HOUSTON – Many widely believed tips about saving gas are outdated or simply wrong, according to guidance from federal agencies and automotive experts.
From idling at stoplights to buying premium fuel, several common practices may not only fail to improve fuel economy but could also waste money or reduce vehicle performance.
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Here’s a breakdown of 10 common gas-saving myths and what experts say actually works:
Shifting to neutral does not save gas
Some drivers believe putting a car in neutral while coasting or stopped improves fuel efficiency. In modern vehicles, fuel-injected engines already reduce fuel use when coasting in gear. Shifting to neutral can use more fuel and reduce driver control, according to the U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.
Premium fuel is not better for most cars
Using premium gasoline does not improve fuel economy in vehicles designed for regular fuel. Experts, including AAA and the Department of Energy, say drivers should follow their vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation and avoid paying extra unnecessarily.
Idling wastes more gas than restarting
For modern engines, idling for more than about 10 seconds uses more fuel than turning the engine off and restarting it. Idling also increases emissions, according to the Department of Energy.
Warming up your car is unnecessary
Letting a car idle to “warm up” is no longer needed for modern fuel-injected engines. Vehicles reach optimal operating temperature faster when driven, not while sitting idle.
Air conditioning vs. windows depends on speed
At lower speeds, rolling down windows can be more efficient. At highway speeds, open windows create aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel economy. In those conditions, air conditioning is often the better option.
Vehicle size is not the main factor in fuel economy
Larger vehicles do not always use more fuel. Advances in engine technology, aerodynamics and hybrid systems mean some newer SUVs can outperform older, smaller cars in fuel efficiency.
Fueling in the morning does not give more gas
A common belief is that cooler morning temperatures make gasoline denser, giving drivers more fuel for their money. However, gas is stored underground where temperatures remain stable, making any difference negligible.
Cruise control is not always efficient
Cruise control can improve fuel economy on flat highways by maintaining a steady speed. On hills, however, it may use more fuel as the vehicle accelerates aggressively to maintain speed.
Air filter changes have limited impact
Replacing a dirty air filter can improve performance in older vehicles, but it has little effect on fuel economy in modern fuel-injected engines. It remains important for maintenance but is not a major gas-saving solution.
Driving slower has limits
While aggressive speeding reduces fuel economy, driving too slowly is not efficient either. Most vehicles achieve optimal fuel efficiency between about 45 and 65 mph. Fuel economy drops significantly at higher speeds due to wind resistance.
Experts emphasize that consistent driving habits, proper maintenance and following manufacturer recommendations are the most reliable ways to improve fuel economy.