When you’re driving your Pontiac cars around Media, you are probably on the lookout for the best gas prices. While saving a nickel or two at the gas pump by choosing the right gas station is a good thing, driving in a fuel efficient way helps even more. So does understanding the myths surrounding fuel efficiency. Here are some of the most common fuel efficiency myths:
A Clean air filter will give you better mileage than a dirty one. This used to be true, back when cars used carburetors. Today’s cars, with computers that inject exactly the right amount of gas into your engine, means that a restriction of air flow won’t cause you mileage problems until the air filter is so far plugged up that your check engine light comes on.
Premium gasoline gives you better fuel economy. Today’s cars don’t see much of a benefit from premium fuel. The car’s knock sensors means that the computer will adjust the timing of the ignition and to compensate for a low octane rating. While you’ll get better mileage, it isn’t usually enough to justify the higher cost.
Overinflating tires reduces rolling friction and increases economy. This is almost true. Underinflated tires have more friction and use more gas, but the same is also true on an overinflated tire. Keep your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended level to get maximum efficiency.
