Friday I talked a little about a few commonly believed myths when it comes to gas mileage and the facts that prove them wrong. Today I want to address a few more of those myths and correct them once again so that together we can stop the spread of false information and save some extra money. Check City also has some financial options to help you get quick cash when you need it. We offer customers quick loans, as well as money transfers and check cashing services for your convenience. Here are three more myths, and their corresponding facts to help you make sure you get it straight.
MYTH 4: For the best gas mileage you should not drive faster than 55 mph.
Fact: The gas mileage remains about the same until you hit speeds of 60 or greater, or are doing city driving. Smoothness in driving is actually a much better predictor of gas mileage and hurts it much more than driving fast. According to the U.S. department of energy, most cars peak in efficiency between 35 and 60 miles per hour. They also say that for every five miles you drive above 60 adds about 24 cents to each gallon of gas you are paying for, because of the extra wind resistance. Drive as though there is an egg underneath the pedal, so that you aren’t constantly letting on and off of the pedal. This will help reduce your gas usage by as much as 33 percent.
MYTH 5: A car with a manual transmission will always get better gas mileage than an automatic.
Fact: Newer automatic transmissions can get just as good or even sometimes better gas mileage than a manual transmission. Before oil embargoes, manuals did indeed get better gas mileage, but because of the increased technology, including the updated five speeds on many automatic transmission cars, they are about even. When driving in town however, the manual may still get slightly better mileage.
MYTH 6: This may be the one you were waiting to hear about. Shutting off the car’s A/C and opening windows will help to reduce gas mileage.
Fact: At higher speeds,opening the windows,creates so much air resistance that it cancels out most, if not all of the benefits gained from turning off the air conditioner. However, air condition does burn up gas, and alternate recommendations include turning down the A/C and changing the mode to vent. Ford Motor Company says to reduce use of the A/C until the temperatures are above 80 degrees.
