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People are looking for ways to minimize the fuel consumption of their used cars in Woodbridge, Virginia to save money. However, there are some misconceptions about fuel economy that you should know. One popular fuel economy misconception is that your used car needs to be compacted to get high mileage capacity. However, that is not true.  You can have a better fuel economy in a standard-sized vehicle equipped with new technologies such as hybrid drive trains, diesel engines, and advanced transmissions. With this and more, you need to be fully aware of the fuel economy misconceptions. Hence, Airport Auto Sales—Used Car Dealership in Woodbridge, Virginia provides you some information about fuel use and some misconceptions about fuel economy.

Manual transmissions consume less fuel

Others say that when your used car has a manual transmission, it consumes less fuel. But it is not the case. A used car operated by an automatic transmission and equipped with computer-controlled shifting can get about the same or even higher mileage than similar models with a standard transmission.

Used cars need to warm up before driving

An idling vehicle is getting zero miles per gallon; hence, reduce idling to improve your fuel economy.  While it is a common practice to warm up your car before you drive, you can ride on almost immediately after you start the ignition without thinking about the engine or damage on the drive train.  However, allow the engine to reach its operating temperature before going into any long and severe driving.

Fuel economy significantly dropped when gets old

Fuel economy varies with the number of miles you drive annually.  According to the Environment Protection Agency, the mileage of used cars will significantly improve for the first few years and decline as long as it is well-maintained and cared for properly.

Dirty air filters minimize fuel economy

Research studies concluded that fuel-injected engines significantly compensate for dirty air filters without reducing their fuel economy. Filthy air filters may affect the overall performance of the used cars significantly but not affect the mileage. However, when the air filter is clogged completely, its performance will have noticeable issues.

It is essential to replace your air filters regularly for various reasons. The prime benefit of replacing it is to improve acceleration, as most used cars now measure air intake and adjust fuel flow accordingly.

Gas additives and fuel-saving devices literally save fuel

Gas additives and devices provide no improvement on fuel economy.  Some of which may even give detriments to the used car over benefits. The Environment Protection Agency tested more than a hundred alleged fuel-saving devices. None of these gas additives and fuel-saving devices improved the mileage of these vehicles.

Starting the vehicle’s ignition uses more fuel than leaving it idle

The fuel-injection system equipped on the used car will start its ignition efficiently. If you start the ignition and stay idle for more than a minute, shut the vehicle off.

Using premium fuel gives more efficiency than cheaper-grade fuel

Unless your used car runs only on premium fuel, it will not most likely increase fuel economy. Cheaper gas options will do just fine as premium ones. According to the US Department of Energy, there is a little gap between the cheaper-grade and premium-grade gasoline; hence it is considered a misconception that cheaper fuel can damage your used car or the former is not as efficient as the former.

Final thought

Bear in mind that fuel efficiency depends on numerous factors. The tips mentioned above may not work in every case. The ideal way to reduce fuel consumption is by not driving. If your destination is near, walk, ride a bicycle, or carpooling to save fuel and money.

If you plan to purchase a used car, don’t hesitate to contact Airport Auto Sales—Used Car Dealership in Woodbridge, Virginia at your convenience. We offer you a lot of fuel-efficient used cars that suit your needs and preference. We are looking forward to serving you soon.