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To
satisfy our desire to maximize the performance of automotive vehicles per
gallon of fuel, many people resort to techniques that seem believable during
the time they were made.
But
with the advent of technology and statistics, many of these supposed solutions
were proven false. It is always good to know what are real what are myths, this
can help you make an informed decision whether it’s time to seek help from pros
like the Toyota
service appointment in order to resolve your car problems.
Here
are some myths about cars and gases that were once believed to be true:
1. Cheap Gas Stations
Sell Cheap Gas
For
years, many people, especially drivers and car owners, believed that gas sold
at unpopular gas stations don’t have the same quality as gas from branded gas
stations.
This
isn’t true according to Consumer Reports.
All
gas stations regardless of size and popularity are regulated by strict laws.
They need to comply with government standards with regards to storage, pumping
and distribution in order to sustain operations. Besides, both large and small
fuel distribution companies buy fuel from big oil companies.
The
difference could actually come from additives larger fuel gas distributors put
into their product. Additives contain chemicals that are designed to clean
older engines to enhance their performance. This may have created a slight
difference then but it should no longer matter nowadays with efficient fuel
injection systems of modern engines.
2. Premium Gas =
Better Mileage
Premium
gas is designed for cars with powerful engines. Arguably, it creates a slight
difference in power because of its higher octane rating. But it cannot create a
significant difference in terms of distance covered per liter. The ability of
premium gas to boost performance and economy is just a myth. Use premium gas
only if it is recommended in your car owner’s manual.
3. Open Windows =
More Fuel
In
the not so distant past, many car owners believed that winding windows down to
leg fresh air in creates an extra drag that can reduce mileage for the same
amount of gas, to the extent that it would be cheaper to close the windows and
run the car with air conditioning on.
This
is a myth, Consumer Report says. Tests showed that using air conditioning to
keep the car cool at 65 mph impacted gas mileage by 3 mpg. On the other hand,
using the same car at the same speed with windows open has unnoticeable effect
on gas mileage.
4. Use Low Rolling
Resistance Tires to Save Gas
The
capability of low resistance tires to reduce gas expenses is not entirely
untrue especially if they are properly inflated but the amount you may save
from them is so small it may not matter to you. What really matters, Consumer
Report says is the degree of tire maintenance and your driving habits. These
can make a difference in your gas mileage regardless of the whether your tires
are energy-saving or not.
5. Warming up the
Engine before Driving Makes the Car Perform at its Best
It’s
a common practice not too long ago. People had to start the car and let it run
on idle for a while before driving it to allow the engine to reach a certain
temperature. There might be some truth to it considering the type and quality
of oil, fuel and temperature control methods they had at that time.
Running
the engine before driving is no longer necessary nowadays. Modern cars are
fitted with electronically controlled features that make a car ready for use
the instant you turn it on.
6. Dirty Air Filters
Reduce Gas Mileage
Dirty
air filters did affect gas mileage a few years back. This however is no longer
a thing to worry about these days. Modern cars are equipped with air flow
sensors along with computer software that regulates the air/fuel mix that
ensures maximum fuel economy without regard to the quality of air.
Dirty
air filter however do affect vehicle performance. Dirt or dust reduces the
amount of air getting into the engine. This reduces to vehicle’s ability to
pick up speed.
7. Filling Up during
Cold Temperature Gets You More Gas
Gasoline
becomes denser during cold weather. Relatively, you will need more gas to fill
up your car when the temperature is cold. This is a principle many car owners
believed but Consumer Report refutes, stating that because gas station tanks
are placed underground, it is not quite affected by cold outside temperature.
Therefore, you will still be able to get the same volume of gas whether you buy
it on hot or cold days.
