Strategies for Smart Car Buyers - Fuel Economy: Gas Saving Additives

Fuel Economy: Gas Saving Additives

Last week I was on NPR's "Talk to the Nation" talking about (what else?) getting better gas mileage. One caller wanted to know if adding acetone to his fuel tank would improve gas mileage. He explained that acetone was an ingredient in nail polish. (Actually, its the key ingrediant in nail polish REMOVER.) This wasn't the first time I heard this "tip."

Acetone is a solvent that can be purchased at the hardware store for about $14/gallon. Proponents recommend using about 2 ounces per 10 gallons of gas. There is a site devoted to the use of acetone which lists very mixed results. Some drivers saw an increase. Some didn't. Everyone stressed the need to keep acetone off your car since it is a strong solvent which will eat its way through your car's paint.

Most fuel saving gadgets and additives are pure hype. Here is an excerpt from a promotional email I got this morning for a new product. "When added to gasoline, Neutro Gasoline Additive delays the burning of short hydrocarbons and quickens the burning of the longer hydrocarbons. The molecules ignite simultaneously, reducing pre-and post-ignition detonation. This causes a more complete fuel burn at the spark on the power stroke."

Hmmm.... What's that smell? Hint: it's a lot like methane gas.

What's interesting is that people seem to think there is some magic that will unlock the true power of gasoline. Gas already has a ton of energy. If you don't believe that try pushing your car for even a hundred feet -- gasoline is doing that all the time. And just one gallon of gas will move your car miles at a high rate of speed. That's not to say that you can't get MORE mileage out of a gallon of the stuff. But why spend $50 on fuel stretching pills to put in your tank when you could just buy another whole tank of gas with that money.

And, if you get a chance to listen to the NPR show, you'll learn what I think saves gas -- smart driving. To do that you don't have to buy secret gas boosting formula or add acetone to your tank. Just stop taking stupid pills.

Posted by Philip May 29, 2007 6:56 am

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Categories: Fuel Economy

Comments

dieselfitter1 - Jul 11, 2007 11:58 am (#8 Total: 8)

I am already trying acetone in my 2002 jetta TDI.This car always got 56.5 to 57.5 on a daily commute so I will use this figure as a benchmark. I will also drive the at the same speed,accelerate the same way etc. If,for example,my mileage goes up to,say,62 MPG then I know that the acetone is doing its job. I am using a mixture of 1.5oz/8imp gallons. I dont need a dyno to do this nor do I need a double blind study.When I here this sort of thing from university educated types,I start to overheat. On the other end of the spectum,you have the people that cant do basic arithmetic and cant calculate fuel mileage. I will be reporting back with my results later,after I have done 5 fillups using this blend in my diesel.

marcrosoft - Jun 6, 2007 4:00 pm (#7 Total: 8)

I just wanted to say that not all fuel additives are a waste.

Check out this interesting article I found that has detailed information and testing about fuel additives.

http://blog.sfrcorp.com/2006/09/13/do-oil-additives-really-work/

slotmachine - Jun 6, 2007 10:38 am (#6 Total: 8)

What about Oxy-Hydrogen devices like http://www.savefuel.ca/oxy-hydrogen/

Do they work have they been independently tested? Sounds promising!!

Why doesn't EPA or Edmunds test them?

Thanks

jazzyman26 - Jun 4, 2007 9:54 pm (#5 Total: 8)

this message isin regard of using unversalcatalyic converter on a mazda millenia base model/My concern will the car pass emission?and what brand will meet OEM specification. IM researching magnaflow and what is a good brand.

SubyTrojan - Jun 3, 2007 9:49 pm (#4 Total: 8)

Santa Monica, CA, USA

Philip, the effectiveness of a K&N air filter often depends on the vehicle it is installed in. For Subaru Imprezas, the performance gain is minimal to none.

philip17 - May 30, 2007 8:43 am (#3 Total: 8)

I keep hearing about K&N air filters. I'm tempted to put one in my Fit to see if improves mileage. They also a modified air filter which is supposed to do even better.

steve_ - May 30, 2007 12:25 am (#2 Total: 8)

Boise ID United States of America

A new air filter may increase your mpg if your old one is dirty, but I think an OEM paper filter will do a better job, and do it cheaper, than an aftermarket wet filter.

blackadder5639 - May 29, 2007 1:04 pm (#1 Total: 8)

Great article, Philip. Smart driving, and driving a car with a small and efficient engine, are the only real ways of getting high gas mileage.

I also know from experience that replacing the standard air filter with the K&N type can save up to 3 mpg or more. These filters cost less than $40 but last for 100,000 miles! 3 mpg is a big improvement.