Gas prices are up, and so is volume of advertising for "gas-saving" products. When gasoline prices rise, consumers often look for ways to improve fuel efficiency. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns you to be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Even for few gas-saving products that have been found to work, savings have been small.

"Gas-Saving" Advertising Claims

Be skeptical of 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, 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 "gas-saving" products may damage a car's engine or cause substantial increases in exhaust emissions.

The gas-saving products on market fall into clearly defined categories. Although EPA has not tested or evaluated every product, it has tried to examine at least one product in each category. See "Devices Tested by EPA" at end of this brochure for category descriptions and product names.

"After installing your product on my car, I got an extra 4 miles [6.4 kilometers] per gallon [3.8 liters]."

Many ads feature glowing testimonials by satisfied customers. Yet, few consumers have ability or equipment to test for precise changes in gas mileage after installing a gas-saving product. Many variables affect fuel consumption, including traffic, road and weather conditions, and car's condition.

For example, one consumer sent a letter to a company praising its "gas-saving" product. At time product was installed, however, consumer also had received a complete engine tune-up - a fact not mentioned in letter. The entire increase in gas mileage attributed to "gas-saving" product may well have been result of tune-up alone. But from ad, other consumers could not have known that.

"This gas-saving device is approved by Federal government."

No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. The most that can be claimed in advertising is that EPA has reached certain conclusions about possible gas savings by testing product or by evaluating manufacturer's own test data. If seller claims that its product has been evaluated by EPA, ask for a copy of 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're dissatisfied with a gas-saving product, contact manufacturer and ask for a refund. Most companies offer money-back guarantees. Contact company, even if guarantee period has expired.

If you're not satisfied with company's response, contact your local or state consumer protection agency or Better Business Bureau.

EPA Evaluation Efforts

The EPA evaluates or tests products to determine whether their use will result in any significant improvement or detriment to fuel economy. However, EPA cannot say what effect gas-saving products will have on a vehicle over time because it hasn't conducted any durability tests. It's possible that some products may harm car or may otherwise adversely affect its performance. In fact, today's vehicles' emission control systems are very sophisticated and complex. They have On Board Diagnostic features that alert driver to problems associated with emission control and fuel delivery systems. Retrofit products may have an adverse effect on these systems.

Devices Tested by EPA

The following list categorizes various types of "gas-saving" products, explains how they're used and gives product names. Those with asterisks may save measurable, but small, amounts of gas. All others have been found not to increase fuel economy.

Air Bleed Devices: These devices bleed air into carburetor. They usually are installed in Positive Crankcase Ventilation line or as a replacement for idle-mixture screws.

Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels

Driving a car fueled by something other than gasoline or diesel fuel is no longer stuff of science fiction. In addition to conventional gasoline and diesel fuel, reformulated - cleaner - gasoline and alternative fuels now are sold in many parts of country. Alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity produce fewer tail pipe pollutants than conventional gasoline and diesel fuel. Using them could improve our air quality.

In 1992, Congress passed Energy Policy Act to promote use of alternative fuels. For example, law requires owners of fleet vehicles to purchase a certain number of alternative fueled vehicles. Congress also directed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue labeling requirements for alternative fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. Two FTC Rules - Alternative Fuels and Vehicles (AFV) Rule and Fuel Rating Rule - require fuel dispensers and alternative fueled vehicles to be labeled with information to help consumers make knowledgeable decisions when it comes to filling up or buying a vehicle. The AFV Rule applies to new and used alternative fueled vehicles that are sold to consumers or leased to consumers for a minimum of 120 days. This Article explains labels you'll see on alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuel dispensers, and suggests several important factors to consider as you investigate options.

Alternative Fueled Vehicles:

AFVs are vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, such as methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, electricity, and others designated by U.S. Department of Energy. Some AFVs can run on conventional fuels, such as gasoline, and alternative fuels. They are called dual-fueled vehicles.

The required labels must be placed in plain view on surface of all new and used AFVs. The labels on new AFVs must include vehicle's cruising range as estimated by manufacturer and its environmental impact, as well as general descriptive information. It's important to know how many miles your new AFV will travel on a supply of fuel because, gallon for gallon, some AFVs don't travel as far as gasoline-powered vehicles. The label's description of Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) emission standard for vehicle tells you to what extent vehicle produces emissions. If a vehicle meets an EPA emissions standard, a box on label will be marked and a caret (^) will be placed above particular vehicle's certification standard. The label shows levels of emissions standards in a series of boxes that range from a "Tier l" vehicle - one with more emissions - to a "ZEV" - a zero emissions vehicle. The labels on new and used AFVs also advise consumers to consider following items before buying or leasing an AFV.

Fuel type. Ask what kind of fuel powers vehicle.

Operating costs. Fuel and maintenance costs for AFVs may differ from gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles.

Performance/convenience. Vehicles powered by different fuels vary in their ability to start when they are cold; their acceleration rates; time it takes to completely refill vehicle's tank; and how they are refueled.

Fuel availability. Find out whether refueling or recharging facilities are available in your area for fuel vehicle uses.

Energy security/renewability. Consider where and how fuel powering vehicle is produced so you can anticipate long-term fuel availability at a reasonable price.