After working for 1 year and having just reached the hypermiler level, I would like to add my .02.



I am not a person who uses all the tips I get on this site. Many of the things I do take to heart, such as slow acceleration, anticipating stops, coasting when possible and turning off the engine when I stop if the car is not warm enough for auto-stop. I have not performed some of the more serious techniques of the folks getting in the top 10% of all the car classes. I realize that with my commute (less than 20 minutes), living in an area where I will climb a hill (or small mountain) almost anywhere I go and that I must use this car to get where I am going, whether short or long trip, I know that my time at hypermiler will probably be short. My pitfall will be Winter, when my morning commute will turn into a source of great frustration for me since my car stays outside and I am lucky if auto-stop starts to work when I can see my office.



For those than can become hypermilers, and stay there with whatever technique they use, I think it is great. I also think it is great that there is a site like this to let everyone share their experiences and other people can possibly pick up some hint that can help them increase 2 MPG.



With all of this rambling, I guess I wanted to say, if you are happy with your gas mileage, then good for you. If you can’t get to hypermiler, while using your car as a vehicle to get from point A to point B, because you can’t pick your driving time or route, then do the best you can. While driving a hybrid you are probably doubling the gas mileage you got prior to this, helping the environment and also helping to advance a growing technology. Who knows, your “sacrifice” to be one of group of leaders, may allow your children or grandchildren to have a car that will get 90 MPG without have to turn the engine off while doing down hill.

Billy