In this age of rising fuel costs, who doesn't want to save gas? It has become the rallying cry of motorists, environmentalists and consumers who want to get more bang for the buck at the service station.
But in most cases, the end doesn't justify the means simply because many of the gas-saving tips you hear are pure rubbish.
Sure they're popular and many drivers will attest to them. But experts at Consumer Reports say they won't help you save fuel. In fact, some can even cost you more. Clearly, the placebo effect is at work here.
To show you what I mean, here are some common gas-saving tips that you should take with a grain of salt.
Turn off your air-conditioner. Many people believe that driving with the air-conditioner on strains the motor and wastes a lot of precious fuel. They say it's better if you roll down the windows and enjoy the scenery.
However, tests done by Consumer Reports showed no significant difference at all. This myth was tested on a Toyota Camry Sedan and a Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle.
With the air-conditioner off, they managed to save a little fuel but the difference was negligible. So unless you want to suffer from heat stroke or breathe polluted air, you're better off with the air conditioner on.
Get gas early in the morning or late at night. This is another myth with no scientific basis according to Consumer Reports. The "logic" behind this myth is that gas is cold at these hours and cold fuel supposedly has more gas molecules than warm gas. In short, they're saying that you're getting more than what you paid for.
Getting gas at odds hours of the day (and night) might mean less waiting time unless a lot of people are following this myth. But it's not true that the temperature of gas at the service station is influenced by the time of day.
The reason: gas is stored at deep underground tanks that are always cool It's much like a two-storey house. The top floor remains hot during summer while the ground floor and basement are always cool no matter what time it is. In effect, the temperature of the gas that leaves the gas pump hardly varies at all.
How many times have you heard people say that you can improve fuel efficiency by changing your air filter regularly? It sounds like a good idea but it has no effect on fuel consumption.
Consumer Reports says that modern engines run on computer sensors that automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture. While a dirty air filter will give you less engine power, its effect on gasoline consumption is very little.
Looking for a good ride without spending much? Get great deals on used cars even with a bad credit. Visit Used Cars Cleveland.
But in most cases, the end doesn't justify the means simply because many of the gas-saving tips you hear are pure rubbish.
Sure they're popular and many drivers will attest to them. But experts at Consumer Reports say they won't help you save fuel. In fact, some can even cost you more. Clearly, the placebo effect is at work here.
To show you what I mean, here are some common gas-saving tips that you should take with a grain of salt.
Turn off your air-conditioner. Many people believe that driving with the air-conditioner on strains the motor and wastes a lot of precious fuel. They say it's better if you roll down the windows and enjoy the scenery.
However, tests done by Consumer Reports showed no significant difference at all. This myth was tested on a Toyota Camry Sedan and a Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle.
With the air-conditioner off, they managed to save a little fuel but the difference was negligible. So unless you want to suffer from heat stroke or breathe polluted air, you're better off with the air conditioner on.
Get gas early in the morning or late at night. This is another myth with no scientific basis according to Consumer Reports. The "logic" behind this myth is that gas is cold at these hours and cold fuel supposedly has more gas molecules than warm gas. In short, they're saying that you're getting more than what you paid for.
Getting gas at odds hours of the day (and night) might mean less waiting time unless a lot of people are following this myth. But it's not true that the temperature of gas at the service station is influenced by the time of day.
The reason: gas is stored at deep underground tanks that are always cool It's much like a two-storey house. The top floor remains hot during summer while the ground floor and basement are always cool no matter what time it is. In effect, the temperature of the gas that leaves the gas pump hardly varies at all.
How many times have you heard people say that you can improve fuel efficiency by changing your air filter regularly? It sounds like a good idea but it has no effect on fuel consumption.
Consumer Reports says that modern engines run on computer sensors that automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture. While a dirty air filter will give you less engine power, its effect on gasoline consumption is very little.
Looking for a good ride without spending much? Get great deals on used cars even with a bad credit. Visit Used Cars Cleveland.
About the Author:
National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George Nava True II is a popular Manila-based freelancer who has written thousands of articles on a variety of topics under the pseudonyms Janet Martin, Jill Stewart, Sharon Bell and, more recently, Tracy Anderson. He can be reached at sparklingtrue@yahoo.com.
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