Ask Sid Tips and Myths on Saving Gas Ask Sid AARP Bulle
Ask Sid: Tips and Myths on Saving Gas - Ask Sid: AARP Bulle...
See Also: A. The best way to cut fuel costs, of course, is to drive a car that gets good mileage. That said, the easiest way to cut gas costs for any car is to maintain a highway speed of 55 mph. For each 10 mph over that, aerodynamic drag reduces fuel efficiency by around 5 miles per gallon (mpg), according to tests by Consumer Reports on a Toyota Camry. Other fuel-saving tips: Pay attention to maintenance. Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor, for example, can improve your mileage as much as 40 percent. An improperly tuned car reduces mileage by about 4 percent, according to government tests. Accelerating and braking too fast reduce fuel efficiency by about 3 mpg, according to the Consumer Reports tests. Having tires that are under-inflated by about 10 pounds per square inch decreases fuel efficiency by about 1.5 mpg, according to Consumer Reports. Using the wrong weight of motor oil can reduce efficiency by about 2 percent, so check your owner’s manual. In addition to the correct weight, use types labeled “energy conserving” that contain friction-reducing additives.
If you don’t find your answer there, . Fuel-saving myths
Buying premium gas when your car requires only regular will not make a noticeable difference in your fuel efficiency. Dirty air filters often get blamed for reducing mileage, but Consumer Reports and say the impact is really minimal in newer cars (although a dirty air filter may cause more sluggish acceleration). Another debate: whether it’s better to cruise the highway with the air conditioner on and windows closed, or to keep the windows open and the AC off. There is no significant difference in fuel efficiency, according to tests. Another hyped tip is to buy fuel first thing in the morning. The idea is that when temperatures are cooler, the gasoline coming from the pump is denser, so you’ll get more for your money. But since the actual temperature of gas coming from the nozzle doesn’t change during the day, you’ll likely get no savings with an early fill-up.
Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life (AARP Books/Sterling). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures
Tips and Myths on Saving Gas
Q. Thanks for the information about wasting gas while idling the car. What else really saves fuel, and what are just hyped myths?Saving Gas
See Also: A. The best way to cut fuel costs, of course, is to drive a car that gets good mileage. That said, the easiest way to cut gas costs for any car is to maintain a highway speed of 55 mph. For each 10 mph over that, aerodynamic drag reduces fuel efficiency by around 5 miles per gallon (mpg), according to tests by Consumer Reports on a Toyota Camry. Other fuel-saving tips: Pay attention to maintenance. Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor, for example, can improve your mileage as much as 40 percent. An improperly tuned car reduces mileage by about 4 percent, according to government tests. Accelerating and braking too fast reduce fuel efficiency by about 3 mpg, according to the Consumer Reports tests. Having tires that are under-inflated by about 10 pounds per square inch decreases fuel efficiency by about 1.5 mpg, according to Consumer Reports. Using the wrong weight of motor oil can reduce efficiency by about 2 percent, so check your owner’s manual. In addition to the correct weight, use types labeled “energy conserving” that contain friction-reducing additives.
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Have a question for Sid Kirchheimer about a new product, a new kind of bank account? Check out the .If you don’t find your answer there, . Fuel-saving myths
Buying premium gas when your car requires only regular will not make a noticeable difference in your fuel efficiency. Dirty air filters often get blamed for reducing mileage, but Consumer Reports and say the impact is really minimal in newer cars (although a dirty air filter may cause more sluggish acceleration). Another debate: whether it’s better to cruise the highway with the air conditioner on and windows closed, or to keep the windows open and the AC off. There is no significant difference in fuel efficiency, according to tests. Another hyped tip is to buy fuel first thing in the morning. The idea is that when temperatures are cooler, the gasoline coming from the pump is denser, so you’ll get more for your money. But since the actual temperature of gas coming from the nozzle doesn’t change during the day, you’ll likely get no savings with an early fill-up.
Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life (AARP Books/Sterling). Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures