The Dangerous Practice of Hypermiling

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

01 May 2008 05:54 PM

Hypermiling is a new term that is applied to various techniques that may improve your gas milage and reduce your gas costs. With the rising cost in fuel, websites have sprung up all over the Internet with different tips and techniques. People who practice hypermiling say that they can get twice the amount of milage on their vehicles than what manufacturers of the vehicles suggest. While some of these hypermiling techniques make perfect sense and have been practiced by frugal drivers for years (such as maintaining a steady speed below 55 miles per hour), other may actually be dangerous. Here is the scoop on some of the dangerous hypermiling techniques, so you can avoid them.

Pumping up the tires pumping up the tires on your vehicle to the maximum rating on the sidewalls is one technique of hypermiling. Well-pumped tires will certainly save you on gas milage, because the vehicle doesn't have to work as hard to propel itself. However, you should keep in mind that when inflating tires, you not only have to look at the maximum pressure allowed by the tire, but also the maximum tire pressure that is recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Many people overlook this recommendation, which could lead to accidents.

Using engine oil of a low viscosity. This provides less drag on the engine, making the parts move more efficiently. But, again, there maybe be a safety issue here are well. Thinner oil tends to burn off faster and could cause engine overheating. Also, if you have a warranty on your car, you can void this warranty by using oil that has a lower viscosity than what is recommended.

Drafting behind other vehicles, such as trucks in order to reduce the amount of drag on your car, and the resulting gas needed to power the car. This is a very dangerous practice, and I would never recommend it. The potential loss of life is high should an accident occur, and the money you might save, even if it totals $5,000 a year as some people claim, is just not worth your life. Wouldn't you pay $5,000 if that was the price to save your life or the life of a loved one?

For safe ways to save on gas, check out the following articles.

Gas Saving Roundup

Avoid the Gas Gouge

Gas Pumps Cheat Customers

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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