Day: February 16, 2026

I have been following the debate over Auto Start Stop, thinner engine oils, turbo and supercharged small engines to reduce fuel consumption. Most of these are very small hacks, that have marginal impacts on any one vehicle’s fuel consumption but over time, spread out over the nation can substantially reduce fuel consumption. The problem is that such technologies often make engines less reliable, more prone to catestrophic failure, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

Is it worth it?

For an individual, even the most thrifty of individuals, the fuel savings is pretty small compared to the risks these new technologies lead to auto owners. On the other hand, to society, these fuel saving technologies can lead to substantial reductions in carbon emissions and fuel demand. What is good for society may be bad for consumers, despite the most optimistic of proponents who note fuel savings are real and potentially significantly under-measured in emissions tests, especially with heavy city driving.