Hypermiling, Oil, and Octane

When it comes to hypermiling, car maintenance is taken very seriously. Hypermilers, drivers who maximize their fuel efficiency as if it were a competition or sport, will regularly keep their vehicles running at the highest possible standards to keep their miles-per-gallon rate as high as possible. However, for some, recommendations are not enough to keep their fuel economy where they would like it. Instead, these drivers may use different types of oil or various grades of gasoline to achieve a certain effect for their gas mileage. Despite their attempts, these habits may actually be doing more harm than good to their vehicles.

In the case of an oil change, many hypermilers will claim to be clockwork about their scheduling. While some will adhere to manufacturer schedules that claim that new cars need an oil change every 3,000 miles, others prefer more sensible number, such as 5,000 miles. Perhaps the most lax of all hypermilers will claim that somewhere between 5,000 and 7,500 miles is an ideal time to get an oil change.

As for the type of oil, some have noted that synthetic oil achieves the best mile-per-gallon rate, as it is the lightest kind of oil on the market. When it comes to performance or weight, hypermilers may disagree. Although weight improves MPG, performance-based oils keep a car healthier for longer.

When hypermilers find themselves at the pump, which is something of a rare sight, some will even pay extra money for a higher octane fuel. While they believe that this really makes their car run better, in actuality, there is little difference between regular and premium blends if a particular car was made to run on regular gasoline. An owner's manual or similar documentation should note what gasoline is best for a car.

Regardless of how fanatical a person is, car maintenance is a duty of every driver. To learn more about what drivers can do if they are injured by a malfunctioning vehicle, contact a car accident attorney.

If you have been injured by a malfunctioning vehicle or a driver who has failed to properly maintain their vehicle, contact the Waukesha car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. to discuss your claim options today.