1. Changing your car's air filter can improve your fuel efficiency.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
FACT
The Department of Energy indicates that a clean air filter could improve your gas savings by up to 10 percent.
The Department of Energy indicates that a clean air filter could improve your gas savings by up to 10 percent.
2. Leaving your car idling for a minute or more is better than turning it off.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH
If you plan to leave your car for more than 30 seconds, Consumer Reports indicates that it's best to turn it off. The consumer research organization reports that when all cars had carburetors, it likely was better to let the car idle for a short period of time due to the fuel it takes to get a car started, but that’s not the case anymore.
If you plan to leave your car for more than 30 seconds, Consumer Reports indicates that it's best to turn it off. The consumer research organization reports that when all cars had carburetors, it likely was better to let the car idle for a short period of time due to the fuel it takes to get a car started, but that’s not the case anymore.
3. Using a higher grade of gas can help you get better gas mileage.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH
Consumer Reports indicates there is very little difference in gas mileage in the different grades of gas. The magazine recommends using the minimum octane grade required by the car's manufacturer. This information is in the owner's manual and usually around the fuel cap.
Consumer Reports indicates there is very little difference in gas mileage in the different grades of gas. The magazine recommends using the minimum octane grade required by the car's manufacturer. This information is in the owner's manual and usually around the fuel cap.
4. If you fill up in the morning you can get more gas in your tank.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH
Consumer Reports says this is a myth because the temperature of gas coming out of the fuel nozzle changes very little regardless of the outdoor temperature.
Consumer Reports says this is a myth because the temperature of gas coming out of the fuel nozzle changes very little regardless of the outdoor temperature.
5. Using cruise control helps save gas.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
FACT
The U.S. Department of Energy indicates that because cruise control helps control speed it typically helps you save gas.
The U.S. Department of Energy indicates that because cruise control helps control speed it typically helps you save gas.
6. Minor problems such as faulty oxygen sensors or clogged air filters have no effect on gas mileage.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH
A well-tuned care will get about 4 percent higher gas mileage. Problems such as a faulty oxygen sensor can cause up to a 40 percent decrease in gas mileage. Also, gas mileage can be improved by up to 10 percent if a clogged air filter is replaced.
A well-tuned care will get about 4 percent higher gas mileage. Problems such as a faulty oxygen sensor can cause up to a 40 percent decrease in gas mileage. Also, gas mileage can be improved by up to 10 percent if a clogged air filter is replaced.
7. Keeping distance between you and the car in front of you makes a difference. An increase in using your brakes causes a decrease in the gas mileage you get out of your car.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
FACT
Leave ample space in front of your car (five to 10 car lengths). This gives you time to slow down without braking and will actually help congested traffic move better.
The moment you see that you are coming up to a red light, take your foot off the gas. This will increase your chances of arriving at the intersection as the light is turning green, reducing idling time, wasted gas, at the red light.
Leave ample space in front of your car (five to 10 car lengths). This gives you time to slow down without braking and will actually help congested traffic move better.
The moment you see that you are coming up to a red light, take your foot off the gas. This will increase your chances of arriving at the intersection as the light is turning green, reducing idling time, wasted gas, at the red light.
8. Idling does not affect gas mileage if you idle for ten minutes or less.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH
Idling for more than 30 seconds can reduce gas mileage. Idling = zero miles per gallon! If you’re off the road, turn the car off.
Idling for more than 30 seconds can reduce gas mileage. Idling = zero miles per gallon! If you’re off the road, turn the car off.
9. Driving your truck with your tailgate down helps your car get more miles per gallon.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH
Not only is gas mileage not improved by driving with the tailgate down or removed, it gets worse. Counter-intuitively, driving with the tailgate down increases the aerodynamic profile and wind resistance, degrading fuel economy.
Not only is gas mileage not improved by driving with the tailgate down or removed, it gets worse. Counter-intuitively, driving with the tailgate down increases the aerodynamic profile and wind resistance, degrading fuel economy.
10. It is better to fill your tank in colder temperatures rather than hot.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
FACT
Refueling any motorized vehicle or appliance allows the escape of vapors that, on hot days, can lead to ozone formation (which damages crops, forests, structures and human health). Simply waiting until dusk to refuel can reduce this phenomenon.
Refueling any motorized vehicle or appliance allows the escape of vapors that, on hot days, can lead to ozone formation (which damages crops, forests, structures and human health). Simply waiting until dusk to refuel can reduce this phenomenon.
11. It's important to rid your car of any excess weight, i.e. ski racks, bags.
MYTH OR FACT
MYTH OR FACT
FACT
Eliminate unnecessary pounds from the trunk and take ski racks off the top of the car in the summer. A loaded roof rack decreases fuel economy by 5 percent.
Eliminate unnecessary pounds from the trunk and take ski racks off the top of the car in the summer. A loaded roof rack decreases fuel economy by 5 percent.
