Busting myths about better gas mileage
Posted
May 23 2008, 05:12 PM
by
Karen Datko
Just when our brain was about to implode from reading the same 10 gas-saving tips at yet another blog, we found a different approach to the topic at Single Guy Money -- "6 gas-saving myths."
"SingleGuyMoney," with help from an article at CNN Money, debunks tips that have been repeated in e-mail and on Web sites to the point that people accept them as fact. We also checked some other sources. Let's start with that tip about filling your tank in the morning.
SingleGuyMoney writes, "According to Consumer Reports, the temperature of the gas as it comes out of the nozzle varies very little during the course of the day, so there is little benefit to waking up early to fill up the tank." We always love another reason to sleep in.
Replacing your air filter has no effect on gas mileage, he said. It's because our cars' computers adjust the gas-air mix when dirt and bugs clog the filter. However, a dirty filter will slow acceleration.
Premium fuel doesn't improve gas mileage, so don't use it unless your owner's manual says it's required.
While underinflated tires can reduce gas mileage, overinflating to further improve mileage can be hazardous. "The added risk of a crash isn't worth the extra mile a gallon you might gain," writes CNN Money's Peter Valdes-Dapena.
Air conditioning reduces gas mileage, but does that mean you should drive with the windows open? It's probably a good idea if you're in town and can stand the heat, but there's no clear answer for highway driving. Even with the additional drag, some vehicles get better highway mileage with windows down than with A/C on. But, Phil Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com, told CNN Money, "It's hard to measure the difference, and every vehicle is different."
Consumer Reports had this to say after running a test with a Toyota Camry: "Using air conditioning while driving at 65 mph reduced the Camry's gas mileage by about 1 mpg. The effect of opening the windows at 65 mph was not even measurable."
Under the heading "Bolt-ons and pour-ins," Valdes-Dapena speculated that if there were attachments or gas additives that actually did increase gas mileage, the car and oil companies would be incorporating them into their products to outdo competitors.
If you want to read more on this topic, go to Edmunds.com's Green Car Guide and scroll down to "Improve your gas mileage." You'll find some great reads there.
