Some Hypermiling techniques denounced by AAA

[gascort]

I don't listen too hard to what AAA has to say as a lobbying group.

Here is some interesting reading courtesy a Wikipedia compilation:
AAA and motorist rights....
...Support of the old 55 mph National Maximum Speed Law...
hmmmm this sounds like a hypermiling tactic they did suggest!
AAA and the environment
...AAA's lobbying positions are perceived by some as hostile to mass transit and environmental interests. Daniel Becker, director of Sierra Club's global warming and energy program, described AAA as "a lobbyist for more roads, more pollution, and more gas guzzling."[5] He observed that among other lobbying activities, AAA issued a press release critical of the Clean Air Act, stating that it would "threaten the personal mobility of millions of Americans and jeopardize needed funds for new highway construction and safety improvements."[5] "AAA spokespeople have criticized open-space measures and opposed U.S. EPA restrictions on smog, soot, and tailpipe emissions."[6] "The club spent years battling stricter vehicle-emissions standards in Maryland, whose air, because of emissions and pollution from states upwind, is among the nation's worst."[7]

So they've supported driving slow for safety reasons, I suppose, but now they're saying that's unreasonable.
They also don't seem to like mass transit or rules regarding reduced emissions. I think if you're reading on this board, you are guaranteed to be a supporter of mass transit and reducing emissions.

[garys_1k]

BTW, this thread, http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ires-2582.html discusses "hyperinflating" tires pretty thoroughly. The OP is a tire designer with a lot of background. It makes good reading.

[Formula413]

Originally Posted by bestmapman

So you have no references then.

A few quickies...

Here's an article on how to find correct pressure for optimum handling:
Tweaking tire pressure for maximum handling - Team Integra

This is an article about TPMS but talks about the relationship between pressure and ride quality:
Tire Pressure Monitor TPMS

[MazdaMatt]

Thanks... That's exactly what I meant by anybody who races understands that there is a peak handling pressure and it isn't "more is better". Ultra-high pressures are definately beyond maximum handling and people that don't really try it out in a safe place are risking their cars and lives. I know too many bad drivers to say that anybody can handle super-high pressure.

[NismoMax80]

i guess i see where AAA is coming from. I take it they're not condemning all gas saving techniques. AAA is pointing out which one are illegal or possibly dangerous.

Many of us take our common sense for granted and forget many need someone to fill them in on what might hurt them.

As for cell phones, I see it many people can't drive while doing ANYTHING else. It just happens that currently "everyone" has a cell and most sadly DEPEND on it.

[Tango Charlie]

While trying to find an address in a strange neighborhood (yeah, delivering 'za), I've had to turn down the radio so I could see the street signs!
No cellphone-while-driving for me!
Anybody else have this experience?

[garys_1k]

Originally Posted by Tango Charlie

While trying to find an address in a strange neighborhood (yeah, delivering 'za), I've had to turn down the radio so I could see the street signs!
No cellphone-while-driving for me!
Anybody else have this experience?

Yep, all the time. If the radio's on loud I cannot concentrate on what I'm LOOKING at.

[garys_1k]

This whole thing just must show what a rebel I am.

I own a gun, so that means I'm likely to blow somebody's head off if they cheese me off, right? Bad, bad, me.

I hypermile, so that means I'm likely to kill a grandma' and/or a station wagon full of nuns, right? Sure it does.

I'm such a bad man -- bad to the bone.

[whatthe]

In the past, I've slammed on my brakes from 100km/h with engine off to test my brakes out and I recall bald spotting a tire in the process... more my fault, but it brings up the thought

Does your ABS system still work with engine off?

What about other secondary systems, vehicle stability control? does anything change with function of other safety devices for your vehicle?

Plus a few more...

Since the biggest benefits to drafting a truck are say within 10 ft of his rear bumper, is it really worth it?

There are definitely some tactics that I have a personal problem with, as I don't believe they are safe based on how newer cars function.... BUT I also have a big problem with labelling the rest of the well thought out and extremely effective and safe hypermiling tips as unsafe.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by whatthe

Does your ABS system still work with engine off?

What about other secondary systems, vehicle stability control? does anything change with function of other safety devices for your vehicle?

For most vehicles, turning the key to the "On" position after cutting the engine will engage electronic controls: ABS, airbags, stability control, signals, etc.

I actually had to perform a full ABS stop while EOC-ing last year. I hadn't touched the brakes, so I had full vac and stopped missing the obstacle without a problem. The ABS motor will cycle the channels more slowly, but the force is still the same. It depends on battery power.

In the TSX, I tried the stability control in a parking lot with snow. It's a bit "muted" -- it acts more slowly, but still does the job. That car doesn't see much EOC time -- heavy steering and a long crank-over.

Plus a few more...

Since the biggest benefits to drafting a truck are say within 10 ft of his rear bumper, is it really worth it?

You can still see a benefit further back. I don't draft trucks, period. The rule is, if you can see the driver's mirrors, you're OK.

RH77