Top 5 gas-saving superstitions
If you're looking to save money on gas, you're not alone. Most of us gasoholics spend some time wishing for a way get more bang for our buck -- but that's no reason to fall victim to myths that can wind up costing you money in the end.So, if you want to continue believing that your gas-saving techniques are flawless, and that you are personally saving the environment while single-handedly reducing our dependence on foreign oil, you may not want to read any further. But if you want the truth, if you really want to know if you're making a difference or just perpetuating a useless superstition -- read on:
- Turn off the AC -- Driving with the windows down creates drag, which pretty much erases any gains in fuel economy you might have achieved by switching off the air conditioning. The only way to ensure that you're wasting gas is to do both at the same time.
- Miracle Products -- Hot Chocolate is a great band, and their belief in miracles is highly endearing. But if you happen to see one of them on a late night infomercial about a gas-saving product, change the channel. These products don't work -- they might even damage you gas-guzzler. So, resist the urge.
- Leave it running -- If you're going to be sitting for longer that 30 seconds, you might as well shut her down -- if not you're wasting gas. Plus, idling engines produce the dirtiest emissions.
- Buy premium gas -- Using a higher octane fuel than your car requires can damage your emissions system over the long-term and it doesn't increase you gas mileage in the short-term either.
- Over-inflated tires -- While it's true that under-inflated tires can hurt your fuel economy, the opposite does not hold true. Over inflated tires do not hold any benefit over properly inflated tires -- not to mention they're dangerous. Whether you're trying to reduce you carbon footprint or save money, blow-outs will help you do neither.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-08-2007 @ 10:29PM
dv8reality said...
Didn't mythbusters' experiment with the windows down or A/C on favor on the side of windows down? At least at city speeds?
Reply
12-09-2007 @ 5:12AM
Ryan said...
Yes they did. And as I recall, the windows down had worse gas mileage mathematically, but in the real world test, the AC-on car had worse gas mileage by a pretty sizable margin. It could have been the other way around but I'm pretty sure those were the results. In which case the idea that the AC wastes gas isn't actually a myth.
12-23-2007 @ 6:13AM
chas said...
Mythbusters, also did a show with pick-up tail gates.
Here in the south, we do see some trucks driving with the tail gate down. Turns out that the tail gate in the up postion is less drag!!
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1-05-2008 @ 3:54PM
dianaw9999 said...
Just make fewer trips overall, that's the biggest fuel-
saver. (Then go ahead and use the AC!)
Reply
1-12-2008 @ 10:59PM
Matt said...
I drove with my tailgate down to Chicago and all I got was a chipped tailgate.
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2-05-2008 @ 2:21AM
tony said...
Premium gas hasnt been sold at the local corner gas station since 1974. As any 1 with any gas knowledge at all knows, premium is 100 octane or more. The so called premium of the last several years, since 74 , is lower octane then the regular of 1972. wake up.
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