Gas Prices Got You Down? Beware the Scams!

With gas prices at all-time highs many people are looking for ways to save money at the pump. In your effort to save money on fuel you should be aware of many of the scams or “snake oil treatments” that are popping up everywhere claiming to help you save money on your gas or increase your gas mileage. Remember the old adage, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

No doubt you have seen advertisements for different gadgets that claim they can increase your gas mileage by several miles per gallon on your vehicle. Magnetic devices, air tunnels and a wide variety of gizmos are all flooding the market claiming they will save you money and increase gas mileage. About the only things these things will do is drain your wallet and your gas tank continues to empty at the usual rate it always has. Despite the wild claims that many of these devices make, none of them work. After all, if there was a way to increase gas mileage the auto manufactures would already be installing these devices on every car that rolls off the assembly line.

You have heard of “snake oil” and there are several gas treatments on the market that fall into this category. What many people fail to realize is that gasoline from the pumps (even the cheapest grades) already contain the proper amounts of detergents and cleaners to take care of keeping your fuel system clean and in proper working condition. In fact, adding some of these additives to your gas could actually hurt your engine or drag down your mileage. The only exception to this rule is the additive Techron. If you have a particularly older car that has not had regular maintenance then Techron additive (which is already present in Chevron-branded gasoline) can provide marginal improvement to your fuel system. It is the only additive that has been endorsed by auto manufacturers and oil companies.

A common myth that many people believe is that they have to use one particular brand of gas. All gas, whether being sold by a major station name or an independent, comes from the same fuel depot. The only difference is the additives that are added at the fuel depot to the gas. Under federal law even the no-name gasoline stations must meet certain guidelines for additives that will keep your car running in good condition. So our advice — if you see gas cheaper at an independent station then go ahead and fill up!

So what are some tips for saving money during times of high gas prices? The same things you have always heard are your best bets. Carpool when you can; consider upgrading to a more fuel efficient car; don’t drive with excessive speed and plan your trips so that you don’t waste gas doubling-back or taking unecessary trips.