Miracle solutions for Better Gas Mileage

Posted January 21, 2016

Drivers are always searching for the best ways to increase their fuel efficiency, save money at the gas station, and get more miles out of their vehicle. But when is it too good to be true?

We’ve seen most of the “miracle pills” and “unbelievable tricks” out there and most of them are just that – unbelievable.

Take for instance the many fuel additives. Simply toss in a pill or pour some liquid into the gas tank for instantly better mileage!

Sounds good, right? But it doesn’t work.

Each of these types of gas additive or miracle pills have been dyno tested, before and after use. There was no change. Zero increase in miles per gallon. Zilch performance boost. No added power at all.

The most common fuel additive we’ve seen is an octane booster. Their popularity is primarily due to one common misconception: higher octane means higher performance.

That is not true. In reality, octane simply indicates the amount of compression the fuel can take before it combusts. Different engines compress fuel in different ways, thus the various octane of fuel required for vehicles.

Adding an octane booster to your fuel will only have an effect if you’re starting with the wrong fuel. Every time you put gasoline of lower octane into your engine, the engine is at risk for pre-ignition. Knocking or pinging can cause serious engine damage with costly repairs.

It’s cheaper, safer, and more effective to buy the right fuel and avoid any additives. If they sound too good to be true, they probably are.

Your best bet is to use the octane of gasoline recommended for your specific vehicle. If you’re not sure the right octane for your car or truck, call our team of auto experts at 303.344.4670.

The best way to get better gas mileage? Keep your car in great condition. Follow the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle for best performance. Regular inspections can help you catch problems early to avoid extensive damage.

If you notice a decrease in fuel efficiency or fewer miles to every gallon, bring your vehicle in for an inspection. A drop in fuel efficiency can be a sign of a problem – our technicians will help you identify any changes that may relate to the reduced mileage to fix the issue and get the most miles for every gallon! To schedule an inspection, call our team at 303.344.4670.

Have you heard of a “miracle solution” for better gas mileage? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Categories: Auto Repair Aurora

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