Myths dominate any industry. "If you quit smoking, you will grow fat", say many. A myth that we all know is busted. If you eat carbohydrate you will grow fat, but most of us know that carbohydrate is an essential component in a balanced diet. So how do you know what to trust and what is just a rumor? In the auto-industry with the rising price of gas, most of us are frantically looking for solutions to save some precious gallons. Gas-saving devices are flooding the market. What to trust and what not? Let's look at some of the myths in improving fuel economy:
Pep up your gas mileage by adding mothballs to your gas.
How much ever funny it may sound, believe me or not, many people use this trick hoping that it would improve the fuel economy or the octane of their car or truck! Before you jump in to the band wagon, stop and ask yourself the following:
Do present-day mothballs are solvent in gasoline?
Do you still get mothballs made of naphthalene?
Do you know how adding mothballs may adversely affect the condition of your engine?
Have you considered adding octane booster?
Do not empty your gas tank beyond 1/4th of its capacity.
So why do people feel that if the gas tank is emptied beyond 1/4th it will affect the fuel economy adversely?
Well, they say that this would wear out the fuel pump. Is that true? Let's see what someone who had build gas tanks for years has
to add: I used to build the gas tanks for our trucks (Dearborn Engine and Fuel Tank Plant, Line #3 used to install the pumps, OBD-II sensors, rollover valves, crash shields, feed panels, load reservoirs and filler necks and vent tubes... I can even tell you when it was built and on what shift based on the date code on the side of the tank) believe me, there is no amount of gasoline (or lack thereof) that will directly cause the pump to fail on our trucks. It is 100% safe to run the truck right down until it's sucking fumes without any risk of hurting anything (except maybe your pride when you have to call roadside assistance and tell them you ran out of gas).
Yes, with a unique touch of humor, the gentleman has dispelled a myth that had probably haunted car owners for years.
The only adverse effect an empty tank may have is the condensation inside the tank. The moisture build-up is pretty common during spring and fall. Most electric ignition vehicles do not malfunction at this small amount of moisture accumulation. However if you are leaving your vehicle for a while idle, going for a vacation, etc. it is a good idea to keep the tank full.
So do not get carried away by whatever you hear. It is not always what you get. Keep yourself informed and follow the tips that are practical and truly increase the performance of your car.
Author Resource:-
Gregg Hall is an author living on the Emerald Coast of Florida. Now that you know a little more about gas mileage myths be sure that you get gas saving products by going to http://www.nsearch.com
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