We all want to get the best gas mileage from our vehicles. With fuel prices increasing, sometimes within the same day, this issue is concerning.
To help your vehicle be the most fuel efficient possible, proper maintenance will help. There are still many vehicle maintenance myths that may thwart your efforts. Here are five common vehicle maintenance myths and the reality about them that may help.
GPS tracking systems can help you by reporting when vehicle maintenance is due, making vehicles more fuel efficient, saving you money.
Vehicle Maintenance Myth #1:
Increase Tire Pressure
The Reality:
While under-inflated tires can cost you up to 3.75% in fuel economy, conversely, over-inflating tires can lead to a blown out tire.
Keeping your tires properly inflated, and rotated, will provide a bit of fuel savings, increase the longevity of your tires, and help prevent a blowout.
Vehicle Maintenance Myth #2:
A dirty air filter drops gas mileage
The Reality:
According to Consumer Reports’ tests, modern engines compensate for a dirty air filter. That is because today’s engines are computer monitored to control the air/fuel ratio. They automatically adjust if the engine’s airflow is semi-blocked due to a dirty air filter. A dirty air filter will, however, impact the vehicle’s acceleration, which may impact fuel efficiency if the driver presses the pedal harder to achieve expected result.
Vehicle Maintenance Myth #3:
Filling up when the air is cool gets you more gas
The Reality: “A common tip is to buy gasoline in the morning, when the air is cool, rather than in the heat of the day. The theory is that the cooler gasoline will be denser, so you will get more for your money.” Since most stations store their gas underground, the holding vessels temperature remains stable throughout a day.
Vehicle Maintenance Myth #4:
No-name gas stations offer inferior quality fuel
The Reality: Like the big name gas station brands, independent stations also buy their fuel from brand oil companies. Therefore, the formula should be similar to other gas station offerings. While some of the smaller providers’ fuel has fewer engine cleaning additives, your car still should perform.
Vehicle Maintenance Myth #5:
Premium gas is always best
The Reality: “Premium gas has a higher octane rating, usually 91 or above, making it more resistant to pre-ignition, a condition in which fuel burns uncontrollably in the engine. Higher-performing engines are the most susceptible to pre-ignition because they tend to run hotter, which is why premium is often recommended or required for sports and luxury vehicles.”
Consumer Reports advises that “If the owner’s manual or the sticker on the fuel-filler door says that premium gas is recommended or uses similar wording, you can probably use regular. If it says premium is required, play it safe with the right octane.”
To help maintain fleet vehicles, green GPS tracking systems have built in reports to help with routine maintenance schedules and track fuel efficiency.
Source & Photo: www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2012/08/debunking-fuel-economy-myths/index.htm