This blog is mainly about how I find ways to save money and I have tried a LOT of different things in the past. I read other blogs to look for tips on things I can do to reduce my expenses so that I can work on reducing debt and building wealth.
I have found a few frugal tips out that have been great and there also a few that really freak me out!!!! I decided to start a little series of Frugal Tips That I will NOT try so you can get a better idea of some of the things I think are too extreme.
One of the tips that I will not follow is Turning Off My Engine When Going Downhill. This is a common technique used in hypermiling, which is a method of driving that allows you to get more gas mileage out of every tank. I have used some of the hypermiling techniques in the past but I think that this is a very dangerous practice to undertake. If something happens in an emergency then your engine is off and you have no control over the car. Why would you want to intentionally put yourself in that situation just to save a few drops of gas.
I think that some things are better left untried and I will leave that particular technique for the braver drivers out there and will not worry too much about coasting down a hill in order to save some gas.
I’m with you on this one. I’ve heard it said that with today’s cars it’s perfectly fine to do this, but I can’t help but believe that stopping and starting your car so often isn’t going to end up wearing out the starter or some other part prematurely. Plus, I keep the average miles per gallon indicator up on my readout all the time, and after I start the engine, it usually drops indicating that there is additional fuel being used even though they tell you that this isn’t the case.
Plus there’s the safety factor. If the car doesn’t restart or you mess up the gears, you’re putting yourself and others at risk.
Simply put, the risk/reward doesn’t justify this.
I wouldn’t recommend turning off the engine but if you have a manual transmission you can easily shift into neutral and allow your car to coast down the hill. Since I have an automatic transmission what I usually do is let off the gas, and avoid touching the brakes, just let the car roll down the hill and do its thing. I will only touch the brakes in case I am exceeding the speed limit. I don’t turn off the engine though…
-Jean
That is a hypermiling technique known as coasting and I do it all the time. I also coast to red lights if I see them heading my way.
When you know a light is turning red, coast to it. Don’t speed. Don’t run up to stop signs and slam on your brakes. Be a gentle, not aggressive driver.
Do all those, yep. Turn off my engine? I don’t think so!
I try to coast as much as possible and not take off fast after the light turns green
Turning off your engine going downhill is dangerous and pointless… how about riding a bike to save on gas? I’m trying to spread the word about riding bicycles around town this summer, please check out my blog at please check out my blog tell your family and friends! Enjoy the money saved, thank you 🙂
Yes this is a dangerous strategy to use. I’ve done it once or twice when I was worried about not having enough gas in the tank to make it to the gas station. It isn’t something I would do regularly though. There are other much safer ways to save gas and money when driving.
being a lady i definitely wouldn’t attempt trying the switch off the car… switching it on would be a mission, and what about the cars behind you when you stall? Id rather take the foot off the gas and free fall! interesting article LuLuGal 🙂 certainly had a good chuckle reading it !
I have never heard of such a thing. I would think it wouldnt be safe at all.
Don’t mess with the etngine!
But how about extending the Gas? Is it OK to add a little water to the tank? Still get the burn in the gas but it does extend the tank.
Anyone know?
I would be wary of putting anything but gas into my gas tank. I do not think you should go adding water to your tank as that can be very dangerous in the long run.
Lol this is taking driving downhill with a car to the next level.Like you said some things are better left untried and thus I would def not recommend this to anyone.Believe me you are not gonna save much.
Wise words LuLu.
How about cutting a hole below the drivers seat so driver can peddle Flintstones style? 🙂
Bring on the electric cars! I am sick of the lame excuses these oil companies feed us so they can raid our bank accounts with overpriced gas.