douglaschick21's Blog

Thanks for pointing out these myths. Every time I get an email with this stuff I just shake my head. Here are a couple of excerpts from the CCNMONEY article that illustrate how markets work.


"If BP (BP) could add something to its gasoline that made cars go farther on a gallon, cars would be lining up at the company's pumps. Sure, people would burn their fuel-saving BP gas more slowly, but then they'd drive right past rivals' gas stations to come back to BP for more. BP stations could even charge more for their gas and still sell tons of the stuff."


"Likewise, car companies are already spending big bucks to increase fuel mileage. If General Motors could make its cars go significantly farther on a gallon simply by putting a device into the fuel line, don't think for a second it wouldn't be doing that. GM's car sales would go through the roof."

(oops, sorry) which would end up giving you less gasoline if you were not filling up. If it is hot or humid at any time of the day, then I would think the cooler temperatures would be better, but not enough to make a real difference. But, what do I know about automobiles since I am just a woman? Good blog!!! It should open a lot of eyes!!!

I have to disagree with the air filter comment. If the filter is restricted enough the average driver will end up pressing the accelerator further to get their normal performance level out of the vehicle, in turn consuming more fuel. It may not be a huge gain in fuel mileage but the other side advantage is the more clogged the filter becomes the more chance there is that some dirt will be forced into the engine through the filter fibers as the engine runs. These micro particles will accelerate engine wear and decrease oil life.
Which brings me to something I haven't seen mentioned, when changing oil use the lightest viscosity that is acceptable for your vehicle and make sure it has the energy conserving symbol on the back of the container.(It will say "energy conserving", or
"energy conservingII", these oil have been tested and proven to improve fuel mileage in a normally operating vehicle. What I mean by the lowest viscosity oil is if your car says 5W30 or 10W30 is acceptable use the 5W30 it will usually yield a slightly better fuel mileage than the 10W30. If 0W30 was acceptable that would be an even better choice. I personally like synthetic oils even though they are more expensive and I believe more durable. The main thing is keeping the oil in the engine in the best condition possible so it can perform it's job.

Myth, not even close, this is about the Oil Companys and Auto Manufactures in bed together, now if you dont agree with that fact then dont read the rest.

Since the begining of the automotive industry, it took an agreement between the auto manufactures and oil companys to produce and set up fuel filling stations across America for the automobile to even sell, its not any good if you cant fuel it, the horse drawn carrage will get the job done.

So since then they have been working together! The automanufactures have been buying up the patents thru out the past 100 years on anything that will produce better mileage for the automobile, and even strong armed those who refused to sell, their are many true storys out there where mens familys were taken and held until the patent was sold. One man invented a device that delivered 100 mpg in a 1966 olds wagon (TANK) he displayed that information on the car "This car gets 100 MPG" well he was stopped by two men with blue lights, dress in suits showing FBI ID's. One of the agents detained the man while the other took his car and was never seen again, with no agents in the area acording to the FBI the man got another car and installed another devise and when on his way, yes he had a patent, the next vehicle was also stolen from his home at night, the following night his was was set on fire, and yes his whole family was inside, all got out with minor injurys but his best freind (Dog) was killed. A special delivery the next day included a note, "Today we will purchase your patent, or tommorow their will be no need" in fear of his li