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Fuel Economy Facts and Myths
As gasoline prices have increased the consumer has shifted priorities to become
More concerned with fuel mileage. Many myths about increasing fuel mileage are circulating in various media and internet postings.
WHAT NOT TO DO: Engine and fuel additives, Alternate fuels, and “ Miracle” Products.
Various unproven products have been reported, including magnets that align molecules to chemical additives to increase combustion.
The Federal Trade Commission provides results for products tested by the Federal Government at www.ftcgov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm
Most did not work, and for those that did the benefit was too small to be cost effective.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT NOT TO DO:
Blending Kerosene or Diesel fuel into Gasoline- Do not attempt. These include acetone,ketones, and methanol. These additives can be harmful to the seal and gaskets resulting in leaks. It is impossible to predict the extent of damage that additives can cause
In trying to increase mileage, often times the additives will cause contamination in the cylinder block valley and sludge contamination in the oil pan resulting in improper oiling of the internal engine components.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Tire Pressure – Make sure you have the proper inflation in your tires. Keeping the proper pressure not only insures better mileage but also increases tire life.
Air Filter – Your engine has to breathe, make it easier with a clean filter.
Proper Oil Viscosity – Always use the proper viscosity oil as your owners manual describes. TIP – Chevrolet vehicles DO NOT require additional additives. Some additives will cause harmful effect to the internal seals and gaskets.
Use the Recommended Grade of fuel – This is one of my favorites, I get the
“ but I use the 91 octane” if you purchase a vehicle that calls for 87 octane It is a waste of money to use 91 octane if your vehicle was designed for 87 octane the use of a higher than required octane does not improve mileage. High performance Chevrolet vehicles that do require 91 octane MUST use fuel of at least 91 or higher, failure to do so will result in decreased performance, engine knocking and could cause damage.\
Check Engine Light Displayed – When the check engine light is on, the onboard diagnostics have detected something wrong. This could lead to decreased fuel economy.
CHANGES IN DRIVING HABITS:
Slow Down, Drive Smoothly – Why use full throttle acceleration ? This is not a Drag Race or the Daytona 500, drive 65 instead of 70 and the list goes on and on.
I watched the same show you did on “hyper-miles” How crazy is it to drive your vehicle to the top of a hill then turn it off to coast to the bottom ? You have no power steering, no power brakes, and worse yet what if you turn the key all the way to off and lock the steering wheel ? Explain that to your insurance company of the person you hit.
The truck will re-start – Most Diesel owners feel the need to let them idle rather than turn them off. Every 3-4 minutes of idling will reduce the current mpg by 1/10, was it really worth leaving the truck idle ?
These are but a few ideas to help save fuel and increase economy.
Joey Luttrull- visit us at:
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