7 Fuel Saving Myths that Will Not Improve Your Car’s Gas Mileage

While the gas prices are sky-scraping, we all want our car to save some gas and improve fuel efficiency. To make the car more fuel-efficient, we always try to follow the tips in a view to push our car a few extra miles.

But, not every fuel saving tip is practical enough, some of them are nothing more than a rumor. A recent study from the Consumer Reports uncovered some of the common misconceptions about improving the gas mileage. These tips are often believed true but aren’t really.

1. Premium quality gas is better than ordinary

Premium quality gas, meant to avoid pre-ignition in high-speed engines, has a higher Octane number. But, do small engine cars used for general purpose, require such high-quality gas? The answer is No.

Although premium gas improves power output and avoids premature ignition, it is best suited to high-speed sports cars, where fuel demands are higher. Usually, vehicles manufactured for general use have designs to accommodate regular-grade fuel. There will be no difference in the overall performance; instead, you’ll have to pay extra for filling premium gas.

2. Open windows while driving will cut the fuel efficiency

It is commonly believed that open windows allow the outside air to gather inside the car’s cabin, and generate an unnecessary drag that will affect the engine performance. The extra air will affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle, and as such, running a car with windows closed and AC on will not affect the fuel efficiency.

Apparently, this is a wrong belief; because tests carried out by consumer reports on one of the Honda Accord with open windows, showed no signs of a reduction in the gas mileage. In fact, with AC on, there was a loss of 3 miles.

3. Non-branded gas stations offer low-quality fuel

The common myth about not refilling at independent gas stations is again wrong. Such gas stations always have collaborations with reputed oil companies and offer almost the same quality of fuel that you’ll get at any reputed gas station. There will be no significant difference in the gas mileage.

4. A clogged air filter will reduce gas mileage

“Dirty air filter reduces gas mileage”; you would have heard this statement all over the internet when searching for a new filter. However, air filters when dirty, do not marginally affect the gas mileage in modern cars, where carburetors are no longer used.

The electronics in new cars now, make use of flow sensors and the injector to keep up the optimum air-fuel ratio. A clogged air filter will somehow affect the engine to respond slowly, since it will not allow more air to filter and enter the engine, but will not affect the gas mileage dramatically.

5. Filling gas in cold weather gives more gas than in hot weather

In cold weather, the gas will be cool and denser, which is why there is a misconception that more fuel gets stored in early mornings, rather than during the hot conditions. Since most gas stations have storage tanks below the ground level, the temperature outside will least affect the gas. Even if you fill-up the gas tank in the early morning, the small amount of extra gas will evaporate later in the day.

6. Low rolling resistance tires saves more fuel than all-season tires

The tire with reduced rolling resistance means that it will consume less energy in rolling, ultimately saving a considerable amount of fuel. Although it is an important fuel-saving reason, it is also vital to keep the tire pressure to a recommended level.

For a tire, it is first essential to do well in braking and handling characteristics. Low rolling resistance is a factor that matters later. According to the consumer reports, all-season passenger car tires offer great performance and have low rolling resistance.

7. Warming up the engine is essential to avoid engine damage

Gone are the days when warming up the engine was required to make it reach its operating temperature. Modern electronics and multi-grade oils ensure that the engine reaches to recommended temperature as soon as you start the engine, and also avoids any damage to the engine, which was a common issue in older days.