The other side of mileage improvement techniques
Much has been written about the various steps people use to try and improve their mileage. Some of the are logical, safe and advisable. Others may save a few dollars in the short run, but might end up costing more in the long run. Finally, there are some that are downright dangerous or might even be illegal (although, O.J. can walk free, I doubt some of the reckless drivers will end up doing time).
I'd like to have a thread that serves to discuss the other side of these techniques.
Let me start out by saying I am not an engineer, nor have I studied physics (since high school, that is), so much of what write about is gathered from 32 years of driving as well as speaking with various mechanics and doing some online reading (translation...I am not an expert).
First point to discuss, tire inflation. I was in Sears Auto Center this weekend and I asked the manager about tire inflation. He mentioned that 'over inflation' had dubious value, since it reduces the tire's useful life and provides less traction (less rubber meeting the road) in case of severe tire maneuvers. Now, I know there are many out there who would argue against this line of reasoning, some with more knowledge than this manager. But the question is, if you improve your mileage by from 35 MPG to 40 MPG (assuming 12,000 miles per year and $3/gallon) you will save 42 gallons or ~$126/year. But if your tires last 3 years instead of 4 (wild, unsubstantiated estimate) and a new set costs $450 (just a guess), you've ended up giving up your fuel saving by increasing the effective cost of your tires. Now, throw in the possibility that your car might not perform as well under an extremely adverse situation and you might ask yourself, is it worth it?
For anyone saying they handle as well, answer this one question...if you were coming down a steep hill at a high speed on a rainy night and were going around a sharp curve and needed to make an evasive maneuver, would you prefer the tires to be inflated at the manufacturer's recommeded pressure or would you want the tires to be over inflated by 5 or 10 PSI? I don't have the answer and hopefully, no one will ever be in that situation, but I think a scenario like that is enough to have people think twice about over inflation. Shouldn't it?
Another situation (although I rarely see it at these forums) is tailgaiting large trucks. Forget the danger factor, which should seem obvious to anyone out there, what about the increased likelihood that a stone will get thrown up and crack or chip your windshield?
I've seen others discuss swithing the gear to neutral (which I believe is illegal, not sure) while driving. What about the safety factor here?
My point here isn't to get up on a soap box and tell others that their techniques are wrong. Rather it is to start a discussion that deals with the other side of the mileage improving decisions.
I don't have the answers, I am not an expert and I am not saying that anyone is doing anything wrong. Some of these things are wrong for me, so I don't do them, but if you are comfortable with them, it's your choice. This thread is for the newer hybrid drivers who are trying to learn.
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