Improve Gas Mileage Without Damaging Your Car
Many of the gas saving devices being advertised do not work and can actually damage your vehicle.
After evaluating and testing more than 100 alleged gas- saving devices, the Environmental Protection Agency has found only a few that improve mileage and none that do so significantly.
The gas-saving products on the market seem to fall into clearly defined categories. These include, but are not limited to: air-bleed devices, vapor-bleed devices, liquid injection devices, ignition devices, fuel line devices, mixture enhancers, internal engine modification devices, fuels and fuel additives, oils and oil additives, and driving habit modifiers.
The EPA evaluates or tests products to determine whether their use will result in any measurable improvement to fuel economy. However, the EPA cannot say what effect gas-saving products will have on a vehicle over a long period of time. It is possible that some products may harm the car or adversely affect its performance.
For example, if an "air bleed" device actually adds significant amounts of air to the air-and-fuel mixture, it may cause an engine to misfire, a condition which greatly increases the potential engine damage or mechanical failure. This is especially likely to happen on cars manufactured between 1974 and 1982, because their carburetors are pre-set for a maximum amount of air to be burned with the fuel. "Air-bleed" devices will not work at all on many cars manufactured after 1982, because these cars have "feedback" carburetors that automatically adjust the air-and-fuel mixture rendering the device useless.
Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied customers. There are too many variables that affect fuel consumption, such as traffic, road and weather conditions, the car's condition and overall maintenance, and the driving habits of the owner.
In one case a consumer sent a letter to a company praising its gas-saving product. But what was not mentioned in the advertisement was the fact that the consumers vehicle also had an engine tune-up at the time the device was installed.
Some advertisers claim that the gas-saving device is approved by the Federal government. No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. The seller can only state that the item has been tested by the EPA. If the advertiser claims that the product has been tested by the EPA ask to see the results or contact the EPA directly.
If you have already purchased a gas-saving product and you are not satisfied, contact the manufacturer and ask for a refund. An honest company offers a money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the company's response, contact your local or state consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau.
Keeping your car in tip top condition is the best way to get the best gas mileage your vehicle has to offer. Every vehicle come with an owners manual. Read and follow what the manufacturer recommends.
Three simple steps that will help improve gas mileage in all vehicles:
Getting a tune-up.
Checking tire pressure.
Removing any excess weight from the car's trunk.
For over 20 more tips and one secret hint go to http://www.apluswriting.net/gasmiles/gasmiles.htm
REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-zine, newsletter, ebook, print publication or on your website ONLY if it remains unchanged and you include the copyright and author information (Resource Box) at the end. You may not use this article in any unsolicited commercial email (spam).
You may retrieve this article by:
Autoresponder: gasmiles@getresponse.com
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net/articles/gasmiles.txt
Copyright: 2004 Marilyn Pokorney
Please leave the resource box intact with an active link, and send a courtesy copy of the publication in which the article appears to: marilynp@nctc.net.
Author: Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Related Articles:
Know More about Car Loans
A car has different meaning for different people. While the younger generation enjoy thrilling, high speed drives in trendy cars, matured people hope reaching their destinations quite safely and easily.
San Diego Car & Cycle Show and Swap at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday, January 28
This is the 17th year of the San Diego Auto Swap Car & Cycle Events
Should You Or Not: Buying A Used Car
There are more and more people who are becoming practical these days. There are many reasons for this. Perhaps their priorities may have shifted. Those who are currently working may think of purchasing their own home first before travel. There's, of course, the constant rising of commodities in the market. It's no wonder that today used cars are very in demand.
Car Hire Gerona
Gerona is a dark horse Rent a car in Gerona and you?ll see why
Getting A Car Loan - An Explanation Of Automobile Financing Terms
It?s always best to educate yourself on loan terms before signing a loan contract or even searching for a car loan. This article explains some common automobile financing terms so you know what you?re looking at when comparing car loans:
Why Classic Car Transport Is Different To Normal Auto Transport
When a car is a classic, it's not just a car anymore; it's
a thing of beauty. When a classic car needs transporting,
the discerning owner is going to be looking for more than a
quick way from point a to point b.
Unforgettable Movie Sports Cars
Actors get their names in movie credits, but very rarely do cars.Nevertheless, there are films that have featured a sports car that stole the scene and merited having its make and model mentioned in the credits.There are a number of cars that have been in great movies, but at least 5 really standout.
Emergency Items You Should Always Have in Your Car
Emergencies are something which none of us like to consider The worst case scenario is something which nobody wants to think about, yet it is important to be prepared for the possibility of an accident or a mechanical breakdown of our cars
How To Compare Low Cost Automobile Insurance In Arizona
The internet is an automobile insurance shoppers friend. When you are comparing insurance rates for your automobile, first take a stop over at the Arizona department of insurance website. Take a look to see what insurers are licensed to do business in the state.
Used Car Sale: The Oldsmobile Bravada
A used Oldsmobile Bravada is a SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) that also seems to have elements of a sedan The Bravada comes complete with the "OnStar