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Gas saving tips: Myths
By Daniel | May 16, 2008
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Gas saving tips are everywhere and becoming more and more popular as the price per gallon goes higher. I just posted last week about Wayne and his insane gas mileage. This week I found an article from CNN Money that lists 6 gas-saving myths by Peter Valdes-Dapena. While some of these might have a slight, almost unmeasurable improvement, there are several other solutions that will save far more gas. I’ve recently been focusing on my driving habits, slower acceleration, maintaining a constant speed at the speed limit, etc. Reducing the amount of driving is probably the biggest help for us. Last Monday I walked to the post office(1 mile) instead of driving and we group our errands into one trip instead of two or three. |
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Fill your tank in the morning
- The temperature change in fuel throughout the day is too small for you to see a difference in gas mileage.
Change your air filter
- Maintaining your car is important, but computer controlled vehicle adjust the air/fuel ratio to compensate for a clogged air filter.
Use premium fuel
- If premium is “recommended” but not “required” in the owner’s manual, it will not increase fuel economy. Your car’s computer will adjust the spark timing and you’ll only get less power.
Pump up your tires
- Correct tire pressure is the best. Over inflating tires may save a small amount of fuel, but will increase instability during braking and turning.
To A/C or not A/C
- Air conditioning compressors are very efficient these days and at most speeds in most vehicles the difference between rolling the windows down and using the A/C is very slight, less than one mile per gallon.
Bolt-ons and pour-ins
- Most products are useless, and if they were that great car manufactures would be using them. When they do work, it’s probably a placebo effect and you’re just paying more attention to your driving habits.
Topics: Auto |