With gas prices always in flux, we get a lot of questions here at The Auto Shop in Jefferson City about how to stretch a tank of fuel. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation out there, and not every fuel-saving tip is worth your time. In this month’s blog, we’re setting the record straight and busting some common fuel efficiency myths.
🚫 Myth #1: Warming Up Your Car Saves Fuel
The Truth: This one’s a holdover from older carbureted engines. Today’s fuel-injected vehicles are designed to drive almost immediately. Idling for long periods just burns fuel and increases emissions, especially in summer. You only need about 30 seconds to circulate oil through the engine before heading out.
🚫 Myth #2: Premium Gas = Better Fuel Economy
The Truth: Unless your vehicle requires premium fuel (check the owner’s manual), you won’t see any benefit. Using higher-octane gas in a car designed for regular won’t boost mileage or performance—it’ll just cost more at the pump.
🚫 Myth #3: A Dirty Air Filter Hurts MPG
The Truth: For older vehicles, yes. But in most modern cars, sensors adjust the air/fuel mix even when the air filter is dirty. While a clean filter helps your engine run better, it doesn’t significantly impact gas mileage in today’s cars.
✅ What Does Help You Save Fuel?
Here’s what really works if you want to improve your fuel efficiency in Jefferson City:
✔️ Maintain Tire Pressure
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
✔️ Avoid Aggressive Driving
Rapid starts, hard braking, and speeding are fuel-wasters. Smooth, steady driving can improve your MPG by up to 30% on the highway.
✔️ Lighten Your Load
Got extra junk in your trunk or roof racks you’re not using? Excess weight and drag reduce fuel economy, especially at higher speeds.
✔️ Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
Regular oil changes, clean spark plugs, proper wheel alignment, and engine tune-ups all contribute to better fuel economy. A poorly maintained engine has to work harder and burns more fuel.
Your Fuel-Saving Partner in Mid-Missouri
At The Auto Shop, we’re not here to sell you snake oil. We’re here to give you real, honest advice to help your vehicle perform its best. Whether you need a tire pressure check, tune-up, or a second opinion on your gas mileage concerns, our ASE-Certified team is ready to help.
Let’s make every drop of fuel count this summer. Please stop by The Auto Shop, and let’s bust those myths and your fuel bill together.
Want to improve your vehicle’s fuel economy?
📞 Call us at (573) 635-4888 orbook an appointment online!