Hypermiling

With gas prices going up, there seems to be a lot of talk about fuel efficiency.

I'd like to believe that I've always been pretty conscious of fuel economy. I purchase smaller cars that get good mileage, and don't require premium gas. I keep my tires filled, the trunk empty, don't drive aggressively, etc.

My new car has a real-time gas mileage indicator, so I've been able to learn more accurately what actions result in poor gas mileage.

I've also recently started using a site that tracks gas prices. The idea is that people post the gas prices they see at their local gas stations, and the time they saw that price. then, when you want to fill up, you have an idea of the relative cost at the stations near you. Of course, it's not perfect, but I have found it useful and interesting. You can view the site here.

But, it seems that I'm not doing all I can to increase my gas mileage - yesterday, there was an article in the USA Today on 'hypermiling'. The concept is that how you drive will impact your gas mileage. Some of their tactics are things I've already been doing. But, some are quite aggressive (and even dangerous, in my opinion). For example, some drivers 'draft' off larger trucks on the interstate. Now, I appreciate the power of drafting (I know a thing or two about NASCAR...), but I would prefer being safe, than have to worry about rear-ending a truck for a few extra miles per gallon.

Wow..not only do *I* not want to hypermile, I don't want the cars around me hypermiling either. Coasting in neutral in traffic? Turning off the car at stop lights? Yikes.