by Aaron Coates

Created on: November 29, 2009

When it comes to fuel economy, there are many things you can do, and there are many things you should not do. The best advice I can give you is to be aware that most of the companies with their gas saving products are selling straight up 'Snake Oil'. Don't get suckered in.. Here are the real facts straight from the horses mouth.

WHAT NOT TO DO: ENGINE AND FUEL ADDITIVES, ALTERNATE FUELS, AND "MIRACLE"

PRODUCTS

Various unproven products to improve vehicle fuel economy have been reported ranging from magnets that align molecules to chemical combustion improvers.

Most products claiming to provide benefits are based on unsubstantiated claims. Those that do present "scientific" results generally either have too little supporting data to be conclusive have not conducted experiments in a controlled fashion or cannot be substantiated by anyone else but the product's manufacturer.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission summarizes results for products tested by the federal government at www.ftc. gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/autos/aut10.shtm. A review of the list shows that the majority did not work and for those that showed some effect the benefit was too small to be cost effective.

HARMFUL IDEAS THAT MAY DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE AND INCREASE EMISSIONS

One more recent poor idea to improve fuel economy that should not be attempted is to blend either kerosene or diesel fuel into gasoline. Why? Both kerosene and diesel fuel are distillate fuels meant for use in compression ignition engines not spark ignition engines. They have very low octane and since they are heavier (higher density) than gasoline they will cause heavy engine deposits and degradation of engine oil.
NOTICE: Never put Kerosene or Diesel Fuel in your Gasoline Engine vehicle. This may result in inconsistent performance and permanent damage to your vehicle that is not covered by your New Vehicle Warranty.

Chemicals that are normally used as solvents also should not be used. These include acetone ketones and methanol. These solvents can be incompatible with your vehicles rubber or sealing components and may dissolve the vehicle's paint finish. In the case of methanol corrosion of metal parts in the fuel system also may occur.
NOTICE: Never use acetone, ketones, or methanol additives in your vehicle. Some of these solvents may damage or corrode the fuel system. They are also very damaging to the painted surfaces of the vehicle if spilled.

Damage to vehicle components that result from non-approved or aftermarket additives and devices

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