During the course of a normal work day, OGJ editors typically receive many press releases via e-mail publicizing new products of technological developments. These announcements can be anything from “breakthrough” technologies to incremental upgrades of older technologies.
With the higher fuel prices the past few summers, the number of e-mails touting “gasoline-saving” devices seems to increase in direct proportion to the price of gasoline. This summer was no exception.
And with the record-high prices this past summer in the US, it is more likely that consumers will fall for this gas-saving silliness. Unfortunately, none of these devices live up to the hype.
Fuelishness
These “amazing” technologies typically fall into two categories: fuel additives and mechanical devices. Advertised claims of 10-25% increases in fuel economy are common, and some claim up to 70% savings in fuel costs.
The claims of these technologies range from plausible to ridiculous. Some claim to ionize the fuel using metals, which supposedly improves combustion. Other devices claim to enhance the mixing or vaporization of the air-fuel mixture.
Some products claim to “align” the fuel molecules before entering the engine. The manufacturers claim that this alignment resulted in an optimum burn, without describing how this actually worked.
One manufacturer even claims that—using common materials available at any hardware store and using their conversion guide (for a low price of $50, normally a $397 value)—one can easily convert a car to run on a mixture of water and gas. Reading the claims on the product websites can be quite entertaining.
False claims
Sadly, there are probably a few consumers that fall for these products every year. Luckily for consumers, the US Environmental Protection Agency conducts regular testing of these products under its “Gas Saving and Emission Reduction Devices Evaluation” program (www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/reports.htm).
EPA has evaluated more than 100 devices and additives and has found none that significantly improves gas mileage. Testing originates at the request of the Federal Trade Commission, the EPA Administrator, or upon the review of an application from the manufacturer.
EPA divides these devices into these categories: air-bleed devices, vapor-bleed devices, liquid injection, ignition devices, fuel-line devices (heaters or coolers), fuel-line devices (magnets), fuel-line devices (metallic), mixture enhancers (under the carburetor), mixture enhancers (others), internal engine modifiers, accessory drive modifiers, fuels and fuel additives, oils and oil additives, driving habit modifiers, and miscellaneous.
Of the more than 100 devices tested, EPA found that four gave a small improvement in fuel economy; however, these devices increased exhaust emissions. Installing them, according to federal regulations, could be considered illegal tampering.
Another six gave very small improvements in fuel economy, but would have to be evaluated by the consumer for cost effectiveness.
Tried-and-true methods
The web site, www.fueleconomy.gov, lists many traditional methods to increase gas mileage. It is jointly maintained by EPA and the US Department of Energy.
The web site also features: comparisons of new and used vehicles in terms of mileage, emissions, and safety; a lowest-price fuel finder; and information about hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.
Its gas mileage tips include tried-and-true methods such as: driving more efficiently by observing speed limits, reducing extra weight, and using cruise control; maintaining a vehicles’ engine, air filter, and tire pressure; and combining trips when possible.
Anyone tempted to try a gas-saving product with outlandish claims should remember the old adage: “If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”