With gasoline prices climbing throughout Arizona, and expected to soon top $5.00 per gallon in some parts of the country, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers to be wary of gas-saving claims that empty your wallet, instead of saving you fuel.

Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, many websites make unbelievable claims for various aftermarket 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.

Angela Pratt, co-owner of Dan’s Toy Shop in Tucson said they have had customers come to their shop with various aftermarket devices on their cars.

“Usually what happens is the device restricts airflow to the engine, and the check engine light comes on as a consequence,” Pratt told BBB. “As far as helping gas mileage, it either doesn’t do anything or could even make it worse.”

Pratt said that if consumer’s want better gas mileage the best thing to do is use a higher octane gas, noting that drivers with six and eight cylinder engines would more than make up for the extra cost of the gas with improved mileage.

Pratt said that drivers who place aftermarket devices on their cars to save gas are fighting a losing battle.

“The newer vehicles are electronically tuned to get maximum gas mileage” she said. “Even the smallest alterations can throw a car’s computer system off.”

Before adding any fuel savings device to your vehicle, check with your mechanic. You may end up with a voided manufacturer’s 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. As we reach the peak of summer travel, here are some tips on what you can do to save fuel consumption:

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 (more…)

Gasoline prices have risen well above $3.00 a gallon all over Southern Arizona. The average U.S. family with two drivers is now paying nearly $1,000 more annually for gas than they were just two years ago according to a recent study by research gurus, Sperling’s BestPlaces.

Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns consumers to be wary of gas-saving claims that empty your wallet, instead of saving you fuel.

Many websites make unbelievable claims for various aftermarket 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.

Angela Pratt, co-owner of Dan’s Toy Shop in Tucson said they have had customers come to their shop with various aftermarket devices on their cars.

“Usually what happens is the device restricts airflow to the engine, and the check engine light comes on as a consequence,” Pratt told BBB. “As far as helping gas mileage, it either doesn’t do anything or could even make it worse.”

Pratt said that if consumer’s want better gas mileage the best thing to do is use a higher octane gas, noting that drivers with six and eight cylinder engines would more than make up for the extra cost of the (more…)

With no end to high gas prices in sight, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona warns consumers to not fall for tempting products and schemes said to help save money at the pump. Most of them are simply too good to be true.

When it comes to products that you can attach to your car or add to your fuel, be very skeptical of their performance. Over the past decade, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested more than 100 gas-saving devices and hasn’t identified any that significantly improve gas mileage. In fact, they’ve determined that some could eventually cause engine damage.

Some products might make a slight difference, but claims of a drastic improvement in your fuel economy are red flags of a rip-off. Also, beware of anyone claiming their product has been “approved by the Federal Government.”

“The marketing of supposed miraculous gas gadgets has occurred during every gas crisis period since the mid-1970s. But in more recent years we’ve been seeing problems with things like gas “prizes” and clubs,” said Kim States, BBB President.

When it comes to offers like free gas cards, vouchers or gas-saving clubs, understand that what is advertised may not be what you really get.

For example, consumers have reported to BBB that a local F-rated company called SA & Associates calls and claims the consumer has won a $300 gas card but the company needs to deliver in person. According to complaints, the company arrives without the gift card and tries to sell them a vacuum. Consumers state that instead of a $300 gas card they are given rebate form to apply for $25 rebates for every $100 they spend in gas, up to $300 in rebates.

BBB advises consumers to understand all of the details of any gas-saving program or product before you agree to participate or purchase.