Pitfalls, Safety, and When to Walk Away
When searching for ways to reduce gas costs, you will inevitably encounter advertisements for aftermarket fuel-saving gadgets. These devices range from fuel line magnets claiming to align molecules, to air intake vortex generators, to liquid additives promising miracle mileage boosts. Walk away from these products immediately. The Federal Trade Commission frequently issues consumer alerts regarding these gadgets because independent laboratory testing consistently proves they provide zero measurable fuel economy benefits. Your money is far better spent on a simple, high-quality engine air filter and a reliable tire pressure gauge.
You must also be vigilant about the physical dangers associated with extreme fuel-saving tactics, commonly known as hypermiling. Some drivers attempt to save fuel by aggressively drafting directly behind commercial semi-trucks to avoid wind resistance. This practice is incredibly dangerous; it completely eliminates your visibility and destroys your stopping distance, practically guaranteeing a catastrophic rear-end collision if the truck brakes suddenly. Another hazardous tactic is shifting a vehicle into neutral and turning off the engine while rolling down a hill. Doing this immediately disables your power steering and power brakes, leaving you unable to properly control the vehicle in an emergency. Never compromise your personal safety or vehicle control to save pennies on fuel.
Finally, avoid the psychological trap of driving far out of your way to secure cheaper gas. This is a classic example of being penny wise and pound foolish. If you drive five miles out of your normal route to a station that sells gas for 10 cents less per gallon, and you buy 15 gallons, you save $1.50 at the pump. However, driving those 10 extra round-trip miles in a vehicle that gets 20 miles per gallon consumes half a gallon of fuel. If gas is $3.50 a gallon, that detour just cost you $1.75 in burned fuel, resulting in a net loss of 25 cents, not to mention the wear on your tires and the extra 20 minutes of your time.
