Bury the Myths & Achieve Real
Fuel Economy

Before you try our tips to improve fuel economy, let’s clear the air of many of the popular misconceptions—translated here as money wasters—we hold about how our vehicles use fuel.

The technical accuracy of the myth-busters is supported by research from the U.S. government’s fuel economy division. We know…the government doesn’t always have the best reputation these days, but here we have to agree with them, as our independent research and experience backs them up.

1. Small Cars Always Get Better Mileage
   If you have a larger crew to carry, don’t despair. Five of the top ten most fuel efficient cars for 2010 were midsized, including #1. Why? Hybrid technologies, turbocharging, better transmissions, low resistance tires and aerodynamics.


2. Manual Transmissions Always Get Better Fuel Economy than Automatics
   Many manufacturers' automatic transmissions are so well designed now that their automatics are better than the manual counterpart. Check the mpg ratings before you decide.


3. It Takes More Fuel to Start a Vehicle than to Let it Idle
   Modern fuel injection systems take very little fuel to start, especially once the car is warmed up. Conversely, idling can burn 1/4 to 1/2 gallon of fuel per hour, costing you 1-2 cents per minute. So unless you are in traffic, turn it off.


4. You Need to Warm Your Car Before Driving
   This one comes straight from your owner’s manual. Except for extreme loads like pulling a trailer or zooming off to vacation with a fully loaded vehicle, simply drive moderately until your dashboard temperature gauge reaches its normal operating temperature—once the needle stops climbing.


5. Replacing the Air Filter is Important to Fuel Efficiency
   Only if your car is old enough to have a carburetor—built before the late 80’s. Your owner’s manual can tell you. Modern fuel injected engines automatically adjust fuel-air ratio to proper levels. A clean filter may affect performance, but it should not affect fuel economy.


6. Older Cars Get Worse Fuel Economy
   Actually, your vehicle's economy improves over the first year or more of use as the engine breaks in. As long as you maintain your car properly, there should be no dip in fuel use.


7. After Market Additives Improve Mileage
   There is no independent evidence that such additives do anything but drain your wallet. Indeed, they may damage your engine. This does not mean you should not use different viscosity lubricants (such as oil or transmission fluid) due to weather conditions or vehicle age or use. Here we speak strictly of the “get better mileage with our product” claims.


8. Premium Fuel Results in Better Mileage
   Unless your owner’s manual tells you to use it or your hear severe engine knocking without it, this is highly doubtful. And the higher cost per gallon will offset any gains you may achieve.


9. Government MPG estimates are Always Reliable
   The government tests cars with about 5,000 miles or more on them, so the car is broken in. Remember that a car’s economy will improve over its first year. And driving habits and conditions have a great impact on what you can achieve. Use these as a guideline only.

Ready to Save Fuel?

With these popular myths dispelled, an open mind and a tighter wallet, its time to save fuel.

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