SINGAPORE, Nov 21 — These maxims have been handed down from generation to generation of motorists, but just how many of these still apply today, in the face of rapidly-evolving technologies?
Small cars = better economy
It is often thought the smaller the car, the better fuel economy it offers. That is no longer necessarily true as many other variables, such as the type of engine and materials used, need to be factored in.
For example, some larger cars with hybrid drivetrains can offer better fuel economy than smaller cars with conventional engines. Extensive use of lightweight materials such as aluminium, high-strength steel and carbon fibre also mean that larger cars can weigh significantly less than their looks would suggest.
Gentlemen, start your engines
How often have you been told to let the engine idle for a while after startup, to let the ignition warm up, especially in the morning? If you drive a modern car, the good news is, this is no longer necessary. Actually driving the car will warm the engine up faster.
Running on fumes
Of course, it is important to get enough fuel so you don’t end up stranded on the expressways. In the cars from before, fuel might evaporate in the tank if it is left near empty but in today’s modern systems, there are vapour recovery systems to prevent that. Also, cars are now able to tell you how many more kilometres you have left on the reserve tank.
Only pump fuel at night
There are apparently motorists who believe that you gain more fuel topping up your tanks at night. Here’s the supposed science behind this: Cooler liquids are more dense, so the logic goes that pumping fuel at night or early in the morning when air is relatively cool gets you slightly more fuel for the same price.
However, fuel is pumped from underground storage tanks that are insulated and protected from temperature variations so there is no need to do that.
Idle engines
Letting an engine idle wastes more fuel than stopping and starting the vehicle’s engine.
The good news is that many modern cars have automatic start-stop engine functions that help to save fuel by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (say, when you’re at a traffic light) and restarting when you lift off the brake pedal. — TODAY
Source: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/drive/article/five-fuel-myths-debunked#When:03:51:55Z
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