Myths About Gas Mileage

I was scanning an article about gas mileage on Yahoo  this morning.

People believe a lot of things about their cars and gas mileage because they were taught information from their parents years ago, when the information was applicable. But because times have changed and so have cars, here are some myths that people still believe today:

ONLY SMALL CARS GET GOOD GAS MILEAGE

Not true.  This year, half of the top ten most fuel efficient cars are midsize or larger vehicles, and this list doesn't include the hybrids or electric cars.

MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS GET BETTER FUEL ECONOMY

These days manuals and auto transmissions do about the same.

IT TAKES MORE FUEL TO START UP A CAR THAN TO LET IT IDLE

Fuel injection means modern car engines start much more efficiently.  Manufacturers recommend that you shut off the engine whenever you're stopped, except when you're in traffic.

AN ENGINE NEEDS TO WARM UP BEFORE A CAR IS DRIVEN

This depends. You shouldn't push a car too hard until the engine is warm, but it doesn't hurt the engine to drive it right away.  Plus, driving it is the best way to get it warm.

FUEL ECONOMY DECREASES AS A CAR GETS OLDER

This is NOT true as long as you take care of your vehicle. Vehicles that are well maintained can get 15 or more years of great fuel economy.