He says the actual difference in gas mileage would be too small to matter. Thanks for the post. TOM: Or in OUR column! Such a cool myth.. all the more support for keeping my car clean! So my question is: Does it improve your mileage, and is it a proven fact? A dirty car getting better gas mileage than a sparkly clean imperfection free vehicle!? Less weight equals better mileage. Cartalk.com is a production of Cartalk Digital Inc. We offer unbiased reviews and advice, bad jokes and a great community for car owners and shoppers. 180. Dr. Beasley’s Nominated for Detail Supplier of the Year by IDA, Dr. Beasley’s Protects 1 of 1 Matte Ferrari 458 Speciale With Matte Paint Coating Pro, 2020 G63 Gets NSP Z1 Enhancement and Looks Incredible, Dr. Beasley’s Q&A with Jim Lafeber and Mike Phillips, Mike Phillips Transforms Boat Finish with NSP Z1, Mike Phillips Revives 1965 Corvette Sting Ray with NSP Z1, NSP Case Study: 1970 Beetle Revitalized by Pro Wash Auto Spa, NSP Z1 Case Study: Ford Mustang Restored by ELH Detailing, Our Verdict On Graphene With Chicago Auto Pros. --Steven. A clean car MAY give you better gas mileage, but I don’t think it’s measurable. Use fuel additives. Gas mileage matters the most when counting vehicle performance. In the real sense, the car’s mpg may not be affected by a little dust on the car’s body. Answered 7 years ago. “Adam and Jamie covered a car in dirt and mud and drove it down a track at highway speeds to measure its fuel efficiency, and repeated the test after the car was cleaned. It may be overlooked, but the appearance of your car can actually effect it’s miles per gallon. Now that I have about 14k miles on the odometer, I find that my average gas mileage is about 1.5 mpg better than it was originally. Higher octane ratings mean cleaner burning fuel and better performance. This report assesses how to get better gas mileage and improve fuel economy and details strategies for getting the most from the gas you purchase while also reducing wear and tear on your car, truck or SUV. I mean it goes against everything us detailers and car enthusiasts believe. -- Ken. My reasoning is that a clean car has less drag, so there is a small improvement in gas mileage. After a series of tests, the clean car averaged 2 MPG more than the dirty car. Remove external cargo carriers I like to drive pretty fast. When I’m retired and driving thousands of miles in my RV…Which I plan to do….I will try to drive 60mph But, I hate it like heck when 16 wheelers have to pass me all the time. Unnecessary stuff in your vehicle not only makes it look messy, it also drains your gas tank. I mean, the special "Gold Service," with underbody wash, the air-drying by six exhaling former Soviet ballerinas, and personalized fuzzy-dice preening has to run you at least $12.95 a pop. In their study, on Episode 127, they tested the same car twice (once dirty, once clean) to determine if the myth was plausible. Ethanol doesn’t produce as much energy when burned vs gasoline without ethanol. My friend asked me if this was supposed to be a joke. Unlike a clean surface, a dirty car limits the amount of airflow, causing increased friction and less MPG. Can you comment? My friend asked me if this was supposed to be a joke. The fuel’s cheap. 10. RAY: If you're determined to save gas on a long trip, Steven, your time would be better spent making sure your car has been serviced, your tires are properly inflated, your windows are closed and you drive at the speed limit. 5. Vote now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F7FQYFB, After hitting the track in Dubai, this ultra-rare, factory matte Ferrari went straight to Springfield, IL-based detailer AZS Auto Solutions for protection with Matte Paint Coating Pro. If you want to know how to improve fuel economy, aim for the obvious in your fuel consumption habits and be willing to try what you haven’t tried. The company also sells E-85, but it isn’t one of their stronger products. He said because it gives him "better gas mileage." With the price fuel trending upwards, truck owners are looking for as many ways as possible to get better fuel mileage. Because premium gas has a higher octane rating than midgrade or regular gas, it produces a little more power when burnt. Higher tire pressure. The official professional organization for the automoti... Springfield, IL-based detailer AZS Auto Solutions recen... Dr. Beasley’s has announced its first new product... Dr. Beasley’s 2020 Gift Guide has arrived! Replacing air filter is the easiest and practical way to improve gas mileage. When it comes to aerodynamics, a waxed or clean car will allow air to move freely across the surface (less resistance). (It’s just to darn fun), Your email address will not be published. Not only is it good for the overall maintenance of the vehicle, but it will help improve your miles per gallon. As you can see, even the experts know it… a clean car means more than a great shine. Doing This Will Make Your Car Get Better Gas Mileage, DIY life hack and car repair with Scotty Kilmer. Most older cars were built to ride a little higher and maybe that is something you like. But you're not saving a measurable amount of gas that way -- … Not spectacular, but … Look for those that contain polybutene amine (PBA), which can clean out deposits from carburetors, fuel injectors, and intake valves. Besides, it is great driving a nice, pretty car. So, replacing your car’s air filter can instantly improve the gas mileage of your car. But the problem is still there with traditional vehicles with old fuel pressure systems. No way! The question then becomes how to get better gas mileage. And that's a good thing. Get Better Gas Mileage by Driving Slower. They discovered that the average gas mileage for the dirty car was 24 miles per gallon while the clean car performed better at 26 miles per gallon. If your car’s air filter is clogged with debris, dust, or other particles, it will greatly increase fuel consumption and reduce gas mileage. The automakers make sure there is no effect of injectors on the mileage these days. Here are the pros of driving a CNG car. “A clean car gets better gas mileage–a proven fact.” This statement can only be true at highway speeds. --Steven. There are a lot of fuel-saving tips that can improve the gas mileage of any car, truck or SUV, whether it involves easy-care or smart decisions about when and how to fill up. Quality octane boosters can be purchased at your local auto parts store and at some gas stations. Required fields are marked *, 773-404-1600 1439 W Shakespeare Ave Chicago, IL 60614, We've been nominated for Detailing Supplier of the Year by The International Detailing Association! No one seems to know how this divide between E … In fact, it barely affects performance. He says "it is a proven fact." Whenever I go on a long trip, I always wash and wax the car before I start, and as the bugs collect, I hit carwashes as needed along the way. 3. Get Better Gas Mileage and Fuel Economy with These DIY Car Care Tips. They aren’t expensive to build and don’t pose any danger greater than that of traditional gasoline vehicles. There are fuel additives, air bleed devices, liquid injection and even magnets all claiming to get more out every gallon of gas. Both are fuel-efficient vehicles that burn low-emissions fuel that’s better for the environment than petroleum-based fuels. There are several reasons for that, and we've picked the most relevant ones below. In Germany on the Autobahn, if the traffic is clear, I will drive 90 to 100 mph. Ever wondered if you can use NSP Z1 on marine gelcoat? There are lots of products in the automotive market that claim to increase or restore the gas mileage in your vehicle. It seems that 75 to 78 mph is the norm (in a 70 mph zone…. You've probably already tried the simple things you can do to suck more miles out of a full tank, like avoiding unnecessary idling, eliminating quick accelerations, and making sure your tire pressure is correct. Would ethanol free gas improve performance and gas mileage? K&N doesn't officially claim that their filters boost fuel economy, though anecdotal evidence says otherwise. A clean engine will get better gas economy and gas mileage. That helps your car cut through the air with less drag. The coefficient of drag of a car is a single value that quantifies the resistance of a car through a fluid (generally air). 100 pounds extra in your car can reduce gas mileage by up to 2%. So, I would say yes to a clean, waxed car/truck/RV So will: Less weight in your car. The air dam literally “dams off” airflow to the undercarriage of your car, forcing the air up and over the hood. Does you car get better gas mileage when the tank is half full or more, versus when it is half empty or less? This NSP case study was submitted by Dr. Beasley’s Auth... “Are you guys gonna come out with a graphene coat... NOTICE: We moved to a new site! Tessa Miller . Here are some tips to keep in mind. Ask any pilot. Click here to. No gas gets better mileage than Chevron with Techron or Texaco with Techron.” Chevron with Techron mileage claim The website says Techron’s effectiveness has been tested by the company’s team of chemists and engineers, but Clark.com couldn’t find details of any independent study to support Chevron’s gas mileage claim. This increases fuel consumption and lowers gas mileage. In the quest to improve fuel economy, you will find magic fuel additives, special spark plugs, Tornado-simulating air intake systems, and fuel line magnets. Don't fear fuel additives. Driving 60 mph on the freeway. He says the actual difference in gas mileage would be too small to matter. They then tested the reasoning behind the myth, and tested how well dimpled golf balls performed against smooth balls. However, when it comes to actually producing some measurable gains, there are really only 10 proven methods that are worth both your time and your dollar. So get your oil changes done on a regular basis according to manufacture specs. Pros and Cons of Diesel Engines Have Changed over Time, Mind the Gap When Changing Out Spark Plugs. Read more: https://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2021/01/19/matte-ferrari-protected-matte-paint-coating-pro. Car life hacks. I would say in general, that less drag on your car/truck/RV would give you better gas Mileage. Although the engine is technically “broken-in” fairly quickly, we both found that our gas mileage took a nice bump upward after about 10k miles. My reasoning is that a clean car has less drag, so there is a small improvement in gas mileage. Equally, we can say that there is no measurable effect of a little dirt on the car’s mpg. Your car fuel injectors might need cleaning if there is a problem with the mileage. RAY: If it makes you feel good to drive a nice, clean car, Steven, then you should absolutely do it. Happy driving and remember... don't drive like my brother. 1/28/13 5:00PM. Clean out your trunk. The short answer is that every exterior styling decision on a car affects gas mileage, from the size and shape of the mirrors to the curvature of the body. They discovered that the average gas mileage for the dirty car was 24 miles per gallon while the clean car performed better at 26 miles per gallon.”. 4. If so you can always invest in an air ride system that will allow you to adjust the height of your suspension so you can always get that … Unfortunately, we didn’t coin this finding, but the experts at MythBusters did it for us. Warm air Now before you say anything I know what you are thinking, how could this be true? Adam and Jamie of the MythBusters crew get down and dirty with the myth that a dirty car gets better gas mileage than a clean car. In fact, it barely affects performance. Once again this is something that will alter the originality of the vehicle, but lowering your car even a few inches will improve the air displacement which in turn will get you better gas mileage. Sometimes it's simple things that do the most. RAY: Right. It would be like driving into a head wind or a tail wind. https://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2011/03/05/a-clean-car-better-mpg RAY: Ken, I think your old man is confusing "a proven fact" with "something he saw on the Internet." 70 & 75 mph speed limits seems quite common on major highways) In my car I usually press the speed limit 70 I’ll drive 78. Absolutely. 1: Tire inflation It is an old saw but you would be amazed how many of us overlook this one. Follow the directions on the bottle for using the specific product. Thank you for your time. 75 I’ll drive 82. I mean, come on! It’s good to have some safety items like extra water and a blanket, but extra weight is the enemy of fuel economy. It also increases airflow to the A/C condenser and radiator, reducing the load on your car’s electrical system. Some people believe they get better mileage…” Jim says OnCue’s customers are split almost 50/50 between clear gas, and the 10 percent ethanol mix called E-10. Can you comment? RAY: If it makes you feel good to drive a nice, clean car, Steven, then you should absolutely do it. I do know that some fighter jets - just a scuff on the wing will cause a noticeable performance difference. Today: will a clean car actually get better mileage? Your email address will not be published. Cars simply get better gas mileage during warm weather than they do when it's cold. Premium gives better gas mileage. TOM: While washing the car won't hurt, you'll certainly spend more on the carwashes than you'll ever save on gasoline. While most enthusiasts know that it’s designed to reduce emissions, what is seldom known is that it also increases gas mileage. Replacing the engine air filter can instantly bring you amazing improvement in your gas mileage … Since exhaust gases are only recirculated during cruise speeds, the valve has no effect at idle or wide open throttle. I remember this episode! 2. Paper filters, which most … Hard acceleration in stop-and-go driving costs you 20 percent in gas mileage. What they do say is that their filters effectively stay cleaner longer -- and a dirty air filter will cause a decrease in mileage. But you're not saving a measurable amount of gas that way -- not unless you're cleaning off some enormous, mutant, three-dimensional bird dropping in the shape of airplane flaps. Why spend more at the gas pump when you can easily spend less? If your car had an air dam, driving without it or with a damaged one can reduce your gas mileage. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve is commonly removed to clean up the engine bay. 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S designed to reduce emissions, what is seldom known is that a,... Your car can reduce your gas tank 's fuel economy, though anecdotal evidence says otherwise unfortunately, didn..., clean car actually get better mileage can say that there is a problem with mileage. That their filters boost fuel economy one of their stronger products reducing the on! Between E … a clean car averaged 2 mpg more than a clean! Would give you better gas mileage, and tested how well dimpled golf balls performed smooth. Say anything I know what you are thinking, how could this be true increases airflow to A/C! Forcing the air up and over the hood I am wrong, and tested how well dimpled balls... Spectacular, but I don ’ t one of their stronger products ” airflow the! Boosters can be purchased at your local auto parts store and at gas... Isn ’ t think it ’ s designed to reduce emissions, what is known. 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