Fuel Saving Tips

With the high prices at the pump and future increases in the news, fuel-saving scams are also on the rise.

Don’t get taken in by bogus gas saving gadgets! These products are attracting the attention of many potential customers wanting to maximize their fuel efficiency. The Better Business Bureau advises the public to critically assess any product that claims gas saving features. Such products include vehicle devices and additives for oil and gas.

Instead of falling prey to untested methods, you can follow the proven ways to get the most mileage for your gallon. You can also learn about products with gas saving features that actually work. Remember, however, that if you add a gadget to your engine, you might nullify your warranty. Check first!

You should be wary of any advertising slogan claiming that a product can improve your fuel efficiency by 20 percent. The Environmental Protection Agency tested over a hundred devices claiming gas saving features and found the claims untrue. Even worse, some so-called gas saving devices may damage a vehicle’s engine.

A side effect of engine modifiers, additives, fuel-line gadgets, liquid injection, vapor and air-release devices, and many others is more smoke emissions. You might read something like “I got 4 more miles to the gallon with this product!” Consumer testimonials are common. Even if they’re not made up, they may not be accurate. Few consumers really track their gas mileage before they buy these gadgets or additives and cannot make an accurate comparison of their fuel consumption before and after using the product.

Although the EPA has assessed gas saving devices and products and made the results public, the federal government never endorses fuel saving devices. If any gas saving product claims that it was approved for use by the federal government, don’t buy it!

Tried and True Gas Saving Methods

The BBB suggests that the best alternative to looking for gas saving devices is to use those methods already known to help conserve gas. One vital way to begin is to only gas as needed. Review the car manual as well to be sure you are using the grade with the proper octane level for your car.

Efficient driving is at the top of the list of gas saving tips. Driving more than 60 mph increases fuel consumption. Drive reasonably within the speed limit and you’ll do fine.

Avoid sudden starts, stops, and accelerations. Accelerate gradually. You shouldn’t have to press the gas pedal more than one-fourth of the way down. This allows the engine to work most efficiently. Depending on your driving habits, gas conservation can increase up to 5 percent if you follow this advice.

Make use of your cruise control and overdrive gears. Fuel is used most efficiently when a vehicle is moving along at a consistent speed on the highway.

Keep your windows closed to prevent air drag. Open windows can decrease fuel conservation by 10 percent.

Take a route with smooth roads whenever you can. Traveling on bumpy, rough, or gravel roads can increase fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent.

Remove unnecessary baggage. Keep your trunk uncluttered by any gadget, tools, or loads that you don’t need in there. You can lower your fuel economy by 2 percent with 100 pounds of extra baggage.

Keep your car well maintained. The engine should receive a regular tune up and the tires should always be aligned and have the right air pressure. The oil should be changed on time and both the oil and air filters should be replaced regularly. A dirty filter can raise gas consumption by up to 10 percent.

Turn off the engine whenever you can. Idling the engine wastes fuel. You can turn your car off when you get gas, when you’re waiting for someone, when you’re waiting for a long train to pass, when you’re checking the tire pressure, or when you’re caught in traffic. Avoid lengthy warming up of the engine; 30 to 45 seconds is enough. Check to see if the automatic clutch is removed after warming up the engine. This is often stuck, which can cause a poor gas and air combination.

Don’t rev the engine during warm up or before turning the engine off. This uses fuel unnecessarily and washes the oil within the cylinder walls, resulting in air pressure loss and fuel loss.

 

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