Fuel Economy Myths Every Driver Should Know

According to the Federal Trade Commission, aftermarket  additives  and devices that claim to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions are primarily shams. Most claims have proven to be completely false when independently tested. They can also harm your engine’s internal components and increase harmful emissions.

Modern automatic transmissions are substantially more efficient than they used to be. Due to electronic controls and extra gears, they often provide the same or better fuel economy as their manual transmission counterparts.

If you live in a cold climate, you probably believe that you need to  warm up your car for at least 5 minutes before it is safe to drive. In reality, this is a complete falsehood. You can safely operate a modern vehicle immediately after start-up. In fact, anything longer than 30 seconds can be considered a waste of fuel.

With every rule, there are exceptions. If you are towing a heavy load, let the engine reach its average operating temperature when driving in freezing temperatures.

Older autos with carburetors do need to warm up a bit longer to operate efficiently. A cold engine cannot properly mix the fuel and air necessary for combustion. Consequently, it may stall if driven before the engine has warmed up sufficiently.

The EPA routinely tests vehicles to gauge fuel efficiency over their life span accurately. New cars typically continue to improve their fuel economy over the first several years of use. Studies show that even 10 to 15-year-old vehicles show only a minor decline in MPG when routinely serviced.

Idling can use up to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, costing more than 2 cents per minute, depending on current fuel prices. If you are sitting in a parking lot for more than a couple of minutes, it is more cost-effective to turn off your engine. Manually turning off your engine while stopped in traffic is unsafe. However, several hybrid vehicles come equipped with an automatic  stop-start system  that helps increase fuel economy.

Fuel economy numbers provide an unbiased method of comparing fuel efficiency in different vehicles. The numbers are compiled from testing that mimics real-life driving situations. The test’s downside is that people do not all drive the same way or in the same places. Your specific MPG will be different from my MPG, even if we drive the exact vehicle in the same general location. Therefore, the numbers are only estimates, rather than guaranteed.

Routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to maintain  fuel efficiency  with your Japanese Import. Most modern vehicles can go far longer between service intervals than older cars. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for your factory-recommended maintenance schedule.

Taylor Co Japanese Auto Services  is located at 344 E Foothill Blvd, Suite B, Pomona, CA 91767. Contact us today at (909) 971-3422 to make an appointment .