Some hypermiling questions

GernBlandston — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:39:12 -0800

A couple of questions about hypermiling: 1. Have there been any studies that prove that driving on the highway with the windows open significantly decreases gas mileage? If so, where can I find them? 2. Have there been any studies that prove that using the air conditioner in the car significantly decreases gas mileage? If so, where can I find them? 3. Does shutting off my car (2006 Corolla) at stop lights/signs decrease the life of my car's starter (or any other parts)? Thanks!

Does a truck work extra to pull a drafting car?

condour75 — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:11:29 -0800

Does drafting a truck theoretically lower the truck's mileage? There have been a few articles about the practice of hypermiling (most recently I saw it on MotherJones via kottke.) Hypermilers try to extend their gas mileage to extreme lengths, and one of their more dangerous practices is drafting a truck -- tailgating it to ride the vaccum the truck creates as it moves forward.

I blogged a little about this and mentioned that the drafting is technically zero-sum for the environment since the truck must use more gas to make up for towing the car. My brother disagreed, and suggested that the energy of the vacuum would otherwise be exerted on surrounding air.

Could this be one of those infuriating puzzles like the jet and the conveyor belt, or is there a simple answer?

Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with hypermiling

Some hypermiling questions

Does a truck work extra to pull a drafting car?