"Improves gas mileage by..." yeah, we've heard that one before!
Be skeptical! Out of 93 fuel saving devices or additives were recently tested in Ann Arbor, Michigan, by the EPA, and out of those, just 10 were found to increase fuel mileage, and then only slightly. Unfortunately, 4 of those 10 also increased emissions. The results of the report are that none of the tested products met with approval from the EPA. The moral of the story is that these days, manufacturers have probably done what they can to make your mileage as high as it can be while delivering the performance that you demand. Outside engineers likely can't improve one aspect of the vehicle's performance without hindering another. The moral of the story: don't buy the hype, and don't buy their products.
So, what should you do? The source article, from the Detroit News, suggests a few tips that are likely well known to our readership. Namely, keep up with your manufacturer's maintenance schedule and slow down. It goes without saying that controlling your right foot is free.
[Source: The Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Travis Rassat 2:32PM (7/03/2007)
This might be an odd question, but what kinds of performance modifications have the added benefit of improved mileage without increasing emissions? I was thinking about doing some customization of my Camry Hybrid with the intent of further improving mileage. Another project idea is to build a performance-minded car that gets better mileage than stock. A couple of specific modifications come to mind:
1. Lighter wheels and tires.
2. Lowering the car about 1.5 inches.
3. Free-flowing performance exhaust.
4. Improved ignition.
5. Air intake.
6. Supercharger.
7. Lightweight engine/drivetrain components.
These aren't necessary applicable to the Camry hybrid, but just some thoughts. Can these make a positive difference in fuel mileage? I know the supercharger sounds extreme, but it improves the volumetric efficiency of the engine, right? If anybody has some thoughts or links to articles, I'd like to hear them.
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linc 9:33PM (7/03/2007)
well, since here in the united states i think we have the most car owners per 1000 people. my solution... since most of us drive by ourselves, why don't we just rip out the passenger front seat and the back seat benches from our cars and trucks! while we're at it we can take out any of the electrical crap that we don't really need i.e. navigation, dvd players, t.v., cd disc changers, heated/cooled seats, get rid of your ac system (use windows and bundle up during winter time) and hell if you're really feelin lucky get rid of your spare tire (and you get extra gas points if your spare is a full size hot diggity!)
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Dandy 10:13AM (7/19/2007)
A great tool for tracking/recording gas mileage.
GasDandy is an easy-to-use tool that tracks a vehicle’s mileage and maintenance information, providing data that can be used for both business and personal purposes. By making these figures readily available, the program also gives the consumer the opportunity to save money and to proactively identify problems that can shorten the life of their vehicle(s). Download a free trial version of GasDandy today at http://www.gasdandy.com
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Las Vegas Dave 4:59PM (8/22/2007)
Want to get better gas mileage? Simple! The answer is .......... Helium. Yes, old fashioned Helium injected in your tires, trunk, and locked glove box, armrest, and ash trays, will help to levitate the entire hunk of iron. Give it a try. Remember, you heard it here. :-)
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