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

  • Caterpillar: this is what the future looks like
    April 14, 2016
    Fuel efficiency and powertrain alternatives are crucial for the future of construction, while the issue of emissions will remain a priority for some time to come – that was the message from Caterpillar’s roundtable event at bauma 2016. Senior executives from the company spoke with journalists, discussing key future technology developments and trends for the firm. Paolo Fellin is VP Global Construction & Infrastructure, while Ken Hoefling is VP for Building Construction Products. Karl Weiss is VP Earthmovin
    Read More
  • European road safety points way ahead
    May 15, 2014
    The notable improvement in road safety statistics for Europe paint a promising picture with an 8% drop in fatalities recorded for 2013 compared with the previous year. This continues the steady reduction in the fatality rate, having followed a previous drop in road deaths. And it highlights how measures to control speeding and enforce laws against drink-driving have had a positive effect.
    Read More
  • Advances in earthmoving are seeing new excavators and ADTs
    March 11, 2014
    Key manufacturers are introducing new excavators and ADTs featuring the latest diesel engine technology, while there are developments too in the grader sector - Mike Woof reports The start of 2014 was always going to be a key year for the construction equipment sector, given the commencement of the Tier 4 Final/Stage IV emissions regulations for North America and Europe. This phased introduction of ever tougher emissions regulations has been a long process, as well as a very costly one in terms of resear
    Read More
  • Sheep in the city
    May 22, 2019
    Christmas follies Christmas congestion was caused in Cambridgeshire due to an errant Santa. Traffic was forced to halt on a busy stretch of road in the town of Wisbech after an inflatable Santa was blown from the house where it had been secured. The giant Santa inflatable came to rest on Cromwell road, lying on its side and appearing to wave drunkenly at vehicles passing in the opposite lane. Two men then managed to remove the giant inflatable from the roadway, allowing vehicles to pass. And an overze
    Read More

Highlighted Content