With fluctuating fuel costs, the desire to maximize gas mileage is understandable. Unfortunately, this environment breeds unscrupulous individuals eager to exploit consumers with products promising unrealistic gains. Many of these products are ineffective and potentially harmful to your vehicle.
Fuel additives like Platinum Gas Save and BioPerformance pills often make unsubstantiated claims. The BioPerformance pill has even been identified as containing mothballs, a toxic substance. These additives rarely deliver the promised fuel efficiency boost and may introduce harmful chemicals into your engine.
Devices such as the Fuel Genie and Tornado, designed to be installed in your car’s airflow meter, claim to improve air intake and, consequently, gas mileage. However, evidence supporting these claims is lacking. Altering your vehicle’s airflow can lead to overheating and potentially irreversible engine damage.
The Predator, along with its numerous imitators, functions by reprogramming your car to ignite fuel earlier, aiming to increase horsepower. While some users have reported improved gas mileage as a side effect, this approach carries significant risks. Burning fuel less efficiently can cause overheating, as the engine lacks the necessary cooling capacity. The potential for severe engine damage outweighs any potential fuel savings.
Experienced mechanics express caution regarding these aftermarket additives and devices. As Larry Perry, host of the Magic Mechanic radio show, points out, the minor gas mileage improvements might come at the cost of significantly reducing your engine’s lifespan. The risk simply isn’t worth the reward.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rigorously tested gas-saving products for over three decades, identifying very few that meet their standards. Therefore, exercise extreme caution when considering products promising miraculous fuel efficiency. Protect your vehicle and your wallet by being skeptical and researching thoroughly before making any purchases.