Some People Will Try Anything To Save On Gas
Imagine if every time you swiped your fuel rewards card, your gas pump just handed you free fuel. Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, it happened—at least for one Nebraska woman. Over roughly six to seven months, she exploited a software glitch that let her pump an estimated 7,400 gallons of gas without paying a dime. The total free fuel came to nearly $27,000–$28,000, until, predictably, the law caught up with her. While her double-swiping stunt might seem like the ultimate hack for free gas, it ended with felony theft charges—a cautionary tale that’s as wild as it is funny.
DIY Fuel-Saving Contraptions: Genius or Gimmick?
Acetone Anecdotes
Some folks claim that adding acetone to gasoline will magically boost your mileage by improving vaporization and even cleaning the injectors. Sounds promising, doesn’t it?
The Reality?
No Proven Mileage Gains: Multiple tests have debunked this myth, and modern gasoline already contains optimized additives.
Risk of Damage: Acetone is a strong solvent that can degrade plastic and rubber components in your fuel system—leading to costly repairs.
Old-School Advice: While this trick circulates as “old wisdom,” today’s engines aren’t built for such alterations.
Adding acetone might sound like a DIY miracle, but it’s more likely to harm your engine than help your wallet.
The Fuel Doctor FD-47 Fiasco
Ever heard of the Fuel Doctor FD-47? This little gadget plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter and promises to “condition” your vehicle’s power supply, boosting your miles per gallon by up to 25%.
The Reality?
Nothing More Than LEDs: Disassembly shows it’s essentially just a circuit board with LED lights—no secret fuel conditioning happening.
Inconsistent Results: In rare cases, users have seen minimal improvements (if any), but nothing that justifies the cost.
Overhyped: The FD-47 is more flash than substance, and independent reviews consistently dismiss its claims.
The Fuel Doctor is more hype than help—its only effect might be lighting up your dashboard, not your fuel savings.
HHO (Water Fuel) Kits
Then there are the HHO kits, which claim to use your car’s alternator to power an electrolytic cell that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The idea is that the resulting “HHO” gas, when fed into the engine, helps boost combustion and, consequently, fuel efficiency.
The Reality?
Energy Losses Galore: Electrolysis requires more energy than the hydrogen’s combustion can replace. In short, you’re burning more fuel to make the gas than you save by using it.
Potential Engine Risks: Introducing extra hydrogen without proper engine calibration can lead to misfires or even damage over time.
Debunked Claims: Multiple tests and expert reviews have shown that these kits don’t deliver any meaningful fuel economy gains.
HHO kits might sound like a sci-fi solution, but they’re a net loss for your wallet—and your engine.
Magnetic Fuel Savers
Magnetic fuel savers are perhaps the most common of all “miracle” devices. They claim that by attaching a magnet to your fuel line, the device can realign the fuel molecules so they burn more efficiently.
The Reality?
No Scientific Basis: Fuel (a non-polar liquid) simply doesn’t respond to magnetic fields in the way proponents claim.
Ineffective at Best: Studies and tests consistently show no measurable improvement in fuel economy when using these magnets.
Risky Misconception: Relying on magnets for fuel savings can distract from proven methods like regular maintenance and smart driving habits.
While it might be tempting to clip on a magnet and hope for a miracle, scientific testing has repeatedly shown that magnetic fuel savers don’t deliver any real benefits.
A Word of Caution
It might be tempting to try every trick in the book—from double-swiping a rewards card to mixing strange additives into your gas—but the risks far outweigh any potential rewards. Not only can these methods damage your vehicle, but they could also land you in legal or financial trouble. Real savings come from proper vehicle maintenance, fuel-efficient driving habits, and, of course, smart choices when buying your car.
Some shortcuts might be entertaining to hear about, but remember: the only free gas you should be getting is from a well-oiled deal—one that comes with genuine savings and honest service.
Ready for Genuine Savings?
While these wild schemes make for entertaining stories, the only smart move is to invest in a vehicle that’s built to save you money mile after mile. Instead of risking engine damage or legal woes by trying dubious contraptions, why not choose a ride that’s engineered for reliability and efficiency?
Check out our inventory here to find your next vehicle—and drive home with real savings.
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