Some Gas Saving Myths

Everyone is trying to save on gas, but we need to know which methods actually work and which are wasting both our time and money.  CNN had an article recently which disclosed several which are not true.  In case you missed it, here's a quick summary of their six gas saving myths.

1. Filling up your tank in the morning apparently does not make a difference in whether you get more gas.  The temperature the gas comes out of the pump apparently stays pretty much the same throughout the day.
2. Changing your air filter isn't going to save you any gas.  Technology has improved to the point where the change in fuel consumption is basically nonexistent.
3. Using premium fuel doesn't make a difference either.  Some cars recommend having it but now they say that technology has advanced enough that if the engine detects the lower grade fuel, it'll change the spark plug timing. 
4. Pumping up your tires to the recommended inflation is good and does save on gas, but be careful not to overfill them.  You do get slightly better gas mileage, but your risk of having an accident increases as well as there is less friction between the car tire and the road.
5. With air-conditioning, modern technology again has made this more efficient as well.  So whether driving without AC saves you money depends on your type of car.
6. Any device or additive that claims to make your gas mileage improve is not telling you the truth.  If something like that existed, it would be added to gasoline already.

If you drive an older car, some of the things that have been improved by technology won't be true for you.  Right now, our preferred method of saving on gas is to avoid driving as much as possible!