Beware of false 'gas-saving' advertising claims, warns FTC

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Beware of false ‘gas-saving’ advertising claims, warns FTC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says to be wary of any gas-saving claims for automotive devices or oil and gas additives. Examples of these products include air bleed devices, fuel line devices, internal engine modifiers, and driving-habit modifiers. Be especially skeptical of the following kinds of advertising claims:

“This gas-saving product improves fuel economy by 20%.” The FTC says the 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 of the products may damage a car’s engine or substantially increase exhaust emissions.

“After installing your product in my car, I got an extra 4 miles per gallon.” Few consumers are able 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 the car’s condition.

“This gas-saving device is approved by the federal government.” No government agency endorses gas-saving products for cars. If the seller claims its product has been evaluated by the EPA, ask for a copy of the EPA report, or check www.epa.gov for information. In some cases, false claims of EPA testing or approval have been made.

If you have bought a “gas-saving” product and are dissatisfied with it, the FTC advises asking the manufacturer for a refund, even if a money-back guarantee period has expired. If you’re not happy with the company’s response, contact your local or state consumer protection agency (in Connecticut, it’s the Department of Consumer Protection, 860-713-6050) or the Better Business Bureau.