As gas prices continue to climb, many drivers are increasingly concerned about how to afford fuel. You may have heard about gas saving devices sold on the aftermarket that claim to help you get more out of your tank, but do they really make a difference?
Let’s look at some products marketed as gas savers and reveal why they may be more talk than walk.
Types of Gas Saving Products
Multiple types of gas savings products exist, all claiming to improve your fuel economy in a specific way.
Fuel Additives
Additives are said to improve the energy density of fuel and “treat” oil. These liquids are poured directly into your engine or fuel tank to increase the burning efficiency of fuel and reduce wear/stress on your engine to extend its lifetime. Using too much of these additives can potentially damage your engine.
Fuel Line Magnets
Fuel magnets are attached to the vehicle’s fuel line and claim to align molecules in the fuel to improve efficiency. However, motor fuels are non-polar, which means this kind of alignment isn’t possible.
Plug-in Devices
Electronic devices that are plugged into the auxiliary power outlet of a vehicle aim to “power condition the vehicle’s electrical systems” to improve fuel economy. Tests of these “fuel savers” (see next section) revealed all they really do is light up.
Engine Ionizers
Made up of wires and rubber blocks, engine ionizers are typically clipped onto spark plug wires and try to improve fuel economy by creating “ionic corona” around the engine. This can cause a potential crossfire between cylinders, which is not something you want. Furthermore, using a product like this can lead to short circuits or fire hazards if attached to the wrong part of the engine.
Test Results of These “Fuel Savers”
Studies by Consumer Reports, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Automobile Association have disproven claims that these so-called fuel savers can improve fuel economy by a measurable degree. While specific outcomes vary, these tests almost always conclude with a negative review of the product in question. Most of the time, the changes these products are said to produce are simply not possible.
So, chances are, you’ll notice little to no difference in your fuel economy with these so-called gas saving devices. Even if there’s a slight change, we recommend saving your money for other auto investments with higher guarantees of success.
Modifications to Help You Save Gas
Aside from aftermarket products, certain modifications also claim to help you improve your fuel efficiency.
Cylinder Deactivation
This engine upgrade works by deactivating certain cylinders to conserve fuel when coasting.
Start/Stop Technology
Another engine upgrade known as start/stop technology prevents idling to eliminate wasted fuel.
Transmission Advances
Adding gears to your transmission can help the engine run more efficiently because less fuel is being used to generate power.
Low-Rolling-Resistance Tires
Specially designed tires create less friction with the road by requiring less force to roll, which reduces how hard the engine has to work.
You may notice improvements with these modifications, but it’s unlikely they’ll fully transform your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. They’re more expensive than gas saving devices, but are proven to be more consistent in making a positive impact on your vehicle. The bottom line is that gas saving devices are not worth it. A better alternative is to invest in quality engine oil, keep up a regular maintenance routine, and adjust your driving habits to be more fuel efficient.