As car owners in Malaysia, we’ve all heard our fair share of car myths when it comes to fuel consumption. There are plenty of misconceptions out there when it comes to what you can and should do in order to save fuel while driving your car, with some even being borderline ridiculous.
In this article, we’ve aimed to shed some light on the truth about fuel consumption and debunk some of the most common myths surrounding it. By understanding the truth, you can make informed decisions about your car’s fuel consumption, save money, and reduce your environmental impact.
Myth 1: Premium Fuel is Always Better for Fuel Consumption
One of the most widely spread car myths in Malaysia is that premium fuel is always superior when it comes to fuel consumption. However, this is not entirely accurate. Premium fuel is only necessary for high-performance vehicles that require higher octane ratings. If you’re driving a car that is designed to run on regular petrol, using premium fuel can actually reduce fuel efficiency and potentially harm the engine.
So, if you drive a Perodua Myvi, it’s probably better for you to fuel up with RON 95 instead of the pricier RON 97. Better yet, it’s always best to follow the car manufacturer’s instructions to find out the best fuel to use for your car.
Myth 2: Manual Transmission Cars are Always More Fuel Efficient
When it comes to fuel efficiency, many people believe that manual transmission cars are always the better choice. However, the reality is a bit more complicated.
While it’s true that manual transmission cars can often achieve better fuel efficiency than their automatic counterparts, this isn’t always the case. Modern cars with automatic transmissions have become much more efficient in recent years, with some even surpassing their manual counterparts in terms of fuel economy.
Furthermore, the difference in fuel efficiency between manual and automatic transmissions can vary depending on a number of factors. For example, driving habits, traffic conditions, and vehicle weight can all impact how much fuel a car consumes. In some cases, an automatic transmission may actually be the more fuel efficient option.
Nowadays, automatic transmission cars have become more advanced and efficient, frequently offering better fuel economy than manual transmission cars. Moreover, some modern automatic transmission cars also come with eco-friendly driving modes that further improve fuel efficiency.
Myth 3: Turning off the Air Conditioning Improves Fuel Consumption
Malaysia is renowned for its hot and humid weather conditions, which is why it’s a common practice for Malaysians to immediately turn on their car’s air conditioning to its maximum power as soon as they get into the vehicle.
While it’s true that setting the air conditioning to the highest setting can result in a slight increase in fuel consumption due to the added load on the engine, this shouldn’t deter drivers from using it, especially given the sweltering temperatures in Malaysia.
In fact, the difference in fuel consumption is negligible and shouldn’t be a significant concern for drivers. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that drivers continue to use their car’s air conditioning system to stay cool and comfortable while driving, despite any minor impact on fuel consumption.
The benefits of staying cool and comfortable while driving in Malaysia’s hot and humid weather far outweigh any minor increase in fuel consumption that may result from using the air conditioning. Plus, most modern vehicles now come with an automated climate control setting that automatically regulates the optimal temperature in the car accordingly. So, don’t hesitate to crank up the air conditioning and enjoy your drive!
Read more: Keeping Your Car’s Air-Conditioning Cool & Problems to Look Out For
Myth 4: Idling the Engine Is Better than Restarting
How often do you find yourself in a situation where you need to choose between idling the engine or turning it off completely? It’s a pretty common situation in Malaysia and we’re pretty sure everyone has experienced it, at least once.
Another widespread car myth in Malaysia is that idling the car engine consumes less fuel than restarting it. However, this is not true for modern cars. Restarting the engine consumes less fuel than idling for extended periods. Therefore, it is best to switch off the engine when the car is stationary for more than a minute to conserve fuel and reduce carbon emissions.
Watch this video from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources that explains how this actually works:
Myth 5: It’s Better to Fill Up Your Tank in the Morning
Another fuel-related myth that is popular among Malaysian drivers is that it’s better to fill up their car’s fuel tank in the morning when the fuel is cooler and denser, resulting in more fuel for their money.
However, this is not true. The temperature difference between morning and afternoon is negligible, and modern fuel pumps have mechanisms that compensate for temperature changes, so the amount of fuel you receive will be the same regardless of the time of day.
Myth 6: Adding Additives to Your Fuel Improves Fuel Economy
Does adding fuel additives to your car’s fuel tank help to improve fuel economy? While some additives such as detergents, corrosion inhibitors, octane boosters, and cetane improvers may improve engine performance or reduce emissions, they are not likely to improve fuel economy in a significant way.
In fact, using the wrong type or amount of additive can even harm your engine or reduce its efficiency. So, it’s best to stick to using high-quality fuel from reputable sources and follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance and fuel usage.
Myth 7: Adding a Spoiler to Your Car Makes It More Aerodynamic for Better Fuel Efficiency
The higher or wider the spoiler you install, the better the aerodynamics of your car will be, thus will help you to save more fuel. But is it really true that adding a spoiler to your car can improve its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency?
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Spoilers are designed to create downforce and improve traction at high speeds, but they can also increase drag and reduce fuel efficiency. In fact, adding a spoiler to a car that is not designed to benefit from one can actually decrease its overall performance and fuel economy.
It’s important to remember that car design and aerodynamics are complex topics, and adding aftermarket parts like spoilers or body kits can have unintended consequences. Before making any modifications to your car, it’s best to consult with experts or your mechanic and do your research to ensure that you’re making a wise investment that will improve your car’s performance and efficiency, rather than harm it.
(Bonus) Myth 8: New Car Smell Is Dangerous for Your Health
Everybody loves the smell of a new car. But, a common myth surrounding the distinctive “new car smell” that comes from the interior of a new car is that it is dangerous to breathe in and may even cause health problems! While it is true that some of the chemicals used in car manufacturing can be harmful, the level emitted from a new car’s interior is typically very low and not likely to cause significant harm.
To minimize any potential risks, it’s recommended to ventilate your car well when you first purchase it and to avoid sitting in your car for extended periods of time when it’s parked in direct sunlight. It’s also a good idea to take precautions to reduce your exposure to other potential toxins in your car’s interior. You can do this by keeping your car well-ventilated, avoiding smoking or using air fresheners that contain harmful chemicals, and choosing car interiors that are made from low volatile organic compound materials or have been treated to reduce emissions.
In conclusion, by understanding the truth about fuel consumption and dispelling common everyday myths, you can make informed decisions that help you save money and reduce your environmental impact. Don’t fall for these common myths and always do your research before making any decisions that could affect your car’s fuel efficiency and performance.
Remember that not everything you hear about cars is true, and it’s always best to do your research and consult with experts to get accurate information first.
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