Gas Additive Boosters

As all of us worry about high gas costs, we may be tempted by products that offer improved gas mileage. Can a fuel additive improve your gas mileage or are these products just scams? While the fuel additive manufacturers claim fuel mileage improvements of as much as 10 to 25%, the realities can be very different. A simple rule of thumb may be of help here. Think before you put it in your tank. Adding anything foreign to your car’s systems can be potentially damaging or even dangerous.

While additive manufacturers advertise substantial improvements in gas mileage when their products are used, testing by the Environmental Protection Agency does not bear out this claim. The EPA has tested and evaluated more than 100 different gasoline saving devices and products and found no significant improvements with any of these products. Moreover, you should be aware that some of these products can even be damaging for your vehicle’s engine and other systems. While some additives do improve gasoline performance and efficiency, these are added before the gasoline even reaches the pump at your local gas station. 

The claims made by those who make gas additive boosters may be misleading, deceitful or simply inaccurate. For the government’s overview on these products, see http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm.

So if gas additive boosters do not work, what does? Several simple tips can help you save on your fuel bills this summer of high gas prices. Stay within the speed limit. Your fuel efficiency will be better at lower speeds. You should also, when it is an option and appropriate for your vehicle, use overdrive gears when available. Drive smoothly and carefully, avoiding stopping and starting abruptly to improve your fuel efficiency. Avoid carrying excess weight in your trunk and combine errands whenever possible.

Certain types of regular car maintenance can also improve your fuel efficiency. Having your engine tuned up per the manufacturer’s recommendation. A poorly maintained engine can decrease your fuel efficiency by 10 to 20%.  Other routine maintenance that can have an impact on your gas mileage includes keeping your tires properly inflated, changing air filters as recommended and getting your oil changed as scheduled by your car manufacturer.

While most of us are concerned about high fuel costs, unfortunately, there’s no quick fix. If you drive a larger vehicle, it may be time to consider downsizing to reduce the pain at the pump. You might also find that you can carpool with friends or coworkers to reduce your gasoline bills. The products advertised that will quickly and easily improve your fuel efficiency simply do not work and will, in fact, cost you more at best and at worst may damage your vehicle.