Fuel Alternatives

High prices at the pump have prompted many consumers to search for easy ways to stretch that gallon a little further. Having exhausted the standard tips, such as maintaining tire pressure and a clean air filter, and unable to invest in a flex-fuel vehicle or electric hybrid, more and more drivers are trying additives which promise to improve fuel economy.

Most of these formulations work off the same basic concept: the internal combustion engine is monstrously inefficient, leaving a significant amount of your expensive gasoline or diesel fuel unconsumed in the tailpipe emissions. Not only is this bad for your pocketbook, it’s bad for the environment, helping bring about smog, acid rain, and the greenhouse effect.

A bit like cough medicine, these remedies are available in liquid and pill form. Also like many popular over-the-counter cures, many of these treatments contain little more than various forms of alcohol or the octane which is already added to premium gasoline.

Wading through the radically contrasting reviews and questionable marketing tactics of these products, it is impossible to verify the claims of any of these products without encountering the term “snake-oil”. On the other hand, the underlying science is sound, insofar as that there is clearly room for improvement in the typical rate of combustion, and it seems that at least some of these catalytic enhancers and oxygenators really do deliver.

At least, that’s what the testimonials say.

As of yet, the EPA has not endorsed any of these products as enhancing fuel efficiency or reducing emissions, which is a bit like many herbal supplements’ disclaimers which state that “The FDA has not evaluated these statements.” Furthermore, the EPA has warned that some of these products may damage your vehicle. Users of E10, which is now mandated by law in several US states, are specifically cautioned against using alcohol-based additives to improve mileage.

The day may come when some garage chemist concocts a mixture that optimizes the performance of internal combustion engines and reduces harmful pollutant at the same time. That day might already be here, but without sufficient independent testing, don’t hold your breath too close to the tailpipe.