Beware of Deceptive Advertising Claims for Gas Saving Devices

By: Scott Siegel


There are a myriad of fuel saving devices advertised now. If you do a search on Google for the term "fuel saving devices" google will return 1.5 million web pages in response to that search. It seems that unscrupulous individuals are always looking for a crisis situation in order to steal your hard earned money with the latest scam.

This current scam takes advantage of driver's overwhelming desire to cut their gas costs. The scam artists are using deceptive advertising to convince you that a fuel saving product installed on your vehicle will miraculously cut your fuel usage up to 30 percent or higher. The Federal Trade Commission through research and US government testing of every kind of device and additive has some advice for all consumers.

The Federal Trade Commission warns drivers to be extremely wary of any gasoline saving claims for additives or devices. The test and research results to date show that there has not been any fuel saving device that significantly increases fuel economy in any way!

There are some general themes and methods to the fuel device advertising strategy. Here are a few to beware of:

One popular deceptive advertising scheme is this: the ad claims "This gasoline saving product enhances gasoline economy by 20 percent." Like that example gasoline saving devices claim increases in economy up to 25 percent and sometimes even higher. The Environmental Protection Agency has thoroughly tested, researched and evaluated more than 100 supposed gasoline saving products and additives and so far has not found any one of them that significantly increases gas mileage. In other words non of the gas saving devices work. In some cases, the test data showed that "gasoline-saving" products actually could damage your engine and could cause an increase of gasoline exhaust emissions. That could cause your vehicle to fail some state required emissions tests and that could cost you even more money.

In addition you need to be skeptical of advertisements that are based on glowing testimonials from satisfied drivers such as: "After putting your device on my car, I got an extra 5 miles per gallon." Don't put your money at risk from some amateur drivers claim.

These types of deceptive advertisements use testimonials from happy drivers as the proof that the product works. No consumer or driver has the proper equipment or the training to test for precise changes in fuel economy. Even if the consumer had the right equipment they could not control the conditions that affect fuel economy a great deal.

Many different variables affect fuel economy, including road, weather and traffic conditions, and the vehicle's condition. As an example, a driver sent out a letter praising a "fuel-saving" product. When the device was installed, the driver also had his car put through a complete engine tune up. Of course the tune up is not mentioned in the letter. The increase in gasoline mileage attributed to the "gasoline saving" device was most likely a result of the tune up alone. Since the advertisement with the testimonial did not mention this, other drivers could not have known that.

You have now read of a few of the deceptive methods that companies selling gasoline saving products use to convince you to buy their product. Unfortunately there are many other deceptive methods used. Those companies are taking advantage of high gasoline costs which require drivers to seek any way to lower their gasoline costs. Don't become a victim of these deceptive practices. Don't forget, if it sounds too good to be true, it is! Buyer beware!

Article Source: http://www.articleyard.com


Information about the Author:

Scott Siegel is the author of a 143 page manual of automotive industry insider secrets on saving gas and dollars at the pump (beatthegaspump.com). Visit us to learn how you can get better gas mileage. Find out how to increase gas mileage.
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