6 gas-saving myths

Sure you want to save gas, but there's a lot of bad advice on how to do it. Some of it makes no difference, and some of it can wind up costing you.


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- With gasoline prices hitting record levels, it seems everyone has a tip on how to save fuel. Much of the advice is well-intentioned, but in the end, much of it won't lower your gas bill.
Here's a look at a few misconceptions:
#1. Fill your tank in the morning
You may have heard that it's best to fill your gas tank in the early morning while the fuel is cold. The theory goes that fluids are more dense at lower temperatures, so a gallon of cold gas actually has more gas molecules than a gallon of warmer gas.
But the temperature of the gasoline as it comes out of the nozzle varies little during the course of the day, according to Consumer Reports, so there's little, if any, benefit, to getting up early to pump gas.
#2. Change your air filter
Maintaining your car is important, but a clean air filter isn't going to save you any gas. Modern engines have computer sensors that automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture as an increasingly clogged air filter chokes off the engine's air supply...

The high cost of fuel is upon us, dramatically impacting the cost of living for millions of consumers. Rising fuel costs are causing many drivers to look for new ways to save money at the pump. Driving habits and vehicle maintenance can increase fuel mileage and mean substantial savings in the long run.

You can start by simply taking care of your vehicle. A simple tune up can increase fuel mileage significantly, according to Bryan Gregory, Director of Consumer Education for Advance Auto Parts (NYSE:AAP). Below are some suggestions that can assist with saving gas during the day-to-day commute, as well as make a significant impact as the summer travel season kicks off this weekend.


1) "Start with the air filter," Gregory said. "It's inexpensive and very easy to change. Similar to jogging your favorite track with a dish towel over your mouth a dirty air filter is one of the most impacting contributors to poor fuel mileage. Your engine needs to breathe to create maximum power and efficiency. You should replace your air filter every 7,500 miles unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer." Some high performance air filters flow much more air and last for a million miles.

2) Proper tire pressure is the next largest influence on fuel mileage. Check the drivers' side door post to see exactly what the tire pressure should be, then check all four tires weekly for best results. "Tire air pressure is critical, Gregory said. Every pound per square inch that a tire is under- inflated results in as much as a six percent loss in fuel efficiency. Tires that are under inflated create dramatically more rolling resistance, similar to pedaling your bike up a hill with a low rear tire, it simply requires more work. Checking and refilling tires could not be easier, yet incredibly meaningful in the fuel economy equation."

Vehicle maintenance should always be a priority, especially as many of us work to extend vehicle life, but some of the most important factors in reducing fuel consumption depend solely on the driver.

3) Use synthetic oil. "Synthetic engine oil is comprised of smaller molecules that reduce internal engine friction, lubricate better, and reduce engine operating temperatures, all creating a more efficient power process and helping with fuel mileage," Gregory says.

4) "You definitely want to avoid idling when possible because you get zero miles to the gallon when sitting still," Gregory said. "Also, be sensible about how long you warm up the car. For most cars and trucks, 30 to 45 seconds of warm-up time is sufficient."

5) Reducing a vehicle's load by eliminating excess cargo, such as extra tires, equipment, bike or ski racks, saves gas also because for every 200 pounds of extra weight in a vehicle, fuel mileage is reduced by one mile per gallon.

6) Keep fuel injectors clean by using a injector cleaners once or twice a year. When the fuel injector nozzle gets debris and buildup on it, it doesn't spray the fuel charge as it was designed to. A simple injector cleaner added to the fuel tank a few times each year can help keep the injectors clean and efficient.

7) Be sure your vehicle is in alignment. If it pulls to the right or to the left, it likely needs an alignment, or possibly some suspension work. When all four wheels are traveling down the road out of alignment, rolling resistance is created, not to mention rapid tire wear. Get the vehicle tracking straight and it will help protect your investment, enhance safety, and improve fuel mileage.

Your owner's manual should include a recommendation for the octane level that is best for your vehicle. If in doubt, always resort to using an 87 level octane. Higher octane also does not provide more horsepower or fuel economy, so don't waste money buying a higher octane than needed. One thing to keep in mind though, if you have modified your engine for higher horsepower, the octane requirement may be higher than the manufacturer's recommendation.

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