Eight Fuel Economy Myths Debunked! Part 1

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So I recently read an article about Fuel Economy Myths...most of which I have always believed to be true! I was very surprised that certain myths...like turning the A.C. off to save on gas were not entirely accurate! Whew!


Myth #1: "Changing a Dirty Air Filter will Boost Miles Per Gallon."

Conclusion: Part-truth/Part myth

This is an old bit of conventional auto wisdom from decades past when most cars were using a carburetor. Today's computer-controlled, electronically fuel-injected systems can easily adjust and correct for a little junk in the filter to help maintain efficiency. But to settle the matter once and for all, the federal government conducted a study on the effect of air filter condition on fuel economy. The result? Drivers gain no improvement in economy by replacing dirty filters with new ones. However, the study did find an improvement in acceleration of as much as 6 to 11 percent when drivers replaced dirty filters with clean ones in fuel-injected cars. So it can be worth the money to replace air filters just like your local neighborhood lube shop always recommends.



Drivers of older models that still use carburetors will see fuel-economy improvements by changing the filter. In fact, older models saw between a two- and 14-percent improvement, depending on the overall dirtiness of the filter.

Written by: Eric Mack
Vehix.com

So there you have it...if you have an older make and model...be diligent about changing that air filter...it does make a difference!

Tune in tomorrow when we'll discuss Myth #2...."Driving With the Air Conditioner Off on the Freeway Saves Fuel." hmmmm...I know you cant wait for that one!