Dear Tom and Ray:

We at the Federal Trade Commission would like you guys to help spread the word about buying -- and not overbuying -- the proper octane gasoline. For years, gasoline companies have been pitching higher-octane gasoline as a way to lower maintenance costs. We recently reached a settlement with Exxon which mandates them to run ads explaining the proper selection of octane, which is -- as you guys say -- based on the recommendation in your owner's manual. To further emphasize this message, we have produced a new, free FTC brochure "The Low-Down on High Octane Gasoline." Please tell your readers that it's available. -- Don Elder, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission

Tom: Geez, Don. Don't scare us like that, will ya? When we saw a letter come in from the Bureau of Consumer Protection, we immediately assumed that you were coming after us for our "5/50 warranty."

Ray: That's five minutes or 50 feet from the garage, whichever comes first.

Tom: Actually, we'll be glad to repeat the message. High-octane gasoline is of absolutely no benefit to the vast majority of cars on the road. You should only use high-octane fuel if your owner's manual specifically recommends it.

Ray: Or if your car knocks or pings on your normal grade of gasoline, and your mechanic has been unable to find any other easily fixable cause.

Tom: If you want more information, you can get the free FTC pamphlet on octane by writing to: Federal Trade Commission Consumer Response Center 6th St. & Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington DC 20580.

Ray: Or call them at (202) 326-2222, or visit www.ftc.gov on the Internet.

Tom and Ray share secrets mechanics don't want you to know in their pamphlet Ten Ways You May Be Ruining Your Car Without Even Knowing It! To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1997 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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