Extreme Steps to Maximize Gas Mileage
Denver, CO (KARE-TV) -- There's a movement out there to get people to relearn how to drive.
It's called "hypermiling" and some swear it doubles the performance of their cars.
"You can always affect your gas mileage by the way you drive," said Kevin Roybal, director of coaching at the MasterDrive School.
Roybal says it might work, but it might not be safe.
"Hypermiling" was created by Wayne Gerdes.
Gerdes is a nuclear plant operator in Illinois who says he studied the physics of driving.
Gerdes says if drivers follow certain techniques, they can keep their cars from burning unnecessary gas.
Suggestions include always driving the speed limit because fuel economy goes down the faster you go.
Some say to slightly over-inflate your tires and use thinner oil in your engine.
Roybal says the questionable suggestions include making turns without using your brakes to maintain the car's momentum.
"That turn would be pretty hard not to mention unsafe should a pedestrian or bicyclist happen to be in that crosswalk I was turning into," said Roybal.
Roybal says some "hypermilers" also suggest turning your car off and coasting to a stop at intersections.
However, in Colorado, that is illegal and Roybal says that could cause you to lose your power steering in a time when you might need to make an unexpected turn.
"Anytime that your engine is off or you're out of gear, you have the loss of an ability to use the engine or the power to pull yourself out of a collision should something come up," said Roybal.
Another suggestion is to adjust your travel plans.
The UPS delivery service has recalculated routes for its drivers nationwide to eliminate as many left turns as possible because waiting to turn left wastes gas instead of continuing with several right turns.
Some drivers say the idea is intriguing especially after seeing gas prices soar into the $4.00 range.
"If it could save me money, I might try it," said Jayne Roberts, Highlands Ranch resident. "I think I might do it in my neighborhood where you just turn a corner without braking."
Some "hypermilers" claim the techniques have increased their gas mileage from 20 miles per gallon to 45 miles per gallon.
Roybal finds that hard to believe.
"Five, 10, 15 percent (better) that could be possible," said Roybal. "Always put safety first before miles per gallon."
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