With gas prices higher than Cheech and Chong and Jeff Spicoli put together, you may have seen some ads promoting products that supposedly save fuel. Yes, we want to improve on fuel efficiency, but are these products really helping? Are they trying to take away more from our automotive budget by exploiting an unpleasant situation?
To be honest, you're probably as high as the aforementioned gentlemen if you think these devices and additives are worth it. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been minuscule.
But they will try, and try desperately to sway you with their claims. "This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent." If you believe that, then you probably believe in the Easter Bunny. The EPA, no less, has tested more than a hundred of these fuel economy thingamabobs and found none of them - that's right, ZERO - capable of living up to their promises.
You may even be buying something detrimental to your car's engine. Something that could put your wallet on a diet. Please be skeptical of advertising claims for gas saving devices.
Aside from the above endorsements, you may be fooled by this next quote. "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government." Actually, no government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. If you really want to be sure about things, you'll want to check www.epa.gov or ask for a copy of the EPA's report.
Saving gas money is actually best done through common sense. They can do more for you than any product in the market that can't live up to their outlandish claims anyway.
Buy only the octane level gas you need.
More speed means more gas wasted. It's a fact.
Highway driving is the best time to use your overdrive gears. Your engine will last much longer this way.
Use cruise control on highway trips.
Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Ergo, tailgating is verboten! This is a good way to improve your car's mileage by up to ten percent. Sudden starts and sudden stops are wasteful, not to mention the barf factor involved for those of us who get car sick.
Don't leave your car on idle too long.
Take out any excess items from your trunk.
Keep your engine tuned. Engine troubles can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent.
Your tires have to have enough air and be properly aligned. Check them once a month. Under-inflated tires increases fuel consumption by six percent.
Get a regular oil change.
Check and replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.
Why buy a product that would make your pockets lighter and save you an inconsequential amount of gas money? These tips work much better, and wouldn't cost you much to follow - follow them, and don't waste your time and money on snake oil products like those described above.
To be honest, you're probably as high as the aforementioned gentlemen if you think these devices and additives are worth it. Even for the few gas-saving products that have been found to work, the savings have been minuscule.
But they will try, and try desperately to sway you with their claims. "This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent." If you believe that, then you probably believe in the Easter Bunny. The EPA, no less, has tested more than a hundred of these fuel economy thingamabobs and found none of them - that's right, ZERO - capable of living up to their promises.
You may even be buying something detrimental to your car's engine. Something that could put your wallet on a diet. Please be skeptical of advertising claims for gas saving devices.
Aside from the above endorsements, you may be fooled by this next quote. "This gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government." Actually, no government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. If you really want to be sure about things, you'll want to check www.epa.gov or ask for a copy of the EPA's report.
Saving gas money is actually best done through common sense. They can do more for you than any product in the market that can't live up to their outlandish claims anyway.
Buy only the octane level gas you need.
More speed means more gas wasted. It's a fact.
Highway driving is the best time to use your overdrive gears. Your engine will last much longer this way.
Use cruise control on highway trips.
Avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Ergo, tailgating is verboten! This is a good way to improve your car's mileage by up to ten percent. Sudden starts and sudden stops are wasteful, not to mention the barf factor involved for those of us who get car sick.
Don't leave your car on idle too long.
Take out any excess items from your trunk.
Keep your engine tuned. Engine troubles can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent.
Your tires have to have enough air and be properly aligned. Check them once a month. Under-inflated tires increases fuel consumption by six percent.
Get a regular oil change.
Check and replace air filters regularly. Clogged filters can cause up to a 10 percent increase in fuel consumption.
Why buy a product that would make your pockets lighter and save you an inconsequential amount of gas money? These tips work much better, and wouldn't cost you much to follow - follow them, and don't waste your time and money on snake oil products like those described above.
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