CONTACT

Contact: Katie Carrol – Director of Communications and Marketing
Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, Inc.
Telephone: 719/636-5076 Ext. 118
Fax: 719/636-5078
E-mail: katiec@bbbsc.org

With gas prices continuing to rise, fuel enhancers may seem to be the solution, but recent studies suggest such devices could be more harmful than helpful.

Consumers should be aware of devices that allegedly “boost mileage by an extra six miles per gallon,” “improve fuel economy up to 26 percent,” or “approved by the Federal Government.” For the most part, they are without merit.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has tested more than 100 supposed gas-saving devices – including mixture “enhancers” and fuel line magnets, and found that very few, if any, improve gas mileage. Some “gas-saving” devices may actually damage a car’s engine or increase exhaust emissions.

For more information about conserving gas, go to www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer.htm or www.fueleconomy.gov.

The Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado recommends the following tips to improve gas mileage:

• Buy only the octane level of gas you need. Check your owner’s manual to determine what octane your car needs.
• Stay within posted speed limits. Gas mileage decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 miles per hour.
• You can improve gas mileage up to five percent around town if you avoid jerky starts and stops.
• Use overdrive gears and cruise controls when appropriate on highways. Keep windows closed when traveling at highway speeds. Open windows reduce your mileage by 10 percent.
• Avoid rough roads. Dirt or gravel can rob you of up to 30 percent of your gas mileage.
• Remove excess weight from the trunk. An extra 100 pounds can reduce a typical car’s fuel economy by up to two percent.
• Tune the engine, inflate and align the tires, change the oil on schedule, and check and replace air filters regularly. Replacing clogged air filters can increase gas mileage up to 10 percent.