Don't Be Duped By Claims Of ' Gas-Saving ' Gadgets
Gasoline prices have risen 33 percent this year, and with the average cost of gas now at more than $4 a gallon, Americans are struggling to stay on the road without breaking their bank accounts.
Some businesses, however, are seeing an opportunity to make money by selling fuel-boosting additives or offering engine modifications to help drivers conserve fuel. The Better Business Bureau is advising consumers to stay away from gas-saving products, parts and modifications that sound too good to be true.
The BBB recommends being particularly skeptical if advertisements claim:
A federal endorsement. While the EPA does evaluate the legitimacy of claims made by companies that produce gas savers, no federal agency actually endorses gas-saving devices or additives.
Glowing consumer testimonials. Marketing materials or Web sites for gas savers often contain consumer testimony on the increased fuel efficiency they experienced with the device or additive, but these are often works of fiction devised by the company.
Outstanding, too-good-to-be-true results. Consumers should be extremely wary of big promises for big savings.
The vast majority of gas-conserving products are not viable solutions for squeezing mileage out of vehicles, but, as the BBB explains, there are a few basic steps that all drivers can take to increase fuel efficiency and get the most out of their gas tanks.
Stay within the speed limit. The BBB recommends that drivers stay within the posted speed limits since gas mileage tends to decrease rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
Avoid jackrabbit starts and hard stops. Drivers can improve gas mileage up to 5 percent around town if they avoid jerky starts and stops. This means accelerating slowly when starting from a dead stop and avoiding pushing the pedal down more than one-quarter of the way; this allows the car to function at peak efficiency.
Use overdrive gears and cruise controls. Cruise control and overdrive gears improve fuel economy when driving on the highway.
Go ahead, use the air conditioning. Using the air conditioner at lower speeds will decrease fuel efficiency, but at higher speeds open windows create significantly more drag than the air conditioner, and can reduce gas mileage by 10 percent.
Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by up to 2 percent.
Keep the car properly maintained. The engine should be tuned, tires inflated and aligned. The oil should be changed on schedule and the air filter should be checked and replaced regularly. Replacing clogged filters can increase gas mileage up to 10 percent.
Before buying any gas-saving device or additive, the BBB recommends that consumers check out the company’s reliability report at
www.bbb.org.
Kay Robinson is president of the Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas, serving 19 East Texas counties. To contact the BBB in Tyler, call 903-581-5704, and in Longview, call 903-757-3611 or 800-443-0131, or visit the Web site at www.easttexas.bbb.org. The organization can be e-mailed at info@tyler.bbb.org.
FAQ
Search Comments
Log in
Register
Re: Who Is In Control? - 12/01/08 09:52:00 AM
Re: What about the Angels - 12/01/08 09:48:00 AM
Re: Who Is In Control? - 12/01/08 08:42:00 AM
Spectacular Assessment - 12/01/08 08:27:00 AM
Re: Tyler Theater Eyesore - 12/01/08 06:43:00 AM
Re: Who Is In Control? - 12/01/08 06:42:00 AM
Re: Just an observation - 12/01/08 12:25:00 AM
What about the Angels - 11/30/08 11:51:00 PM