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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Business
Sam Elliott-Gibbs

'Hypermiling' could save Brit drivers £50 a month with bizarre fuel-saving technique

Drivers looking to save money with fuel costs continuing to rocket have been urged to give 'hypermiling' a try.

The technique refers to when a motorist alters their driving habits to maximise petrol efficiency. The method could save you hundreds every year, reports the Daily Express.

Successful hypermiler Kevin Brooker, 44, first attempted the idea to relieve his boredom during his regular 70-mile commute.

The driver, who works for National Parks in Brecon but lives in Swansea, claims you could up to £600 over a year by using the technique.

He suggests driving as slowly as is reasonable, and in the highest possible gear without labouring your engine, is the cheapest way to drive.

Driving slowly in the highest possible gear could save you money, one motorist claims (Getty Images)

One of the most important factors when it comes to hypermiling is avoiding harsh acceleration or braking.

He told the Guardian: "To get the fuel I was using to go further, I was learning the techniques to get the most out of that gallon.

"The bonus was I was saving money. Over a month, I could save up to £50 without really increasing my journey time.

"Most cars have a range metre now, telling you how many miles you have left.

"You do find you try to go further than the car thinks it can go on the fuel you’ve got.

"Read the road ahead for traffic lights and roundabouts, so you always keep moving. If there’s a green light a fair distance off, there’s a high probability it will be red by the time you get to it. It’s all about pacing, so you get there when it’s green.

"With roundabouts, feed into them rather than stop.”

Drivers are currently paying 163.52p on average for a litre of petrol (Getty Images)

Of course, drivers should slow down wherever reasonable and in the highest possible gear without putting too much strain on the engine. Motorists should also avoid holding the gear "in high revs" while keeping with the flow of traffic.

On average, drivers are paying 163.52p for a litre of petrol, while super unleaded comes in at 176.14p per litre.

Meanwhile diesel drivers are still suffering from higher prices, with a litre costing 177.47p, resulting in most motorists paying almost £100 for a full tank of fuel.

Kevin Brooker also advises drivers to look at potentially switching their cars - he personally drives a Hyundai Ioniq electric car.

Brooker has worked out the electricity for his round trip to work now costs 97p, despite soaring electricity prices.

One of his world records comes in an electric car, as he was able to drive from John o'Groats to Land’s End with just one stop to recharge.

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