Some Hypermiling Myths
These are a bunch of, probably, the biggest misconceptions about hypermiling. These tips simply do nothing for gas mileage and some may actually have negative affects in one way or another:
Use a do-it-yourself fuel additive
We’ve heard of everything from acetone to mothballs to WD-40 being added to the gas, and though some users claim a modest increase in mileage, the additives can cost more than any gas savings can justify. Plus, good luck in getting manufacturers to honor any warranty claims if they learn you have been using unauthorized additives.
Drive with the tailgate down
Not true, especially on modern pickups, which are aerodynamically designed to allow air to flow over the empty bed rather than into it, causing drag. The roof is designed to allow air to pass completely over the bed. A tailgate places down actually sticks out passed this aerodynamic point and causes additional drag.
Let the engine idle
This was more true back in the days of carburetors and nonelectronic ignition, but it isn’t true now. At idle, you get zero miles per gallon. If you expect to idle for more than even a few seconds, turn the engine off. The myth that an engine startup takes as much gas as a few minutes of idling is completely false, especially on newer vehicles.
Install a fuel-saving device
Probably not. Popular Mechanics (and your author as well) tested a variety of them, from vortex generators and water injectors to magnets, ionizers and atomizers, and not one worked. Some, the magazine warned, could actually come apart and damage the engine.
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