Whether you have a brand new car or a vehicle with several thousand miles on it, it is never too late to improve your fuel efficiency. There are several reasons why all drivers should try to improve their gas mileage, but the most obvious benefit is cost savings. Saving on gas means saving more money. It also means improved fuel economy and performance for your vehicle. But don’t make the mistake of falling victim to common untruths about how to reduce gas mileage. Not only will these misconceptions waste your time, but they will also waste your money.
Continue reading to learn the top 5 most common myths about gas mileage, and what you can do to get your car fuel efficient in no time.
Avoid Believing These Common Fuel Efficiency Myths
❌ Small Cars Get Better Fuel Mileage
Size has nothing to do with fuel efficiency. Everything under the hood, the materials used to manufacture the vehicle, and proper maintenance are what make vehicles fuel-efficient. Advancements in technology that promote better fuel economy include diesel engines, turbochargers, hybrid drive-trains, and low-rolling resistance tires.
❌ Manual Transmissions Get Better Gas Mileage
Although true in the past, new advancements in automatic-transmission technology has made this a modern-day myth. More gears has led to less wasted fuel and much more. Whether you choose manual or automatic, fuel efficiency will not be comprised by this decision.
❌ Old Cars Get Poor Gas Mileage
A vehicle is really only as old as its engine. And so long as the engine is properly maintained over the years of ownership and use, the gas mileage should not be affected. In fact, there is a vehicle “break-in” period (the first 5,000 miles or so) where the fuel efficiency actually improves, rather than declines!
❌ Replacing the Air Filter Will Jump-Kick Fuel Economy
If your car has an older engine with a carburetor still, then this myth is a little true. But fuel economy for modern fuel-injected cars and trucks is not influenced by a singular filter change. Fuel-injected engines delivers lower emissions and improved fuel economy. An onboard computer automatically adjusts the fuel-flow depending on the amount of air entering the engine.
❌ Premium Fuel Will Improve Gas Mileage
This will just end up being a waste of money. Premium fuel does not equal better fuel economy. In fact, using a higher-octane fuel will not alter vehicle performance at all. Only use premium gas if your vehicle’s owners’ manual suggests to; otherwise, stick to unleaded.
Want to know how to truly get better gas mileage? The short answer is staying current on all factory scheduled car maintenance and care. But, check back at the end of the month for a blog informing you on all the ways you can enhance your fuel efficiency!
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Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable auto repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair and factory scheduled maintenance for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate, today.
