Saving money at the pump is a goal for nearly every driver, but not all fuel-saving advice holds up under scrutiny. In fact, some of the most common tips are outdated or outright myths. Following the wrong practices can actually cost you more money in the long run.
Here are five of the most persistent fuel-saving myths, debunked with insights from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Idling to Warm Up Your Car Saves Gas
Many drivers believe that idling their vehicle before driving improves performance and saves fuel. While this may have been true decades ago with carbureted engines, it is no longer necessary for modern vehicles. Today’s fuel-injected engines are designed to operate efficiently almost immediately after starting.
According to the EPA, idling for more than 10 seconds actually wastes more fuel than restarting your engine. Idling not only burns unnecessary gas but also increases emissions.
- Tip: Start your car, let it run for about 30 seconds, and drive gently until it warms up naturally.
- Filling Up in the Early Morning Saves Money
There is a popular theory that buying gas early in the morning saves money because fuel is denser at cooler temperatures. While technically true in controlled conditions, in reality, gas stations store fuel underground where temperatures remain fairly constant.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that time-of-day temperature fluctuations have minimal impact on fuel density at the consumer level. In other words, you are unlikely to see any meaningful savings by filling up early versus later in the day.
- Tip: Focus on shopping around for lower prices using tools like GasBuddy rather than timing your visit.
- Premium Gasoline Provides Better Fuel Economy
Unless your vehicle specifically requires high-octane premium fuel, filling up with premium will not improve your car’s fuel economy or performance. The EPA says that most vehicles designed for regular unleaded gasoline will see no benefits from using premium—and the higher cost is wasted money.
- Tip: Check your owner’s manual and stick with the recommended fuel grade.
- Rolling Down the Windows Saves More Gas Than Using AC
At low speeds, it is true that using the air conditioner consumes more fuel than rolling down the windows. However, at highway speeds, open windows create aerodynamic drag, which reduces fuel efficiency more than moderate AC use.
Research supported by the EPA shows that using air conditioning wisely is often better for fuel economy on highways.
- Tip: Use ventilation systems at lower speeds and rely on AC during highway driving when needed.
- Manual Transmissions Are Always More Fuel-Efficient
It used to be common knowledge that manual transmission vehicles delivered better fuel economy than automatics. However, advances in automatic transmission technology, such as continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and advanced multi-gear automatics, mean that many modern automatics now equal or surpass manuals in fuel efficiency.
The EPA’s fuel economy data show that for many new models, automatic transmissions are now more efficient.
- Tip: When buying a new vehicle, compare fuel economy ratings rather than assuming a manual will be more efficient.
Final Thoughts
Separating fact from fiction is crucial when it comes to saving money on gas. Trust verified sources like the EPA for fuel-saving tips, and combine smart driving habits with reward tools like Shell Fuel Rewards or discounted gift cards from Fluz to maximize your fuel savings without falling for outdated myths.
