May 11, 2007 7:19 pm US/Eastern
Top 5 Gas Myths Busted
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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With gas prices rising, drivers are looking for ways to save a few pennies at the pump.
CBS
As gas prices keep rising, drivers are looking for ways to save a few pennies at the pump. But some of the ways you think might be saving money may just be myths.
Myth #1: Additives Stretch Gas MileageMany people think products like gas additives can stretch your mileage, but the reality is they just don't work.
"There have been tests done. Consumer Reports have done studies. And there's really no evidence to prove those additives save you or improve your gas mileage," Bevi Powell, a spokesperson for AAA.
Myth #2: Air Conditioning Burns GasAnother popular myth is that running your air conditioning all the time uses more gas – but that's not true.
"There's been research done where they've taken a car with the air on and one that doesn't, and they've shown there's no difference with the gas mileage," Powell said.
Myth #3: Idle Your Car, Don't Turn It OffMany believe that you can save gas by idling your car rather than turning the ignition on and off. This used to be true when we had carburetors, but with most cars having fuel injectors, idling actually burns more gas than turning it off.
Myth #4: Octane Makes A Difference In Your Gas MileageIt turns out, octane does not make a difference in your gas mileage. Unless your owner's manual says to use premium, regular unleaded is fine.
Myth #5: Gas Is Cheapest Mid-WeekThere's nothing to this myth although prices do tend to spike on the weekends.
So what does work?
Tip #1: Inflate Your TiresInflating your tires will reduce your gas usage by about 6 percent.
Tip #2: Tune UpsChanging your air filter and making sure your engine is in top shape could save another 10 to 20 percent.
Tip #3: Remove Heavy ItemsRemoving heavy items, like golf clubs, from your trunk will also help too.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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