Common Fuel Efficiency Myths Debunked

2008-05-17 04:20:38 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Money & Finance)

West Palm Beach, Florida (WiredPRNews.com) — Gas prices seem to be increasing by leaps and bounds causing Americans to search desperately for alternatives to paying nearly $4 per gallon at the pump. For many, the option of buying a fuel-efficient hybrid car is out of the question. For others, carpooling or riding a bicycle to work is impossible for long commutes and spring’s rapidly changing weather conditions.

In an effort to save fuel and increase vehicle fuel efficiency, American’s have adopted a handful of tips which have been touted to save gas and decrease energy usage, however, many of these tips are not as helpful as originally thought.

CNN has gathered some of the most common gas saving tips which are popular among people who want to cut down their gas bills but are not successful at the end of the day. Some of these tips include:

Myth: Filling up the tank during early morning hours when the fuel is still cold
Fact: The theory behind this is that the fluids are denser at low temperatures so cold gas has more molecules of gas than a warm gas. However, the gasoline temperature changes little during the day, so there is no or very little benefit of using this tip.

Myth: Changing the air filter of the car saves gas
Fact: It is good to maintain the car but a fresh air filter is not helpful in saving gas.

Myth: Using premium fuel is better for your car and lasts much longer
Fact: Premium fuel IS better for your car, but does does not help in saving fuel. Driving slower will, in fact, save fuel.

Myth: Pumping up the tires saves gas
Fact: Inadequate or improper tire pumping is bad for the handling of car, can cause automobile crashes, causes the tires to wear down faster and heat up faster, but pumping the tires cannot help in gas efficiency.

Myth: Not using the air-conditioner saves gas
Fact: It can save minimal amounts gas but cannot improve the fuel economy.

Myth: Buying a device that is supposed to increase the fuel-efficiency of the car or to pour in a supposedly gas saving additive
Fact: There are no devices such as this.

Wired Finance Reporter