Save fuel now, crash later

Drivers in the US, shocked at fuel costs that have risen to nearly half the price of those in Europe, have taken to using 'hypermiling' techniques to economise. Such techniques involve accelerating gently, minimising use of braking, switching off engines and coasting down gradients. Other more controversial techniques involve inflating tyres to excessive pressures to reduce rolling resistance as well as 'slipstreaming' on highways by driving close to the vehicle in front to reduce air resistance. While wish
July 17, 2012 Read time: 1 min
Drivers in the US, shocked at fuel costs that have risen to nearly half the price of those in Europe, have taken to using 'hypermiling' techniques to economise. Such techniques involve accelerating gently, minimising use of braking, switching off engines and coasting down gradients. Other more controversial techniques involve inflating tyres to excessive pressures to reduce rolling resistance as well as 'slipstreaming' on highways by driving close to the vehicle in front to reduce air resistance. While wishing to save fuel is laudable, US drivers would do well to choose more economical vehicles instead. The cost of crashes caused by over-inflating tyres and driving too close to the vehicle in front will far outweigh the value of the fuel saved.

Related Content

  • Cold climate binder selection, a tricky business
    May 16, 2017
    Binder selection in cold climates is especially critical for extended pavement life, as Robert Otto Rasmussen, vice president and chief engineer of Transtec Group, explains. The cold climate found in regions such as Canada and the northern regions of the US and Europe poses a particular challenge to engineering a long-lasting, high-quality pavement. Pavements constructed with asphalt in those regions are affected by the asphalt binder’s sensitivity to temperature. Choosing a binder wisely is imperative for
    Read More
  • Harsh winter weather impacts on road surfaces
    February 27, 2012
    With warmer weather now spreading across the Northern Hemisphere, the impact of a second successive harsh winter can finally be seen on the roads of many nations. The transport links of many countries were affected badly by tough winter conditions. From the US to Russia and the 27 European Union members, heavy snow blocked roads and led to endless delays.
    Read More
  • World premiere at bauma for Goodyear’s new wheeled loader tyre
    January 6, 2017
    Goodyear’s new wheeled loader tyre for heavy applications, the RT-5D, is said to offer 25% more carrying capacity, greater comfort and more powerful traction compared to its predecessor. The claim is based on internal assessment at the Goodyear Innovation Centre Luxembourg 2012 in comparison with the RT-5C (tested size, 29.5R25).
    Read More

Highlighted Content