THE EDITOR, Sir:
Unfortunately, I cannot direct readers to cheaper gasolene, I cannot even suggest when gas prices will come down.
What I can say is that there is a way to spend far less on gas than we do now, while driving the same distance.
If readers want to save money on fuel, all they need to do is adjust the way they drive. People committed to saving money at the pump call it hypermiling - a technique used to extract the most miles per gallon out of any vehicle.
After reading about this technique on the Internet (http://money.cnn.com/-2006/05/01/Autos/drivingformpg/index.htm) I decided to try it out myself.
It is not easy at first, because driving habits we form are very powerful. Second, it works - even when you slip up from time to time.
By my crude calculations, I now save between 30 and 40 per cent of my expenditure on fuel. Readers, this is like money in the bank. Hypermile and you will save.
To summarise, hypermiling is simply taking it very easy on the road. In Jamaica? Yes, in Jamaica.
By that I mean, accelerate slowly, decelerate slowly, drive at a constant speed for as long as possible (cruise control on highways if you have it), take your foot off the gas when you can (coast), and generally try to keep your RPM as low as practicable (between 1500 and 2000 usually).
By accelerating slowly, I don't simply mean no 'peeling out'. I mean wait until the way is clear and ease the gas pedal into operation. Continue the gradual increase in pressure until you develop a little momentum - wherever 2,000 RPM or less gets you.
By decelerating slowly, I don't mean to not jam on the brake in such a way as to cause whip-lash. I mean anticipate that you will have to stop far in advance and take your foot off the gas pedal, place it on the brake pedal early and cause the vehicle to come to a halt gently over some distance.
Imagine that your gas pedal is actually connected to your pocket - that should clarify the relationship.
The rest of the techniques are self explanatory.
I am, etc.,
ALEXANDER JOHNSON
aijohnson@mail.infochan
