Rising Gas Prices Encourage Gas-Saving Scammers

As gasoline prices rise well above $2.00 a gallon in most every area, consumers are wondering what they can do to improve their gas mileage. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be wary of gas-saving claims that empty your wallet, instead of saving you fuel.

Many Web sites make unbelievable claims for various after market automotive devices (fuel-line magnets, air bleed devices and retrofit gadgets) and oil and gasoline additives that supposedly increase gas mileage for automobiles. The Federal Trade Commission found many of these claims to be either false or overly exaggerated.

Before adding any fuel savings device to your vehicle, check with your mechanic. You may end up with a voided manufacturers warranty and serious engine problems by adding after market devices to your engine.

What you spend at the pump is influenced by how you drive and what type of gasoline you use to fill your tank. With vacation time approaching and an anticipated increase in gasoline prices for summer travel, here are some tips on what you can do to save fuel consumption:

• Choose the right octane for your car. Check your owner’s manual to find out what octane your car requires. Keep in mind that the higher the octane, the higher the price.

• Keep your engine tuned. Studies have shown that a poorly tuned engine can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 to 20 percent depending on a car’s condition. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual; you will save fuel and your car will run better and last longer.

• Don’t let your engine run at idle any longer than necessary. An engine actually warms up faster while driving. With most gasoline engines, it is more efficient to turn off the engine than to idle for any period longer than 30 seconds.

• Drive more efficiently. Stay within the posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Set your cruise control on highway trips. This can help maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

• Keep your tires properly inflated and aligned. Automobile manufacturers must place a label in the car stating the correct tire pressure. If the label lists a psi (pounds per square inch) range, use the higher number to maximize your fuel efficiency.

• Anticipate driving condition. Driving smoothly and steadily makes the best use of your fuel. If you can, avoid sudden acceleration or braking.

• Change your oil and replace air filters regularly. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine. Your air filter keeps impurities in the air from damaging internal engine components.

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