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Having tried a few hypermiling techniques this week, I've got to say I can see how a few of the techniques could become a bit dangerous. Now, I'm not talking about the really extreme techniques, like "drafting" (or tailgating close behind large trucks so they can cut you a path through the air to reduce wind resistance). That's just plain stupid and extremely dangerous. The truck blocks your view of what's ahead of it, so you won't know if it has to stop suddenly--then you won't have time to stop quickly enough if the driver suddenly slams on the brakes.
From what I've seen so far (both my reading and my initial experience), hypermiling is all about paying attention far ahead to anticipate speed changes so you can more evenly speed up and slow down, using the car's momentum as much as possible. That's not so bad and makes a lot of sense--ever have the person in the car beside you speed on by only to slam on the brakes at the red light ahead?? What's that about?? Have you then smiled and waved at them as you pulled in right beside them to wait it out? No? Me either, but have I ever wanted to!!!
I also started shutting down my engine at red lights and starting up when it turns green again. Then, from there I progressed to, "I'll shut down and coast into place behind the car in front of me to stop at the red light"...WHOA! I had a couple of times that the light turned green on me before I came to a complete stop. Now, this wouldn't be so bad if I had a manual transmission and could just pop the clutch to restart. I then had to come to a complete stop, put the car in park and start the car again. Hasn't been unsafe so far, but has irritated a few people behind me (I could tell by the way they pulled out and blazed around me).
Another I have tried is coasting in neutral around corners and occasionally long downhills. Every time I do, I get a little nervous--scared I'll go two clicks instead of one and drop the transmission in the middle of the road (so much for money saved on gas!). Also, the indicator of which gear I'm in doesn't work, so I have to really pay attention and not let my mind wander. I did once and then couldn't remember if I was still in neutral. Fortunately, I was approaching a red light and able to come to a complete stop. If not, I probably would have had to step on the gas to see how the car responded (by pulling ahead or making the rrrrRRRRRRRrrrr noise).
Just my reactions so far. I'll keep you posted!
Jul 3, 2008
Hypermiling - Week # 1 - Reactions
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This is great first hand information and gives a much better insight on how certain techniques can be more than you bargained for. Thanks for sharing this data, I think it can help to honed the science of hypermiling into something really useful and also safe.
Thanks for the comment. I noticed there are tons of stories and blog posts about hypermiling out there, but so many of them appear to be quite "journalistic." I decided to share more of my personal experience with hypermiling as well as my results and will continue to do so. I believe that will be more helpful to other people because that's what I've had a harder time finding myself.
I don't cut off my engine for the same reasons you experienced. Any idea if shifting in and out of neutral while rolling will do any damage to the transmission? I do it, but I'm nervous because I don't know what it will do over time. Any ideas?
I wasn't aware of any issues, but hadn't really thought of it. I searched for this issue on the forums over at CleanMPG and found that this is actually a hotly debated topic among the "experts" (which I certainly am not). Sounds like it comes down to the type of vehicle you drive. Coasting in neutral MAY be damaging to your transmission due to forcing the car up to matching RPMs when you shift into D while still coasting in N. You should check your vehicle's owners' manual to see whether it specifically warns you about transaxle damage if you coast in Neutral. In that case, of course, you will want to follow the recommendations. The discussion goes on to compare the benefits and disadvantages of coasting in neutral vs. coasting in D (a.k.a. engine braking). Hope that helps!
-Nikkole
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