Gas Saving Products: Fact or Fiction?

The price of gas fluctuates for many reasons, and although prices have dropped tremendously in comparison to previous years, the price of gas is on the rise again. People who want to save on gas turn to gas saving products, along with other methods, to help them avoid having to make adjustments to their driving habits. As a result, companies have ample opportunity to take advantage of consumers with various kinds of products that claim to improve gas efficiency.

One gas saving product on the market is the Fitch Fuel Catalyst. This product is designed to go in-line with the vehicle's fuel system to bolster fuel quality, providing drivers with more power and increased efficiency. The system costs around $200 and does not have any proof to support that it does anything to improve the vehicle's gas mileage, so it is not a wise or common investment.

Liquid Injections appear to make a small difference in fuel efficiency. These work by adding the solution to the fuel intake and air system of the car. The formula claims to improve the gas mileage of the vehicle, and some go so far as to state their product is approved by the Federal Government when no products of this nature are endorsed by any agency.

Ignition Devices attach to the ignition switch in the vehicle or replace certain parts in the ignition. Some of the ignition devices on the market are: Fuel Economizer, Magna Flash Ignition Control System, Autosaver, BIAP Electronic Ignition Unit, and the Baur Condenser. The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides test results that indicate no increase in MPG with these products.

The EPA testing of a variety of gas saving products show that if the product does manage to increase fuel efficiency, the impact is too small to make it worth the investment. The Consumer Emergency Center provides product information, along with EPA test results, to support the fact that these products are scams.

The appearance of improved fuel efficiency can be attributed to a variety of factors such as: speed, wind resistance, use of air conditioning system, condition of the engine, and the way the driver operates the vehicle. These all play a role in determining the miles per gallon achieved.

To genuinely improve gas mileage without having to worry about those variables quite as much, consider purchasing a more fuel efficient vehicle as soon as possible. You may also want to consider whether it is advantageous to trade in your used vehicle, or donate a car.  In some cases, it may be more beneficial to make a car donation and receive a legal tax deduction that it would be to trade it in. If a new car isn't an option, remember to:

• Drive within the speed limits. The faster the vehicle moves the more fuel it consumes.
• Avoid excessive braking and accelerating as this causes a reduction in fuel efficiency.
• Don't idle long. It wastes gas, money, and adds unnecessary pollutants to the atmosphere.
• Keep the vehicle maintained and in optimal running condition—properly inflated tires, clean oil, clean air filters, and engine tuned.
• Combine trips because starting the car from a cold engine frequently does more to harm gas efficiency than running longer on a warmer engine.
• Keep the trunk light, because additional weight in the trunk leads to a reduction in fuel economy.

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