Hypermiling – fad or fact?
In today’s economy with high gas prices – it’s over $4.00 in many places and some say it will top off at $5.00 by the end of the year – the latest fad to save gas mileage for you car is called hypermiling. But does it really work?
Wikipedia defines hypermiling as fuel economy-maximizing behaviors and techniques that drivers can use to optimize their automobile fuel economy. Most driving is done in the city and as we all know your car gets lower mileage than on the highway. Some of the causes is due to idling time at either red lights or in traffic jams and more frequent braking. Also the way some people drive- quick starts and stops and exceeding the speed limit -also consumes a lot of gas.
Here is a good article http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=93129&catid=188 that explains some of the myths to hypermiling. Basically the article claims that the way you drive can cause burning unecessary gas. It also goes on to say that some of the techniques of hypermiling may be dangerous. For example, coasting or even shutting off your engine when you approach a stop light or sign is not a good idea because your power steering won’t work. Try steering a car with no power steering – can’t be done!
Or turning the corner without braking some hypermilers claim this technique increased their gas mileage from 20 miles per gallon to 45 miles per gallon. I remember teaching my oldest son to drive, he never would brake in a turn. Darn near took my head off with that technique! Also it is very dangerous if a pedestrian is crossing, I’m sure you get the picture. The article goes on to say that if you try some of these techniques, there is a possibility you may save 5% and maybe up to 15% on gas mileage.
So is hypermiling a fad or fact? I don’t think we will know for sure. Some people swear by the techniques. Then there is the safety issue.
If you want more information on hypermiling check out Hypermiling.com http://www.hypermiling.com/. This site gives you ideas on saving gas as well as several articles to read on this new fad.
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