Gas-Mileage Myths Debunked
With gas prices at record levels, there's no better time to learn once and for all how to get the best mileage out of your car.
Consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen says much of the "conventional wisdom" on how to get the most miles-per-gallon isn't all that wise, and she reviews some surefire ways to improve mileage, on The Early Show Tuesday.
MYTHS
Gas Saving Gadgets
The Environmental Protection Agency tested about 100 of these gadgets and said most do nothing for your car. In fact, they may hurt your engine. Consumer Reports magazine also tested some of the gadgets and advised that you save your money: They don't work.
Using air conditioning wastes gas
Not always, according to Consumer Reports. If you're going more than 40 miles per hour, it's probably better to have the air conditioning on. But if you're driving around town at 30 miles per hour, keeping the windows down will be your best bet.
Hybrids
Are they best when it comes to gas efficiency? Not always. You need to do your homework if you're interested in buying a hybrid. Some of them, but not all of them, will save you money on gas, particularly when you factor in the purchase price.
To visit the Consumer Reports Guide to Stretching Your Fuel Dollars, click here.
VALID TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON GAS
"No loitering"
Don't let the engine idle any longer than necessary. After starting the car in the morning, begin driving right away; don't let it sit and "warm up" for several minutes. An engine actually warms up more quickly while driving. It's more efficient to turn off most gasoline engines than to have them idle any longer than 30 seconds.
Stay warm
An engine runs most inefficiently when it's cold. It not only uses more fuel, but creates the most exhaust emissions and suffers the most wear. Avoid many short, separate trips, and unnecessary cold starts, by combining as many errands as possible into one trip."Easy does it"
Driving smoothly and steadily makes the best use of your fuel. If you can, avoid hard acceleration or braking. Once up to speed, maintain a steady pace, in top gear. Varying your speed a lot wastes fuel. A vehicle's mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. Smooth acceleration, cornering, and braking not only save fuel, but extend the life of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires.
"It's a drag"
At highway speeds, more than 50 percent of engine power goes to overcoming aerodynamic drag. Try not to add to the drag by carrying things on top of your vehicle. A loaded roof rack can decrease a car's fuel efficiency by 5 percent. Even driving with empty ski racks wastes gas.
Get regular
If your car specifies regular fuel, don't buy premium under the mistaken belief that your engine will benefit. Most cars are designed to run just fine on regular gas. Furthermore, many cars that recommend premium fuel also run well on regular. Check your owner's manual to find out if your engine is designed to handle either grade. And consider buying off-brand gas, which is most often identical to the stuff sold at franchised gas stations.
Watch tire pressure
Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires require more energy to roll, which not only wastes fuel, but wears the tires out more quickly. According to the EPA, a tire that is under-inflated by only two pounds per square inch can cause a 1 percent increase in fuel consumption. Under-inflated tires can also build up excess heat, which can lead to tire failure. Check your vehicle's tire pressure at least once a month, when the tires are cold. Also, check the tires before and after long trips. The recommended tire pressure is found on a label inside the car, usually in a door jamb or inside the glove-box lid.
"Stay tuned"
The fuel consumption that's posted on new-car window stickers is based on a well-tuned and properly maintained vehicle. Running a car in sub par mechanical condition can dramatically lower that figure. A poorly maintained engine can cut mileage by 10 to 20 percent. A clogged air filter alone can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption. Be sure to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, and act promptly if you sense any unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations.