Want Extra Gas Mileage? Get Your Own!

By: Sunny Tan

Recent technology advancement in automotive industry has seen an
upsurge in improving the fuel economy of our car engines and
thus making them as efficient as they can be. Heavy investment
has been poured in making the car engines as clean as possible,
where exhaust emission is concerned, thus increasing the gas
mileage capability of the car. This has created a new batch of
vehicles with engines more fuel economical compared to engines
of comparable size a decade or more ago.



We can't deny that apart from the engines alone, electronics do
play an important part on the quest to reach the best mileage
cars available with better fuel economy. However, with the ever
going onslaught of constant and increasing fuel hike, there's no
way that advances made in producing more engines with higher
fuel efficiency may far exceeds with the increasing cost of gas.



Much budget and investment have been spent on research and
development of better car engines with best fuel economy, which
in the end may take years to recoup the cost of initial
investment alone: let alone the vast manpower needed for these
arduous tasks. Thus, where corners can be cut, manufacturers
will, although it must be emphasized that this will not be done
at the expense of the safety of the driver, passengers and other
road-users.



But are there additions that may be fitted with vehicles to
improve fuel economy and make them even more fuel-efficient?



Well, the good news is that there are loads and loads of gas
saving devices in the open market and can help improve fuel
mileage or increase gas mileage of your car and will work on
your car like a charm, so to speak. These products claim to save
money on gas and increase fuel efficiency of your car. But the
bad news is, most of the so-called gas saving devices that
purportedly claim to increase gas mileage of your car are
nothing but are subject to advertising hype and thus are a waste
of your time.



Hence, there are several ways you need learn to use when it
comes to increasing fuel mileage of your car.

1) Electronic Ignition Systems

2) Fuel Catalysts

3) Free-Flow Air Filters

4) Tire Inflation

5) Other Products



Electronic Ignition Systems

This class of accessories really applies to the older vehicles
that still run on the traditional contact breaker systems. Those
who wish to keep vintage vehicles on the road will find that
fitting a contact-less ignition system is the way to go.



Although it is not strictly a fuel-saving device, it ensures
that the vehicle stays in tune and retains the fuel economy that
a freshly-installed contact breaker system would provide.
Minimal maintenance and consistent fuel economy result in
increased gas mileage and fuel savings of your car.



Fuel Catalysts

Due to the recent increases in fuel prices, we've been getting a
lot of response on this method. Suffice to say, fuel catalysts
are elements you would put on your gas tank to speeds up the
combustion process. This in the end will improve your car fuel
efficiency and improve your gas mileage.



Some catalysts can simply be dropped into the fuel tank, while
there are some that require to be installed somewhere along the
fuel line, between the tank and engine.



A catalyst is a chemical, substance or compound that accelerates
a chemical reaction. But it remains unchanged and is not used up
during the process. When a catalyst is installed along the fuel
system, it speeds up the combustion process, rendering it more
complete, and allows for the complete release of energy from
fuel combusted.



Installation is pretty straightforward and one-off affair.
You'll recover your initial investment spent on catalyst within
a short period of time, from the increased gas mileage savings
of your car. Catalysts may also be used for the entire life of
the vehicle, and are transferable from one vehicle to another.



The more popular fuel catalysts are made of compounds of tin and
other precious metals, but the actual formulation remains a
commercial secret. They claim to promote smoother engine
operation, cleaner exhaust emissions and can increase fuel
mileage savings of up to 8%.



Free-Flow Air Filters

Grouped in the same category as the contactless ignition
systems, free-flow air filters offer no gas mileage savings over
a brand new item. Most filter elements are washable, and can be
used over thousands of kilometers. After that, you may need to
replace the air filter on regularly basis. According to the
report on http://www.extragasmileage.
com, studies have shown that replacing a clogged air filter
can improve the mileage that you get with your car as much as
10%.



Tire Inflation

Oxygen in compressed air permeates through the wall of the tire,
and inflation pressure is reduced over time. In the process,
oxygen oxidizes the rubber compounds in the tire, causing under
inflation and deteriorated rubber. Dry nitrogen will can prevent
auto-ignition; it will not corrode rims, and can will help the
tire to run cooler, resulting in longer tread life. So tire
replacement costs go down.



Other Products

Fuel and lubricating oil additives claim to lower internal
engine friction drag and improve combustion respectively. Some
may work and some may fail considerably. It is important that
the device fitted or the additive used does not destroy the
catalytic converter. Neither it should void your new vehicle
warranty

About the author:
About the author: Sunny Tan is a freelance Car DIY
enthusiast where he reveals his hardcore gas-money pulling
secrets and tactics to increase gas mileage
at http://www.extragasmileage.
com . He also writes monthly newsletters that dispels all
the mysteries lurking under the hood of your car. Check it
out...