How to Improve a Vehicle’s Fuel Efficiency Without Causing Damage

by Robert C. Beiro

There are many fuel saving devices available nowadays, and some of them not only don’t work, but can also cause damage to your car.

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: vapour-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’s test were designed to evaluate whether the devices had any significant impact on a vehicle fuel economy. What they could not test for was whether the devices would have any adverse effects on a cars performance over time.

Air Bleed devices are one such device that could potentially cause damage to a vehicle. The way they work is to increase the air intake of the engine by adding air to the carburettor. This type of device can cause engine misfire, especially on cars built between 1974 and 82. These vehicles had carburettors that were factory set to a maximum. And on cars built after 82 it may not even work because carburettors were redesigned to be automatically adjustable.

There are too many factors that affect fuel consumption such as driver’s habits, condition of the vehicle. Because of this it is hard to believe the claims many of these product manufacturers make.

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.

There are claims in some advertisments that a product is endorsed or approved by a government agency. This is a falacy. Government agencies will never endorse a product of this type. It may have been tested by the EPA and if so, you will be able to request a copy of the test results.

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.

Here are three tips that will help make your vehicle as fuel efficient as possible:

Getting a tune-up.

Maintain correct pressures in your vehicle tires.

Rid your vehicle of excess weight by cleaning out your trunk.

About the Author:

This author has gathered together 100’s more articles on making your car fuel efficient and is also the author of a selection of motoring articles at, OldboyArticles.com