Mercedes Mullins
With fuel prices fluctuating, getting the best mileage from a tank of gas is a priority for many. Fuel-saving devices are sold on the aftermarket with claims that they can improve fuel economy, reduce exhaust emissions, or optimize ignition, air flow, or fuel flow. However, most of these devices do not improve fuel economy to any measurable degree. This text will explore some of the ways that car fuel savers claim to work, the evidence for their effectiveness, and whether they are worth the money.
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Fuel-saving devices
Some devices claim to improve efficiency by altering the way liquid fuel is converted to vapour, such as fuel heaters or devices that modify turbulence in the intake manifold. However, these devices are ineffective in standard vehicles as the engine design already accounts for these factors. Devices that bleed air into the fuel line before the carburettor may improve fuel economy but can also lead to negative consequences, such as engine overheating, piston damage, and increased emissions.
Oxygen sensor simulators are another type of fuel-saving device that allows fuel-economy-reducing catalytic converters to be removed. While these devices may provide a small improvement in fuel economy, they are often sold for "off-road use only". It is important to note that modifying emissions-related components can result in a vehicle failing emissions testing and may void manufacturer warranties.
The Platinum Gas Saver, Fuel Genie, and Tornado are examples of fuel-saving devices that have been tested and found to have no significant impact on fuel economy. The Fuel Doctor FD-47, which plugs into the vehicle's cigarette lighter and claims to increase fuel economy by up to 25% was also tested and showed no improvement.
While some fuel-saving devices may provide minor improvements, it is generally agreed that the best way to optimise fuel economy is to adhere to the vehicle manufacturer's service schedule and adjust driving habits.
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Engine thermodynamics
There are two main parts to engine operation: the mechanical operation of the engine parts and the thermodynamics through which the engine produces work and power. In an internal combustion engine, fuel and air are ignited inside a cylinder. The hot exhaust pushes a piston, which is connected to a crankshaft to produce power. The burning of fuel is not a continuous process but occurs very quickly at regular time intervals. Between ignitions, the engine parts move in a repeated sequence called a cycle. The engine is called a four-stroke engine because there are four movements (strokes) of the piston during one cycle.
The work done by the engine multiplied by the rate of the cycle (cycles per second) is equal to the power produced by the engine. The ideal cycle does not occur in reality, and there are many losses associated with each process. These losses are normally accounted for by efficiency factors, which multiply and modify the ideal result. For the ideal four-stroke engine, the intake and exhaust strokes are done at constant pressure and do not contribute to the generation of power by the engine. During the compression stroke, work is done on the gas by the piston. If we assume that no heat enters the gas during the compression, we can understand the relations between the change in volume and the change in pressure and temperature from the solutions of the entropy equation for a gas.
The reason why most fuel-saving devices are not capable of producing the claimed improvements is based in thermodynamics. The First Law of Thermodynamics is violated by some devices, such as those claiming to improve fuel efficiency to 300 miles per US gallon. This would require an engine that is 300% efficient.
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Vacuum gauges
A vacuum gauge is a simple mechanical gauge that can be hooked into the manifold with some tubing. The manifold is under negative pressure almost all the time when the engine is turning. The vacuum is higher at high engine revolutions and part-throttle, and lower when the engine is ticking over at idle.
Some BMW cars have a vacuum gauge already built into the instrument panel, calibrated in miles per gallon rather than inches of vacuum. Heavy equipment, trucks, and piston-engined aircraft also tend to have a vacuum gauge on the dashboard.
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Fuel additives
It is important to prioritize fuel additives with an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) label, indicating compliance with environmental regulations. These additives work by dissolving carbon deposits in the fuel, reducing harmful carbon emissions.
Some specific examples of fuel additives include:
- Lucas Fuel Treatment Additive: Cleans, lubricates, and neutralizes poor-quality fuel, improving the octane rating of gas and resulting in better fuel economy.
- Star Tron Fuel Treatment: A strong fuel system additive that stabilizes gas for up to two years, with antioxidants to prevent fuel separation and enzymes to improve fuel combustibility, leading to improved engine power and fuel economy.
While fuel additives can be a convenient way to improve fuel efficiency, it is worth noting that some products may make exaggerated claims about their effectiveness. It is always a good idea to do your research and prioritize reputable sources when considering the use of fuel additives.
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Fuel converters
One example of a fuel converter is the carburettor, which can be adjusted or replaced to optimise fuel flow and improve efficiency. Some carburettors claim to improve fuel efficiency significantly, but independent tests have often found that they do not deliver on their promises. For instance, out of 104 fuel efficiency devices tested by the EPA, only seven showed a maximum improvement of six percent.
Another type of fuel converter is the catalytic converter, which combines oxygen with carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbons to produce carbon dioxide and water. This process helps to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and improve fuel efficiency, particularly in older cars. Catalytic converters are typically made from precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, and require high temperatures of around 400°C to function effectively.
While fuel-saving devices may claim to improve fuel efficiency, it is important to approach these products with caution. Many of these devices have been debunked by automotive experts and magazines, and some may even cause damage to your engine or increase emissions. The US EPA tests and provides public reports on the efficacy of these devices, finding that most do not improve fuel economy to any measurable degree.
Some simple mechanical gauges, like a vacuum gauge, can be purchased for a low cost and installed in your vehicle to help monitor fuel efficiency. However, it's important to note that these gauges may not work on diesel engines, which lack throttle blades and manifold vacuum.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel-saving devices are sold on the aftermarket with claims that they improve fuel economy, reduce exhaust emissions, or optimise ignition, airflow, or fuel flow. Some devices claim to improve efficiency by changing the way liquid fuel is converted to vapour, such as fuel heaters or devices to increase or decrease turbulence in the intake manifold. However, these devices do not work on standard vehicles as the principle is already applied to the design of the engine.
Examples of car fuel savers include the Fuel Doctor FD-47, the Fuel Genie, the Tornado, and the Platinum Gas Saver.
The effectiveness of car fuel savers is often disputed. While some claim to increase fuel economy by up to 25%, tests by organisations like Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics have found little to no difference in fuel economy or power when using these devices.
Instead of relying on car fuel savers, the best way to improve fuel economy is to follow the vehicle manufacturer's service schedule and fine-tune your driving habits. Additionally, some vehicles have a vacuum gauge built into the instrument panel, which can help monitor fuel consumption.
