Drivers urged not to ape 'hypermilers' to improve mileage

London, August 7 : Amid fears that rising fuel prices may induce people to try different ways to improve their vehicles' mileage, British motorist's organisation RAC is urging drivers not to ape hardcore hypermilers - who go to amazing lengths to make their cars travel as far as possible on the least amount of fuel.

The organisation feels that there is a difference between being a cost-conscious motorist and a hypermiler.

Peterborough-based IT worker Karl Dyson, who has been a hypermiler for a few months, describes hypermiling as a mindset.

Compared to cost-consciousness, he says, hypermiling is a state when one is always trying to improve one's driving techniques to cut fuel consumption.

"You start getting into competition with yourself, trying to improve your mpg," he said.

Though a true hypermiler will never break the speed limit, hypermiling often involves tricks that are downright dangerous and illegal.

RAC spokesman Louise Zucchi insists that such techniques cannot be approved.

"We can well understand why motorists in these days of the credit crunch would want to make as many savings on fuel as possible. Indeed, we would endorse such tips as avoiding fierce acceleration and turning off the air-con. They will save money and help the environment," British tabloid The Sun quoted Zucchi as saying.

"But it is a very different matter when it comes to some other suggestions such as over-inflating tyres and tailgating. Such methods endanger the driver and other road users and can never be recommended," he added.

ANI