Rising gas prices encourage gas-saving scams

Huntsville Times ^ | Thursday, July 15 | Huntsville Times

[Maelstorm]

As gasoline prices remain high, consumers are wondering what they can do to improve their gas mileage. Although there are practical steps you can take to increase gas mileage, the Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be wary of gas-saving claims that empty your wallet, instead of saving you fuel.

Many Web sites make unbelievable claims for various aftermarket automotive devices (fuel-line magnets, air bleed devices and retrofit gadgets) and oil and gasoline additives that supposedly increase gas mileage for automobiles. The Federal Trade Commission found many of these claims to be either false or overly exaggerated.

[Maelstorm]

These things don't work which is why the websites that sell products like these don't post before and after tests on performance because in most cases these things decrease gas mileage. If they had clear proof that these things work they would post it. They can't so they offer testimonials and paid advertisements from "people you trust" but probably shouldn't. This kind of thing makes me angry because I know of many sites like WND that have really been hyping these things and they should be ashamed.

[stephenjohnbanker]

Beat the cost of fuel. WALK to the store : )

[rface]

some things work, and some things don't

Adding Acetone to Gasoline Update: Myth or Miracle and the “Check Engine” light.

[Crazieman]

Uh, on Mythbusters they blew acetone away. It reduced mileage significantly.

[RichardW]

Every one of these are scams. Every single one.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

After reading about acetone on FR, I tried it. It seemed to work -- about 25% gain.

I kept careful records, before and after -- but, the city/highway ratio varies, so it's hard to tell what effect it's having in city driving. The mileage did increase for pure highway driving. (Same route, divided highway, roughly the same speeds before and after.)

Mythbusters is good -- so if they don't endorse acetone, that's a concern. I didn't see that show though. Also, I still have no way of telling if the acetone is causing any damage -- although all I use is a couple of ounces per tank of gas.

[Maelstorm]

Most don't and if someone doesn't give you hard proof and tells you they can't guarantee claims but shows you "testimonials" and %110 guarantees then it is pretty clear they are scamming you. A buddy of mine showed me a horrible book called "The Cure for All Cancers", which was the same thing. All antidotal "evidence" and testimonials. Websites that claim to be news sites should be embarassed to allow such advertising.

[Maelstorm]

That is why you see testimonials for what in the lab are useless products. It is almost impossible to tell given the up and down prices in gasoline, and inconsistent driving patterns to do an accurate real world test without clearly marked off routes and controls on the amount of gasoline and service level of the vehicle.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Every one of these are scams. Every single one.

Yeah but this is an unintended consequence of what happens when politicians & environmentalists conspire to obstruct the supply of a commodity.

[Maelstorm]

You are a smart man but...

"EXPERTS AGREE! Installing a Vortex Valve™ immediately improves performance and dramatically lowers emissions on gas and diesel engines. This amazing technology works on all internal combustion engines, 4-stroke and 2-stroke using any fuel. You save money at the pump, get more power and pollute less."

You have to love these folks.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

I'm suspicious of testimonials too. Just out of curiosity, what was the methodology that Myth Busters used for their test of acetone?

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

Oops, I should have addressed my # 11 to Crazieman. Sorry for the confusion.

[Maelstorm]

I'm not sure. I didn't see the show but I've watched them before and they are usually thorough.

[supercat]

Out of curiosity, how much fuel economy is lost as a result of polution-control equipment and mandates?

[Crazieman]

They took a graduated cylinder, connected it directly to the cars' carb/injector, filled the cylinder with gasoline, and tested various "fuel saving" methods with the car on a dyno.

[AmericaUnited]

What's the latest report on your use of acetone?

[Maelstorm]

That's a good question but many of these wonder fuel efficiency devices claim to reduce emissions too!

[rface]

I like mythbusters. I looked up the results - and they say it did decrease mileage (not significantly) - but I didn't see that episode, and I'd like to look at their method....

Acetone has not done any harm to any of my systems - and I continue to hold on to the claim that acetone increases my MPG.

I'd like to see the Mythbusters episode.....

[Crazieman]

Oh yeah - the super-carbeurator significantly decreased mileage, the acetone only did it somewhat.

[Ma3lst0rm]

Here is some replies I got when inquiring about the 110% guarantee for a Vortex Valve.


Thank you for your interest in the Vortex Valve!

The 110% Guarantee applies to all Vortex Valve units you purchase.

Our guarantee requires that you use the Vortex Valve for 30 days not 7. The
reason is that as the engine burns the fuel more thoroughly, it burns off
some of the residual carbon, which in turn increases fuel efficiency. This
process can take several weeks, during which time fuel economy and
performance improves.

Of the sale price, $10 is a shipping/handling fee. Thus, if you purchase a
Vortex Valve at the member price of $49.95 and return it, you'll receive a
refund of $39.95 + 10% or $3.96 for a total of $43.91. Return postage is
paid for by the purchaser.

If you return a unit after trying it for 30 days, a refund check will be
mailed within 7 business days after we receive the unit.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thank you for your interest in FosterParentTraining.com!

Serwind Netzler
Netzler's
FosterParentTraining.com

FosterDad@FosterParentTraining.com

Here is one direct from the Vortex Valve Folks:

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Yes, 110% of your purchase price for however many you buy. See website for
details. You will find some family members do better than others. However,
you should all benefit. To return product, you simply send it back to the
address on the box. Take your time to evaluate. If 30 days isn't
sufficient, take 60. Main thing is that we want you as a happy, 100%
satisfied customer.

One really quick way to get an idea of the degree to which your car's
performance is being enhanced with the VortexValve(tm) is to drive a hill
you're used to driving. First, remind yourself how it feels, how fast the
car/truck climbs the hill without the VV. Then, do an install and do the
hillclimb with the VortexValve(tm). You should see a real difference.

Keep this email to prove that we will honor the guarantee for more than 30
days for you. And, thanks for your interest...

VortexValveNW.com

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