Gas prices have steadily risen over the years. Drivers do whatever they can to save gas. This includes believing in many gas saving myths. These are some common fuel-economy myths debunked.

• Many drivers believe that filling up their tanks in cooler weather will get them more bang for their buck. This is because cooler gas can be denser. However, gas stations usually store their gasoline underground. The cold weather will have little to no effect on the gasoline’s density. Filling up your tank in cold weather will basically make no difference.
• Another popular fuel economy myth is driving at high speeds with the windows open increase gas usage. This is not true. The effect of open windows on gas mileage is minimal. On the other hand, using air conditioning while driving will make a significant difference. The best way to save gas in hot weather is to open the windows.
• A very popular myth is that warming up the car before driving will improve performance and gas mileage. In older cars, this step may be important. Today’s cars have modern and advanced technology that eradicates the need for this step. Actually, to reach maximum performance, it is best to start driving right after starting the car. You may want to driver at lower speeds for a couple miles, but you no longer need to warm up your vehicle before driving.

Older cars used a carburetor to mix fuel. The carburetor prepared the fuel to make it ready for combustion in the engine. In colder weather, the engine needed a rich fuel mixture. The engine had to be warmed up for the carburetor to mix the fuel. In today’s cars, a computer controls performance systems using electronic sensors.

• Many drivers think that dirty air filters affect fuel economy. This is true in order engines, but it is not true in today’s car. In modern engines, a computer controls the air/fuel ratio. This computer adjusts the amount of fuel used to match the air flow. Therefore, if the air filter is dirty, there is less air flow. A dirty air flow will not affect the fuel economy, but the car may accelerate slower.
• Drivers often avoid no-name gas stations. They believe that these gas stations have lower quality fuel. These gas stations usually sell at much lower prices, but they actually purchase their fuel from popular name-brand oil companies. The brand name gas companies may have more additives in their gas. These additives help clean the engine, but they are not necessary. You will not harm your engine if you use gas with fewer additives. Modern cars have advanced engine technology capable of adjusting to different types of fuel.

Hopefully, this post will help you save gas. Remember to drive safely and cautiously on the road!

If you are ever involved in a car accident, contact the Law Offices of Dara Khajavi. Our excellent Santa Ana car accident lawyers can advise you. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.