Hypermiling techniques more popular than ever, despite potential dangers, due to cost of living crisis

UK drivers are increasingly turning to potentially risky "hypermiling" techniques, with a 17% increase in the practice since April. Many drivers were already turning to hypermiling, but now 75% of British drivers are using the potentially problematic methods, with a staggering 89% admitting to being a "hypermiler."

This is according to brand new research from used car buying service, ChooseMyCar.Com. The study was part of a bigger body of work aimed at understanding how high fuel prices and the spiralling cost of living is affecting British drivers.

The research found that:-

► 89% of drivers are now hypermiling (up 17% since April)

► 93% of young drivers (aged 18 to 34) are trying to maximise fuel efficiencies when driving

► Birmingham is the hypermiling capital of the UK, with 95% of drivers trying not to burn fuel

► South West drivers least concerned about fuel economy, with the Cities of Plymouth at:- 80%, and Bristol at:- 83%

Other Regional data sees hypermiling in Manchester at:- 92%, Liverpool:- 90%, London:- 86%, Edinburgh:- 87%, Cardiff at:- 94%, Newcastle at:- 89%, and Southampton at:- 86%.

ChooseMyCar.Com explained:- "Hypermiling is the name given to the use of various techniques to increase fuel economy. Despite the fact that fuel prices have come down from the historic highs of earlier this year, they remain significant. Combined with the cost of living hikes, it's not surprising that British drivers are trying to find ways to keep their fuel in their tanks for longer. However, some hypermiling techniques can cause damage to vehicles; and some are deemed by experts to be actually unsafe. To try and help you differentiate between the 2, ChooseMyCar.Com has put together some safe tips and techniques for improving fuel economy in these tricky times. Founder of ChooseMyCar.Com, Nick Zapolski, said that drivers must be careful to not damage their cars or practise any dangerous hypermiling methods. While we totally understand why hypermiling has become so popular, I'd really urge drivers to make sure they do their research before taking on any of these habits. Done badly, hypermiling can not only cause damage (and therefore cost more in the long run) but can also endanger lives."

Hypermiling Tips given to us by ChooseMyCar.Com:-

► Prepare your car for success... Before you even put fuel in your car, think about whether it's in the best condition. Are your tyres pumped sufficiently? Are your oil levels topped up? Has your car been serviced in the last year? You may not realise it, but in order for your vehicle to save fuel, you need to make sure it's in top condition. If your tyres aren't sufficiently inflated, your car will have to work harder to perform the way you're used to. That means using more fuel. If your oil levels aren't suitable, more energy will be required to turn the engine.

► Focus on your MPG... Some cars will tell you the real time MPG of your car as you're driving along. This can be a great tool to help your driving become more economical, although this can be distracting so be cautious. Our advice; if your car can tell you what the current MPG of your travelling car is, there's a chance it also has an eco-setting. Turn that on. It will prevent you from driving too erratically.

► Go easy on the brake pedal... Each time you brake, you turn your fuel into heat and brake dust. So don't speed up just to slam the brakes on. If you see the speed limit ahead is being reduced, don't wait until you get to the sign to hit the brake. Let your car naturally slow itself down before you force it to. The less you use your brakes and the more you use natural resistance to slow your car; the better for your fuel.

► Stick to the speed limit... More often than not, safe driving means saving fuel. The faster you travel the more fuel you use. That doesn't mean you should drive at 30mph, on a motorway. But consider the fact that statistically, most cars will be most efficient at around 56mph. For each 5mph to 10mph you reduce your speed by, you can look to gain 7 to 14% on your fuel economy. This means if you're 1 of those people on the motorway bumbling along at 77mph (because you think it means you won't get caught for speeding) you're wasting more fuel than the person next to you travelling at the speed limit. Truth be told, it pays to stick to the law!

► Get out of the car... Driving to the shops to go and get some milk? Need to pick the kids up from School? Are you 1 of these people who always opts for the car because it's easier? Well, a great way for you to save money on your fuel is to stop using the car. Alternatively, why not opt for public transport? You'll be surprised at how much fuel you can save by replacing your car with the bus or train. Perhaps you live near a colleague, you could both travel to work together and cut your fuel costs; quite literally; in ˝!

► Find the most efficient car... It might be an electric 1 or perhaps a hybrid vehicle. But the truth is that they're an expensive purchase. Make your fuel work for the current car you have. Use our tips, drive safely, slowly, and lay off the pedals. If times really get tough, leave the car at home and enjoy some fresh air instead.

► Dangers of Hypermiling... There are some hidden dangers of hypermiling. Here are some of the riskier methods you should avoid.

► Driving on a near empty tank... Most of us have done it, trying to squeeze out an extra 10 miles before you fill up, or even ignoring the 0 miles on your range. However, when your fuel level is near empty, your car may suck in the dirt from the bottom of your fuel tank, causing serious damage to your car.

► Turning the engine off whilst moving... It may save a small amount of fuel, but by turning your engine off whilst moving you may lose control of the car as the steering will lock, your engine will have no power, and your brakes will not function properly.

► Coasting in neutral... When your car is in neutral you are unable to use your gears and engine to slow down, therefore coasting is particularly dangerous down steep hills. It also means you cannot accelerate away from any potential dangers.

► Drafting/ tailgating / slipstream... This may be seen on motorways and dual carriageways, with drivers getting into the slipstream behind lorries or coaches. However, this dramatically reduces your reaction and braking time as well as your visibility, making it a dangerous manoeuvre.

► Fuel efficient driving... Whilst it may be tempting to set the cruise control to 55mph and stay in lane 1 of the motorway, this has potentially dangerous implications for others around you. If any traffic is merging into your lane, your speed could cause issues. You also need to consider the dangers of lorries or coaches having to overtake you due to your slower speed.

► Distraction from driving... Our final point on the dangers of hypermiling is that if you are using any of the above techniques, you may become too distracted. at the wheel trying to save fuel. We would advise, over everything, to be a safe and vigilant driver.

Over 21 million people at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter

HIGHT fuel prices are pushing UK drivers to their limit, as 76% of drivers admitting they need to drive to survive, as they are not able to continue working without them. The shocking findings published by used car buying service ChooseMyCar.Com have really highlighted our dependency on our vehicles. We know for a fact that many of our readers have looked at electric cars to get around the high fuel prices, and to go green, but prices are going up for electric as well.

Worryingly, the data suggests that despite the crippling costs faced by UK drivers, many must continue to drive to work, or need their vehicle for their jobs. ChooseMyCar.Com's study shows that the:- 18 to 34 year old age group are the most adversely affected, with a massive 84% stating that they need their car to work. The 35 to 55 year old age group was only slightly behind at 75%, and even the over 55's (some of whom may well be retired) showed that 65% needed to use their car to stay in work.

Founder of ChooseMyCar.Com, Nick Zapolski, said that the research suggests that many people will face difficult decisions ahead. "Our study proves that many people in the UK do need to drive to survive. They don't have the luxury of deciding to leave their car off the road, so they're forced to pay still too high fuel prices on top of everything else that's going up in price. There are very concerning times ahead, and the working people of Britain will be the most affected."

RAC reports that the costs of electric car charging are increasing as well. Car Insurance Expert at Confused.Com, Alex Kindred, says:- "Although the costs of charging up an electric car seem to be increasing, it's important we recognise the long term benefits of going electric. EV owners don't have to pay VED tax on their car and they can also gain access to some cost cutting incentives like free entry to ULEZ zones. In fact, our research found that 53% of EV owners said they are financially better off since owning an EV. However, as living costs increase, the cost of driving will undoubtedly rise too. There are several ways EV owners can try to keep the cost of charging down:-

► Look out for free public charging points.

► Try to avoid charging at a Motorway Service Station, as prices tend to be more expensive; as is the case with fuel.

► If you have a charger at home, seek out overnight charging tariffs as these are usually cheaper than standard rates.

If you're unsure whether going electric is the right decision for you, our advice on the pros and cons and the cost of EVs might help with making the move."

For many EV users, it is not just cost of charging that puts people off going with EV, but the cost of the cars themselves. Other disadvantages include:- finding charging Stations, charging times, higher initial costs, limited driving range, and battery packs can be expensive to replace. That is not forgetting issues over software updates and parts. So for some, long term it might be worth hanging on to your petrol car, as EV infrastructure is still not able to support the cars that are currently on the roads. Not only that, but if you can't keep up with the latest model releases, you might find your car has the same issues as a Windows or Apple computer with its software updates later down the line. But for now, for many of us, they are small problems as many UK drivers who need to drive to survive, are are often increasingly being forced to look at how they can cut grocery or heating bills instead, just to get to work.

Also, if you are thinking of going EV to be green and not to cut your bills, it might be worth adding that the days of the standard EV car we know today might be numbered. If you are looking for a truly viable alternative to the internal combustion engine, and zero emissions technology, many in the UK do not know that back in 2013 the world's 1st production model Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle was released. Hyundai's ix35 release has meant many leading car manufactures are also now increasing the speed of developing Hydrogen Fuel Cell models, and many are very close to release. But, for now, bear in mind that should you live in the UK, we currently only have 15 hydrogen filling Stations in operation, so you will want to live close to 1 if you go down this route. More Hydrogen filling Stations are being built in the UK, but as a realistic a prospect that hydrogen cars are to be on a street near you and that we will we all be driving them in a few years time, is very low.

Arguably, both EV and Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicles still have many disadvantageous, and electric power currently has the advantage over Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology.

The research is particularly by both ChooseMyCar.Com and the RAC is worrying, in the context of other household bills being pushed higher than ever recorded. No matter what powers are motors, drivers are still facing ever increasing bills, just to get to work, and that is not taking into consideration the cost of keeping motors on the roads or buying them in the 1st place.

Driers have no easy option out of this fuel bill mess, especially when public transport is so messed up and costly, as it is today. We would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Please email our newsroom with your views on this topic:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com.