The truth about fuel efficiency!

You've heard a million different ways to up the mileage you get out of one tank of gas; but do you know how much of it is true?

Small cars are the only fuel efficient cars:

 
Nowadays, car manufacturers are making larger cars to be as fuel efficient as small cars. While this typically is limited to sedans right now, the manufacturers are working on more options! There is new technology that allows this, such as diesel engines, hybrids, partial electric cars, turbochargers, etc. they all make for a smoother more efficient ride! 
 

Manual transmissions are more fuel efficient than automatic:

 
Automatic engines these days may have more gears than the manual transmissions, which makes it better for highway driving. But for older cars, a manual will usually be better for gas.

For city driving, the manual transmissions generally still rank better on gas mileage. But for highway driving, the automatics are usually the same or even better.

 

Replacing your air filter will help on fuel efficiency:

 

On modern cars this doesn't ring true anymore. However, this will help with any car that has a carburetor. The fuel injection systems allow for better emission control and better gas usage. This does so by using less fuel than before to power the car, so it doesn't get thrown off by a dirty air filter. The engine's technology maintains and corrects the air and gas mixture used to drive on its own. But a dirty air filter may affect how your car performs, so it does need to be changed at times.

It also allows the car to need less time to 'warm up' before driving in colder weather. Which leads us to our next point...

 

 

 Starting your car uses more fuel than idling:  

 

Modern cars are made to only need about 30 seconds to warm up for driving in cold weather, as opposed to the 5-10 minutes thought before. So the old way of letting the car sit and warm is not necessary anymore. Unless it is for ice, snow or comfort.

There is now "stop-start" technology, common in hybrids, which helps with idling at red lights. It turns the car off after a certain time and then can be restarted by pressing on the gas pedal. It uses  gas wisely and efficiently. However, manually shutting off and restarting the car at stops can be a hazard.

Idling just wastes gas, so it is better to turn the car off if you need to wait in the car. 

 

Using a better quality gas will save on mileage:

 

Using any other quality of gas than your car needs really doesn't help the car at all. There isn't even a noticeable difference with saving gas; just in your wallet. It's best to use the gas your car manual says.

 

 

Having properly inflated tires helps with gas efficiency:

This is absolutely true. And not only does it help you get more mileage out of your tank, but it greatly helps with traction. Additionally, check the tire pressure with a gauge to avoid over inflation, which can cause damage to the tires and less traction. Your car manual can tell you the correct pressure needed 

 Using the air conditioner eats the gas:

While driving on the highway, using the air conditioner and having the windows open had the same effect on the gas tank. Having the windows open on the highway will create a bigger drag and slow the car a bit. However, while city driving the air conditioner might not be your best bet. It does use a lot of energy to get and maintain the temperature. So if you are going to use the air, it is best to either use it at speeds above 50 MPH or just use the fans once the car is cooled inside.

Keeping the tailgate down on a pickup is good for gas savings:

 

By doing this, it will actually use more gas than having the tailgate attached normally. When the tailgate is up there is a sort of bubble created to let the air flow over the pick up bed. But when it's down, there is a drag created. If you are especially concerned, and not convinced, with this a mesh tailgate will help.

Driving while angry uses more gas:

This is surprisingly true. Driving while angry can cause the driver to use about 50% more gas than a stress free relaxed person. So calm down before getting behind the wheel, for the gas tank's sake and your own.

Gas additives and fuel saving gadgets

Myth: Advertisements for products promising to reduce gas mileage are everywhere. One of the most commonly used ones is acetone, the chemical found in nail polish remover. Some people claim it helps them save gas.
Fact: The EPA has tested hundreds of products over the years that promise to raise fuel efficiency and hasn't found one that has made a significant difference. Acetone, in particular, is corrosive and can damage your fuel system.
- See more at: http://www.boston.com/cars/gallery/fuel_saving_myths_and_facts?pg=8#sthash.SPbQDTrC.dpuf