Hypermiler

The forced auto stop is a staple in the Hypermiler's menu of gas saving techniques. It is also one of the more scrutinized hypermiling techniques as it can be extremely dangerous both for the driver of the vehicle and everyone else on the road.

Here's the basic way a FAS (forced auto stop) works - you put your car in neutral and turn off the engine as you coast down a hill, then re-engage the engine and continue driving once you begin to slow down. By completely turning off the engine, you use no fuel at all, and it is a definite way to increase the MPG of your car.

This technique is particularly dangerous in standard internal combustion vehicles. The hybrid engine works quite differently than a regular car engine, so this technique is definitely more effective in a hybrid vehicle. The thing that makes this so dangerous is often you risk losing complete control over your car. You risk locking your steering wheel and losing the ability to break. Restarting the engine can also potentially cause trouble as well, and possible damage to your engine over time.

All in all, you may be able to save MPG by using the FAS with a standard engine, but try it at your own risk. It may not be worth the extra gas money you'll save.

Tags: FAS, forced auto stop, hybrid vehicles, hypermiling, Hypermiling Tips, internal combustion engine

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