We’ve all heard them: little tips and tricks that promise better fuel economy for your car. But what is actually truth or fiction? WRAL 5 On Your Side spoke with Consumer Reports vehicle tester Mike Quincy to find out what can help and what drivers shouldn’t worry about when it comes to saving money.
Does Premium Gas Really Improve Performance?
“A lot of people think, ‘If I buy gasoline with the highest, highest octane rating, my car will magically run better, it will be faster, it will have better fuel economy,'” Quincy said. Absolutely not. Forget about all this.”
Quincy said drivers should stick to cheaper conventional fuel if possible.
“The only reason you should fill your car with premium fuel is because the owner’s manual says premium fuel is required,” Quincy said.
In recent weeks, the United States has seen a sharp rise in gas prices. The average gallon of gasoline costs Americans $4.25 as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the American Automobile Association.
Gasoline in North Carolina is slightly lower than the national average. The average gallon of gasoline in North Carolina is $4.13 as of Wednesday afternoon, according to AAA.
Keeping Cool: Are the windows closed or is the air conditioning on?
As temperatures get warmer, what could be more cost effective? Roll down the windows or turn on the air conditioner?
“When you use the air conditioning, the engine works harder and you save fuel,” Quincy said.
As temperatures hit the 70s and 80s, Consumer Reports tests show a 1-4 mpg drop in fuel efficiency if you use the air conditioner, compared to no fall with the windows down.
Does cruise control really save gas?
Quincy says the key to these savings is setting a reasonable speed.
“I think cruise control is a good way to drive consistently and consistently, and that in turn will save you gas,” Quincy said.
Can fuel additives really increase mileage or performance?
A fuel additive is an additive that drivers can add to their gasoline tanks to prevent carbon buildup. Additives work to clean various parts of fuel system components such as fuel injectors.
However, Quincy said they do not increase mileage or performance.
Make sure your tires are at the correct pressure
The US Department of Energy reports that under-inflated tires can reduce fuel consumption by about 0.2% for every 1 psi drop in average pressure across all tires.
Inexpensive tire pressure gauges are available from most auto parts stores. Many gas stations also offer them for free.
Climate also affects tire pressure. In winter, properly inflated tires can become over-inflated as temperatures rise due to the expansion of the air inside the tires. Conversely, properly inflated tires can look flat in the summer when the weather turns cold and the air inside the tires compresses.