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Things That Work - Or Don’t - To Get Better Gas Mileage

By Lamar James, U of A Cooperative Extension

First posted on 06-06-2008

MARION, Ark. - Gas prices are at a record high, up about 82 cents from last year, according to the Energy Information Administration, and the climb in price shows no signs of stopping.

The approaching summer months mean approaching vacations, and many consumers are looking for ways to save money on transportation, said VeEtta Simmons, the Crittenden County extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

There are several tips to follow, Simmons said, “to help you get the most from your gasoline miles.”

The most lawful tip is to stay within the posted speed limits. Gas mileage typically decreases at speeds over 60 miles per hour.

“The faster you drive, the more fuel you use,” Simmons said.

There are several other tips to aid in the conservation of fuel. Avoid idling when possible, as an idling car gets zero miles to the gallon. Use cruise control on highways to improve the fuel economy of your car. Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and stops and improve gas mileage by 5 percent, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

There are also several myths about fuel conservation, according to “Consumer Reports.” Morning fill-ups, with the belief that cooler air means denser gas with more gas molecules, are misguided. The temperature of gas out of the nozzle changes very little during the day.

Another myth is the dirty air filter. While in the past, engines with a clogged air filter would experience a decrease in gas mileage, modern technology has changed this reality. According to “Consumer Reports,” modern engines have computer sensors to automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture as the filter clogs. Any increase in fuel consumption due to a clogged air filter is inconsequential.

Perhaps the most well-known myth is minimizing use of the air conditioning to save fuel. While it is true air conditioning can put extra strain on the engine, the alternative of rolling down the windows increases aerodynamic drag, which can reduce fuel efficiency. Neither method alters the fuel efficiency by much - about 1 mile per gallon or less, says Consumer Reports.

“Taking steps to get the most miles from the fuel in your tank can mean dollars in your pocket,” said Simmons.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.