and insightful anticipation of the issues. Job well done!!!
Posted by: Randy Location: College Station on May 30, 2008 at 10:17 PM
What a bunch of idiots!
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