Get fuel efficient through hypermiling

'Hypermiling' is a term that is rapidly coming into popular use, adopted to describe the act of driving in a fuel efficient way. In response to increasing fuel prices over the last few years, a group of people referring to themselves as 'hypermilers' tested the money-saving potential of driving economically - and found that it actually works.

There are a number of techniques that you can use to maximise your fuel economy. The techniques listed below require only small adjustments to your driving style but could save you up to 35% on your fuel bills.

But remember that safety must always come first. Don't engage in dangerous techniques to help you save fuel, as your safety and that of your passengers and other road users should be your top priority.

• Plan your route to factor in the shortest distance and least number of stops
• Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended level - but don't overinflate them as this can be extremely dangerous
• Don't drive in big shoes, as they reduce the sensitivity required to operate the accelerator
• Reduce excess weight in your car by removing any unnecessary items, especially heavy equipment such as roof racks

• Avoid rapid braking and rapid accelerating
• Turn your engine off when stopped or parked
• Slow down - the faster you drive, the more drag will be exerted on your car
• Avoid using the air conditioning or driving fast with the windows down as this can use up extra fuel

Our top tip is to take it easy with the accelerator pedal, as accelerating slowly away from lights and junctions is the most effective way to reduce your fuel consumption dramatically.

The good news is; if you've got a vehicle that uses fuel, you can hypermile. If you want to measure how successful your new driving style has been, then simply work out the number of miles per gallon your car is achieving. You can then compare your figure to the recommended miles per gallon stated for your vehicle by the manufacturer.

To work out your miles per gallon, follow these steps:

1. Make sure your fuel tank is full to begin
2. Set your odometer (otherwise known as a milometer) to 0
3. Drive your vehicle until it is time to fill up your tank again
4. Make a note of the number of miles driven
5. Fill your tank back up to the top and note how many litres of fuel you used
6. Divide the number of miles you travelled by the litres of fuel used
7. To find out your miles per gallon, multiply the result by 4.5461

Example: Mr A filled his tank and drove 250 miles. He then refuelled his car requiring 30 litres of fuel. Mr A worked out that 250 miles divided by 30 litres equals 8.33 miles to the litre.To convert this to miles per gallon he multiplied 8.33 miles to the litre by 4.5461 to equal 37.88 miles per gallon.

Sum: 250 (miles) / 30 (litres) = 8.33 (miles per litre)
8.33 (miles per litre) * 4.5461 (conversion) = 37.88 (miles per gallon)

Driving less really is the most effective way to reduce the amount of fuel you use. Walking, riding your bike or jogging to nearby places you'd usually drive to, is a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around, whilst saving you money at the same time.

Use public transport or car share where possible, and you will really notice the cost of your fuel bills going down. Also, make sure you always shop around for the best petrol prices in your area, as they can vary dramatically between garages that are only a few miles apart.

Finally, if you want to bring down the costs of driving, make sure you're getting the best deal on your car insurance. Compare car insurance and you could save up to £160* on your premium straight away.

*At least 13% of people who switched car insurance provider with uSwitch.com between 1st December 2008 and 30 May 2009 saved £160 or more.