National

I don't go so far as some hypermilers as to turn the engine off in going down the mountain. I like to use the engine for braking. But with modest hypermiling that I do which is basically conservative driving, using 5-30W oil, using low rolling resistance tires inflated to 43psi(BTW in three years of use my tires are the most even wear ever so the over inflation BS is yet another myth) I get 23% better mileage. That is almost a free tank of gas for every three fill-ups. My motivation is not so noble as the post 9-11 hypermiler in the Mother Jones article. My motivation is a republican one...one of pure greed. I want to save my hard earned dollars and not give money away to the oil corporations. BTW mtnlion: If my engine is off; steering and brakes still work on both vehicles because they are vacuum assisted steering and brakes not total power. I just have to use more muscle power to stop and steer. I believe the Camry is power-assisted rack and pinion also. Not the sensitivity of my old Austin Healy Bug eye but rack and pinion just the same.

Vac assisted steering? Dang those newfangled cars..
Brakes have been vac assist for decades but you only have a small amount of vac left in the booster after the engine is off.
I prefer to use the gears to control down hill speed as well. I'm not certain but I think coasting with the engine off may even be illegal. It is not safe to do in many vehicles.

"My motivation is a republican one...one of pure greed."

I always knew Chaucer was a closet conservative. I'm stingy with my utilities only because I'm a cheap ass.

Sorry Gem, I had to cancel my trip. I'd be in New Orleans now except I haven't located my next job yet.

Sabro - Sorry to hear. Are you trying to get a job at Rim?

Chaucer - Don't move to Texas, you'll get run over, the speed limit here is 80 MPH.

Gemini: Yeah Texans just love to give thier money away to oil corporations.