Gas Saving Tips that DON'T Actually Work!

[Thomas Rogers]

These 6 commonly spouted tips for saving gas don't work as well as many might think:

1. Turning Off the AC



2. Filling Up When It's Cold Outside



3. Increasing Tire Pressure



4. Pouring Additives



5. Changing the Air Filter



6. Keeping the Engine Running

Read the full article by following the link below:

 

[Bill V]

#1 is a bit unclear in the description in the link. Is it saying that in terms of gas efficiency, running the AC is about the same as running with the windows open? Or is it saying that running the AC with the windows closed is not much different than having the AC off with the windows closed?



#2, I had never heard as a gas saving tip--more as a life-saving tip. It's smart to keep your tank filled up when it's cold outside, especially if you'll be driving in remote areas, as if you get stuck in the snow or have other vehicle issues, that extra gas can be what is needed to keep the vehicle warm enough to keep you alive until help finds you.

 

[TrainTrac]

Bill,



Regarding #1: Note the last part of the final sentence in the paragraph:

for best gas mileage, run the fan and keep your windows rolled up.

I think this makes it pretty clear that the whole point of item #1 is that it doesn't improve fuel efficiency to run with the windows open and A/C off because of increased drag. But running with A/C off and windows up will surely improve MPG, because of the reduction in parasitic drag on the engine by the A/C unit.

 

[EddieS'04]

#6..PM had an article on this. MIT and others determined it cost more fuel and caused more polution, to. Shut the engine down in extreme stop and go situations.

This included fuel injection cars.

 

[Bill V]

TrainTrac, yeah, I saw that, but I also saw the following, which seems to contradict that:

Auto testing at Consumer Reports proves that running the AC uses such a nominal amount more in gas, you may as well turn on the AC and be comfortable on a hot day.

To me, that makes it sound like AC-on/windows-closed is not only is comparable (in terms of gas consumption) to AC-off/windows-open, but it's even comparable to AC-off/windows-CLOSED.



I wish they had provided some actual data comparing AC-on/windows-closed, AC-off/windows-open, and AC-off/windows-closed.

 

[Willie Anglin]

I drive how I want regardless of mpg. If it is hot, I roll down the windows, if it is real hot, I turn on the AC with the windows down, If it is fry a egg hot, I turn on the AC and roll up the windows. I fill up at a quarter of a tank cold or hot, don't care. If you want mpg, ride a moped.

 

[TomT]

A lot depends on the vehicle. My 6 cyl Trac gets an extra 1 mpg in the winter time when I'm not running the AC. Might not be as noticeable with the V8. That's not enough difference to sweat about though.

 

[WILL E]

They must be wrong on #3 'Tire pressure'.



The President of the United States of America said we could all be saved if Americans would just check the air in their tires.

 

[LaRue Medlin]

AND driving 15 miles to save 2 cents a gallon...............

 

[Richard L]

A slight increas in tire pressure does save gas and does not mean you will lose control of your vehicle. It has always been recommended that you inflate cold tires about 4 psi above the recommended tire pressure for better mileage and better tire wear.



...Rich

 

[Roger Batts]

I have seen my gas mileage increase as much as 5 mpg by following the tire manufacturer's specification over the vehicle manufacturer's. I had a 2005 Focus ZX3 that, at Ford's suggested 32 psi, got 17-18mpg in town. At 35psi, which was Goodyear's recommendation for the tire, I would consistently get 22mpg in town. That was with a manual transmission. On my F150, I keep my tires between the two.

 

[Tom Schindler]

#2, I had never heard as a gas saving tip--more as a life-saving tip. It's smart to keep your tank filled up when it's cold outside, especially if you'll be driving in remote areas, as if you get stuck in the snow or have other vehicle issues, that extra gas can be what is needed to keep the vehicle warm enough to keep you alive until help finds you.

Filling up when cold is assumed to give you more fuel with each gallon, thereby saving you money. Fact is, gas is stored in underground tanks that are pretty much the same temperature all year round.





Tom

 

[Bill Barber]

People stress far to much over the price of gas,for what it is,is actually a cheap commodity.

consider this: go buy an ink cart.for your printer,your paying $5,200.00 per gal for the ink.

 

[WILL E]

And if you buy bottled water in small quantities you are play close to $4 a gallon for it too!

 

[Johnny O]

Tire inflation yes, as long as you are not exceeding the maximum inflation pressure on the sidewall. Most manufacturer recommendations are base on a smooth ride. My Trac gets perfectly even tire wear at the recommended 35 all-around so that's what I keep them at. My wife's Taurus calls for 30 all-around, I had put 35 in to sharpen up the handling and help the mpg but sure enough after a year the tires started wearing out in the middle. I figured I'd end up spending more in tires than I'd save in gas, so I went back to 30.

 

[Doctor CAD]

You can live without printer ink at $5200 per gallon and bottled water is for suckers anyhow, but currently, we simply can't exist without gasoline.



That's the ass-kicker about it. If the price went to $20 per gallon, I would still have to get to work and the grocery store. Both are too far to walk or ride a bicycle.