Caution about Gas-saving Products

Be skeptical when hearing about claims to improve auto mileage.

Federal Trade Commission

When auto gasoline prices go up, many drivers start looking for ways to improve fuel efficiency. The Federal Trade Commission says to proceed with caution when you consider buying automotive devices or additives based on gas-saving claims.

Higher fuel costs cause motorists to find ways to save on charges at the gasoline pump. There are practical steps drivers can take to improve gas mileage. However, you should be wary when you hear about automotive products that can save money, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Be cautious when you think about buying oil/gasoline additives or automobile devices based on gas-saving claims. Even for the few products that have been found to work, the FTC says, savings to consumers have been small.

The FTC notes that it is wise for drivers to be skeptical of the following kinds of advertising claims:

"This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20 percent."

Claims usually tout savings ranging from 12 to 25 percent. However, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has evaluated or tested more than 100 alleged gas-saving devices and has not found any product that significantly improves gas mileage. In fact, some such products may damage a car's engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions.

"After installing your product on my car, I got an extra 4 miles per gallon."

Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied customers. Yet, few consumers have the ability or the equipment to test for precise changes in gas mileage after installing a device or using a product that claims to save gas. Among the many variables that affect fuel consumption are traffic, road conditions, and the car's condition.

Take the example of the consumer who sent a letter to a company praising its purported gas-saving product. At the time the product was installed, the consumer had received a complete engine tune-up--a fact not mentioned in the letter. The entire increase in gas mileage attributed to the product may well have been the result of the tune-up alone. But other consumers couldn't have known that from the ad.

"This gas-saving device is approved by the federal government."

No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. The most that can be claimed in advertising is that the EPA has reached certain conclusions about possible gas savings by testing the product or by evaluating the manufacturer's own test data.

If the seller claims that its product has been evaluated by the EPA, ask for a copy of the EPA report, or check www.epa.gov for information. In some instances, false claims of EPA testing or approval have been made.

Product Complaints and Refunds

If you are dissatisfied with a gas-saving product, contact the manufacturer and ask for a refund. Most companies offer money-back guarantees. Contact the company even if the guarantee period has expired. If you are dissatisfied with the company's response, contact your local or state consumer protection agency, the Better Business Bureau or the FTC.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261.

The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

This article, and hundreds more, can be found in the “Member Library” section on the NEA Member Benefits Web Site at www.neamb.com.