Any Houston Auto Repair Shop will tell you better gas mileage is.. well.. better!  Especially when you drive an SUV or a gas guzzler.  But Whitty’z looks at five myths about gas mileage that are BUSTED!  We also walk you through some ways to save at the pump!

Why Does Fuel Economy Matter?

First and foremost, it saves you money.  You can save from $200-$1,500 per year just by choosing the most efficient vehicle for your needs.  By adopting good driving habits and keeping your vehicle well maintained, you can also increase the fuel-economy without having to purchase a new vehicle.Fuel-economy also helps protect the environment. Air pollution and global climate changes have made headlines in recent years due to the burning of fossil fuels and spills in the transportation of oil from the refineries. We can do our part to protect the environment by choosing a vehicle with better gas mileage and adjusting our driving habits to get the best fuel economy out of our vehicle.

5 Busted Myths:

1. Myth:”A smaller vehicle will provide better fuel economy.”   While it might seem more logical that a smaller vehicle will provide better fuel-economy, they aren’t always the most energy efficient. The best way to tell how energy-efficient a vehicle will be is to look: under the hood, at the materials it’s made of, or the way its body is designed. For example, look at aerodynamics. Longer sedans allow for air to flow more smoothly over the back of the vehicle than smaller models – which reduces drag on the highway.
2. Myth:”Manual transmissions are superior to automatic transmissions when it comes to gas mileage.”  This might have been true at one time, but it’s not true for all vehicles anymore. Generally, manual transmissions are more fuel-efficient than an automatic counterpart, but not always, and usually not by much.  Due to advancements in automatic transmissions such as increase in number of gears and such this statistic has slightly changed.
3. Myth:”The age of a vehicle affects the fuel economy.”  If you maintain your vehicle properly and keep up with regular maintenance, there is no reason your mileage should go down.  However, regular maintenance is key to keeping your engine running at peak performance.
4. Myth:” A dirty air filter affects gas mileage.”   Newer vehicles with fuel injected engines use computers to measure and control air flowing into the engine and are able to adjust the flow of air accordingly.  The reduced air flow causes the engine to reduce the amount of fuel being used.  With a dirty air filter your car will accelerate sluggishly, so it’s a good idea to keep it cleaned.
5. Myth:”Buying premium gas will improve your gas mileage.”  If your vehicle allows you to use regular fuel, don’t buy premium under the mistaken belief your engine will run better. The only difference you will notice is the increased price you are paying to fill-up your tank.

Whitty’z Houston Auto Repair Shop

We are owner operated and customer service oriented. Our goal is to build your trust so we can fix your vehicle and give you a great experience time and time again. We believe in REAL customer service So, at Whitty’z Houston Auto Repair if you call between 8-6 pm Monday- Saturday you will get a conversation and not an answering service. Give us a chance to earn your business and your trust. You deserve quality service and integrity in your Houston auto repair facility. We know that your vehicle is one of your most important possessions and we treat it like our own.