Top Fuel Economy Myths About Used Cars Busted

Fuel efficiency is a common area of concern for most American car owners. And the constant worries have naturally sprouted a host of myths surrounding mileage. Gas prices constantly fluctuate. The figures tend to stay in the higher brackets more than the lower ones. This drives car owners to do almost anything to save every drop of fuel that they can and pass down their beliefs to the generations after, keeping the myths in circulation. But auto technology has improved. Cars are no longer what they once used to be. And it is time that you debunk the fuel economy myths and start believing modern facts.

Myth: Used cars return worse fuel economies than new ones

On the contrary, gas mileage is known to become better once the car becomes older. For instance, the EPA does its tests on models that have already seen 5,000 miles. From there on, the ratings they give only improve. So, shop for cheap cars in buy here pay here dealerships without any fuel economy-related apprehensions as the vehicle you pick is sure to give great mileage.

Myth: Premium additives in fuel increase mileage

Recent tests have revealed that premium additives available in the market do nothing for your fuel economy. They, however, can improve your engine performance or well-being. Plus, be sure to discuss with the dealers about the model’s viscosity rating while buying cars in Spartanburg, SC. No additive will help if you pour the wrong oil into your tank.

Myth: Manual transmission gives better mileage

This was true back when only a handful of cars came with automatic transmission and most vehicles required a stick to move forward. Today, only top-of-the-line cars have manual options. And automatic transmission technology has come a long way. Both types return equal gas efficiencies and no single type has a better effect.
Myth: Smaller cars return better EPA

Over the years, SUVs and wagons have received better EPA ratings than most sedans or crossover vehicles. Technologies like turbocharging, aerodynamic design, direct fuel injection, and more have improved fuel economies on the bigger vehicles. Unless you load your car beyond its rated capacity, SUVs and trucks return similar numbers as any standard sedan on the road.

Myth: Clean air filter is good for increasing efficiency

Although you should not be neglecting the importance of a clean air filter, its cleanliness or rate of replacement has no direct effect on fuel efficiency. The top auto dealers in Spartanburg, South Carolina, change the air filter before sale to protect the engine’s health. Fuel-wise, a computer chip today decides how much air to take in and things work fine with a moderately dirty filter.