7 Myths About Fuel Economy - Car Talk - Nairaland
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| 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:14pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
It’s ironic that though we live in a time when information was never more plentiful that misinformation, fallacies and myths persist. No doubt that lead-out sentence could launch a discussion on myriad subjects, but looking at a relatively benign one – vehicle fuel economy – people still entertain notions that are simply not true. And whether misconceptions are really benign is also in question because despite allegations to the contrary, ignorance is not always bliss. In the case of cars, the automobile has been called the second-most expensive purchase many will make, and marketers also have something to gain or lose depending on what you may think about saving money on fuel. For instance: is it best to pick a dinky little econobox to save the most gas? Should you use premium fuel when regular is called for? Should you dump in fuel additives to increase economy, or is that just snake oil? How long should you let a car warm up, or should you do it at all? Should you replace an aging car on the assumption it can’t get as good of mpg as it did when new? Following is a list derived from U.S. EPA data that answers these questions and others. A couple of the list points merely clarify the EPA’s role, a couple are just general good info to know, and several hope to help you make better financial decisions – be they from small retailers up to the kind of vehicle you choose and how soon you should choose it. 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:17pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
1. Myth: Letting a vehicle warm up is best for gas mileage This holdover from the good old days persists, but modern cars are designed to drive within a few seconds of being started. Letting them sit and warm up may be convenient – like in the winter to defrost and warm the interior – but this does not save gas. A car gets 0 mpg as long as it is sitting. It is true an engine must reach an optimal operating temperature for best fuel economy, but manufacturers often recommend gently taking off, and letting the engine warm up as it’s carrying you down the road. It will warm faster if you do this while avoiding heavy loads until the engine temperature comes up. 6 Likes
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:18pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
2. Myth: A vehicle’s fuel economy decreases with age If your car is 4 or 7 or even 10 years old, is it starting to become less efficient? Should you therefore think about replacing it? Well, you may want to just to get a more-efficient newer car, but as for whether it has dropped from original spec, assuming it’s maintained, it should be OK. “Vehicles that are 10 or even 15 years old will experience little decrease in fuel economy if properly maintained,” says the EPA. 2 Likes
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:20pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
3. Myth: The smaller the car, the better the fuel economy This also used to be true before the advent of newer technologies, and the idea hangs on. The most efficient little non-hybrid car sold is the 40 mpg Mitsubishi Mirage. A Toyota Prius c hybrid actually is a chart topper at 50 mpg, but many bigger and more powerful cars are also competitively efficient. Fuel saving technologies besides hybridization, including direct injection, turbocharging, low rolling resistant tires, and even – despite the VW scandal – diesel engines. About half of the 2016 model year cars on the EPA’s top 10 list are midsized or large cars or wagons, as a matter of fact. Most are hybrids. Not far behind the Prius c and well ahead of the Mitsu is the 2016 Chevy Malibu Hybrid projected to get 47 mpg. It is a large-ish midsized sedan – much more roomy, comfortable and safe than a subcompact conventional econobox. 1 Like 1 Share
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:22pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
4. Myth: Manual transmissions get better fuel economy than automatics Do you hear that? That’s the imaginary loud buzzer for Wrong Answer! It is no longer a given that manuals trump automatics for fuel economy. Advanced automatics may now net the same or better fuel economy than a vehicle of the same type equipped with a manual – though there are exceptions here as well. The type of transmission used in most hybrids and now being used to optimize conventional cars – CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) – also tend to do better. Drivers however have pushed back, and some enthusiasts have said they can’t stand CVTs or simply prefer the feel and control of a manual. Even the new dual-clutch automatics that may be manually shifted have experienced vocal detractors now that these have been on the market several years. And, a well-operated manual may still yield great results but the watchword is how well it is operated. Meanwhile automakers have largely moved away from offering manual stick shifters in types of cars that used to have the option. 1 Share
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:24pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
5. Myth: It takes more fuel to start a car than allowing it to idle The advent of stop-start technology ought to be proof enough this is a myth. In case you did not get the memo however, idling may use a quart to a half-gallon of fuel per hour at a cost of 1-2 cents per minute. One should thus turn off the engine when sitting still, except when in traffic or waiting in line. New engines start very well and efficiently, especially when warmed. 1 Share
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:25pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
6. Myth: Replacing the air filter helps fuel economy This one sounds like common sense, but the fact is modern fuel injected engines compensate for dirty air filters by reducing fuel to the air-fuel mix. Again, this is a holdover truism from the days of carbureted engines, and those are adversely affected by dirty air filters. Otherwise, changing a dirty air filter – while still generally recommended – is not a means to save fuel. It may improve power for a freer breathing engine, as the fuel mix may be increased also. 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 11:29pm On Mar 24, 2016 |
7. Fuel additives or bolt-on devices can increase fuel economy Add-on aftermarket devices you may buy and install, despite claims by their marketers, are not vouched for by the U.S government. Same goes for stuff you find at the auto parts store or filling stations, or what not that promises better mpg if you dump it in with your fuel. If you or someone you know has personally tried something and feels differently, subjective impressions may allow for that, and this is a controversial subject and a huge aftermarket business. For its part, the U.S government urges away from believing these claims. 2 Likes 1 Share
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Nobody: 12:17am On Mar 25, 2016 |
What about the AC myth?? That you save more fuel when you drive without an AC. 13 Likes |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Flexherbal(m): 5:17am On Mar 25, 2016 |
Learning new things. |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by rapthugx(m): 9:35am On Mar 25, 2016 |
wapu:Are you sure is a myth? 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by hrhjnr(m): 9:47am On Mar 25, 2016 |
rapthugx: It's not a myth as such tho. If you're in the city then you'll save fuel with your ac turned off. If you're on the highway, and you have your windows rolled down, this makes your car less aerodynamic/ less slippery in the wind which makes your car actually consume more fuel than when you have your windows rolled up and the ac turned on. 29 Likes 1 Share |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Nobody: 12:00pm On Mar 25, 2016 |
Myth 8: Enoch Adeboye drove a car without petrol from Ore to Lagos Pastor Adeboye was coming from Onitsha during the petrol crises when he realized he needed to buy petrol, but there was no petrol in Onitsha. He decided he would try Asaba, but found out also, there was no petrol in Asaba. Continuing his journey, he hoped to buy petrol on reaching Benin, but to his amazement also found out there was no petrol station open for business in Benin, Pastor Adeboye undaunted finally thought he would find petrol to buy at Ore. By the time he reached Ore, the next stop, his petrol warning light came on, indicating that he was then on reserve supply. At this point Pastor Adeboye said God told him not to look at the petrol gauge, but to continue his journey. Following God’s instruction, Pastor Adeboye continued his journey from Ore, without looking at the fuel gauge, until he got to his residence in Surulere in Lagos. Ladies & Gentlemen - You guessed right! The Yahwehgian bastards believed him.  78 Likes 9 Shares
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| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Sunymoore(m): 7:38am On Mar 27, 2016 |
Zoharariel: Holy shittt! Why are you criticizing a man of God? If not that God is merciful, you'll burn in hell for eternity for this  But for real, that's the high concentration of undiluted Bullshit I ever heard , God don't give two fuckss about the fuel in your tank... 17 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by OLUJOSHINS(m): 4:51pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
hmmmmm |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by politricks: 4:51pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
No wonder my ferrari 504 consume fuel so much. 2 Likes |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Jfast: 4:53pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
May GOD bless you. Pls i beg you sir, madam, uncle, aunty, sister and brother i am 6 month pregnant with 6 bottles of cold beer for one joint near lagos island now now. i need some one to quote me with just one rude comment that will clear off the beer in me because am drunk so that i can start going home pls. 3 Likes |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by TimiBlogger: 4:53pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Well written piece of genius |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by chimah3(m): 4:56pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Buhari should just provide fuel...we have money to buy...no need for economics class!! That's if Kachikwu is not the OP  5 Likes |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by bright007(f): 4:59pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Myth 10: Having Buharry as the Minister of Petroleum will make the products more available and affordable. Years ago before the 2015 general elections, Nigerians experienced fuel scarcity as well hike in the prices of fuel but these experiences were shortlived and did not persist for months like we are currently experiencing. Its almost one year since Buharry took over as petroleum minister, and these past months have been hell for Nigerians as far as petroleum products are concerned. Hence, having Buharry as the minister of petroleum is tantamount to a dog in a manger. He is better off playing hide and seek with his cows in Duara . 22 Likes 2 Shares |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by gasgenius(m): 5:00pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Story must enter story |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Nobody: 5:00pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Hmmmm |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by LEvuls(m): 5:01pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Op we've not goten to that level where all these things will work out or be easily applied. |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by demarc001: 5:01pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
I bet na Buhari body odour change the myth. I dey joke oo! |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by Newbiee: 5:01pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
#iremainwithbuhari |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by 50shot(m): 5:04pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
hmm 1 Like |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by md4real(m): 5:06pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
hrhjnr: are you saying that my car consumes less fuel if I wind up and use AC on express compared to wind down? |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by moyinoluwabun(m): 5:06pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Zoharariel: |
| Re: 7 Myths About Fuel Economy by moyinoluwabun(m): 5:07pm On Mar 27, 2016 |
Zoharariel:you would as well find it hard to believe that Jesus fed thousands with 5loaves of bread and two fishes. 16 Likes |
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